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OST or Offline Storage Table is an Outlook data file used to store a copy of a user’s mailbox data. The OST file is tied to the Outlook profile and can be accessed only with the Outlook profile that was used to create it. When a user migrates from Outlook to a cloud-based platform like Office 365 it is required to move OST files to Office 365 account. Importing OST to Office 365 is not an easy task, as it requires good technical knowledge to perform the migration.
AzCopy is a powerful, command-line tool from Microsoft that helps you migrate the OST files to Office 365. In this guide, we’ll use AzCopy to migrate OST file to Office 365 mailbox. Let’s check out the complete steps.
What is Azure AzCopy and Its Use?
AzCopy is a command-line utility developed by Microsoft. It allows users to transfer data, including emails, files, pictures, and other data, efficiently to and from Azure Storage.
If we talk about Office 365 migration,
- AzCopy is used to upload the PST file data into Office 365.
- Also, it keeps a local folder and Azure storage in synchronization.
- The best method to transfer a large data file with ease.
- It is the best way to backup your important data.
Before we start talking about the migration process, note that AzCopy cannot handle OST files directly. That’s why you must convert OST to PST first.
How to Use AzCopy to Migrate OST File to Office 365?
To simplify the process for you, we break it out into different steps. Let’s check out the process in complete detail. Let’s go.
Step 1. Convert OST to PST
- Open Outlook with the active profile.
- Go to: File → Open & Export → Import/Export.
- Select Export to a File → choose Outlook Data File (.pst).
- Select the mailbox/folders you want to export.
- Save the file as .pst.
Note: If OST is orphaned (not accessible via Outlook), you can use one of the Top OST to PST converter tools to import OST emails to Office 365.
Step 2. Download and Install AzCopy
Download the latest version of AzCopy from the Microsoft Download Center. Then install it on your system.
Step 3. Get the Azure SAS URL from Office 365
- Log in to Microsoft 365 Admin Center.
- Navigate to Security & Compliance → Data Lifecycle Management → Import → Upload PST files.
- Click Show network upload SAS URL.
- Copy this URL – it will be used by AzCopy to upload files.
Step 4. Now Upload PST Files with AzCopy
- Open Command Prompt.
- Type this command:
AzCopy.exe copy “D:\PST-Files” “
” –recursive=true
“D:\PST-Files” → Folder where your PST files are stored.
“” → The URL you copied from Office 365.
–recursive=true → Ensures all files in subfolders are uploaded. - Once uploaded, you’ll see a confirmation message in the terminal.
Step 5. Create PST Mapping File (CSV)
- Download the CSV mapping template from the Office 365 Import page.
- Fill it with details.
Step 6: Import PST into Office 365
- Return to the Office 365 Import page.
- Upload the CSV file.
- Validate the file and submit the import job.
- Once the job is complete, check the mailbox to confirm emails are imported.
The process to migrate OST file to Office 365 using AzCopy is now complete. Now you can access your OST emails in the O365 mailbox with ease.
Automated Tool to Convert OST to Office 365
The method to move the OST file to the Office 365 account suggested above is a bit time-consuming and requires sound technical knowledge. Moreover, there is always a chance of data loss during the migration if the size of OST file is too large. To avoid any data loss and save time, it is suggested to take help from a professional tool for OST to Office 365 migration. BLR OST to PST Converter is one such OST to PST converter software that will make the task a lot easier for you.
Additionally, the software provides date filters and duplicate email deletion features, which make this software the best choice among its counterparts.
Conclusion
The above article covers using AzCopy to migrate OST file to Office 365 account. To save time and avoid the hassle of manual migration, you can use the advanced BLR OST to PST Converter software suggested above. With the help of an advanced tool user can migrate emails from a corrupt or orphaned OST file also.
