Microsoft Outlook: Import Data Using the Outlook Desktop Application

Overview

Outlook data cannot be imported through Outlook.com. To import data, use the Outlook desktop application. 

For information about exporting Outlook data, please reference this article. 

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Instructions

Import Outlook Data on a Mac

  1. Open the Outlook desktop app and sign in to your personal email account. 
  2. Click File in the top-left corner of your screen. 
  3. Click Import. 
    • If the Import option is greyed out: 
      1. Click Outlook in the top-left corner of your screen. 
      2. If there is a checkmark next to Legacy (or New) Outlook, click Legacy (or New) Outlook to revert back to the old version of Outlook. Depending on your version of Outlook, the option to disable may be called Legacy Outlook or New Outlook. (New Outlook can be turned on again after importing your data.)
        Screenshot showing a checkmark next to the New Outlook option in Outlook on a Macbook.
      3. A pop-up window will appear asking if you are sure you want to revert to the legacy version of Outlook. Click Revert. 
        Screenshot of a pop-up window asking if you are sure you want to revert to the legacy version of Outlook on a Macbook.
      4. Click File again. 
      5. Click Import. 
  4. Select the type of file you exported your Outlook data to then click Continue. 
    Screenshot of the file import options for Outlook on a Macbook.
  5. Locate the exported data file on your computer. Click the file then click Import. 
  6. Click Finish once the import process is complete. 

Import Outlook Data on Windows

  1. Open the Outlook desktop app and sign in to your personal email account. 
  2. Click File in the top-left corner of your screen. 
  3. Click Open & Export. 
  4. Click Import/Export. 
  5. Select Import from another program or file. Click Next. 
    Screenshot of the options for importing and exporting Outlook data on Windows with Import from another program or file selected.
  6. Select Outlook Data File (.pst). Click Next. 
  7. Click Browse to locate and open your Outlook Data File. Click Next. 
  8. If you created a password for the file, enter the password and click OK. 
  9. Select Import items into the current folder and click on the folder to which you would like to import the data file. 
    Screenshot of import folder selection in Outlook for Windows with import items into the current folder selected.
  10. Click Finish. 

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