How to add a PST file to Outlook Desktop

A PST file is an offline collection of emails, appointments, tasks etc created by exporting data out of a mailbox.

Note: You cannot add or access any PST files in Outlook for the Web.

Note: The PST file is stored locally and can only be viewed in Outlook Desktop on the computer you added it to. Syncing the PST file to OneDrive is not advised because it will cause sync errors.

Note: This method does not import the items from the PST into your own mailbox. Instead a separate entity will be listed under the mailbox(es)  in the left folder pane usually named after the mailbox it was exported from.

  1. If the IT Team have not provided you with a PST file, save the PST file in a location that does not sync with OneDrive because this can cause sync issues (eg. not Desktop or Documents as these get backed up to OneDrive). The IT Team use this location and recommend you do too:
    1. C:\Users\%username%\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook\
        1. To get to this folder, copy the folder path above, paste in a Windows Explorer address bar and press enter. %username% will convert to your computer's profile name automatically.
  2. Open Outlook Desktop
  3. Select File
  4. Under Info select Account SettingsAccount Settings...
  5. Select the Data Files tab
  6. Select Add...
  7. Select Outlook data file (.pst)
  8. Select OK
  9. In the folder view, navigate to the PST's location (step 1). If the IT Team have saved this onto your computer, copy, paste and enter this location into the address bar:
    C:\Users\%username%\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook\
  10. Only PST files and folders will be displayed. Select the PST file you want to add to Outlook.
  11. Select OK and the PST file will now display under the Data Files tab
  12. Select Close
  13. In the left folder panel scroll down and your PST file will be shown, usually named after the mailbox it was exported from.
  14. Select the arrow on the left of the PST file name to expand and show the inbox folders etc.
    1. If it's a PST file that the IT Team have exported, you may find the email folders under a folder called Top of Information Store 
  15. If there's a calendar in the PST file, it will listed under Calendars.
  16. To remove the PST file from Outlook Desktop, repeat steps 2-6 above to open the Account Settings  Data Files tab. Select the PST file and select Remove > Close.