How to Export PST from New Outlook for Windows (2026 Guide)

If you are looking for the traditional File > Open & Export > Import/Export menu in the New Outlook for Windows, the user interface has replaced traditional Win32 MAPI menus with modern settings pages.

To manage PST archives effectively, it is critical to treat exporting, opening, and importing as three distinct operations with separate technical requirements.

Technical Comparison: Classic vs New Outlook PST Operations

Classic Outlook (Win32) operates directly against local MAPI database drivers. In contrast, New Outlook for Windows relies on web-first architecture and background services, creating distinct prerequisites for each task:

Method 1: Documented Desktop Export Workflow (Classic Outlook)

Microsoft's official guide for exporting mailboxes (Export your Outlook.com mailbox) instructs users to use desktop Outlook to generate .pst files:

1. Open desktop Outlook (Classic Outlook). If you are currently in New Outlook, turn the New Outlook toggle switch in the upper-right corner to Off.
2. Click File in the upper-left ribbon.
3. Select Open & Export, then click Import/Export.
4. In the Import and Export Wizard, select Export to a file, then select Next.
5. Select Outlook Data File (.pst), then select Next.
6. Select the email account or folder you wish to export, ensure Include subfolders is checked, and select Next.
7. Click Browse to select the destination folder on your local drive, assign a file name, configure duplicate handling, and select Finish.

┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│  DOCUMENTED DESKTOP EXPORT WORKFLOW                    │
│                                                        │
│  [File] ➔ [Open & Export] ➔ [Import/Export]            │
│                          │                             │
│                          ▼                             │
│    [Export to a file] ➔ [Outlook Data File (.pst)]     │
│                          │                             │
│                          ▼                             │
│       Select Mailbox Folders & Include Subfolders      │
│                          │                             │
│                          ▼                             │
│       Save Destination .PST File to Local Storage      │
└────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

(Note: In certain New Outlook for Windows desktop builds that provide client-side export, you can also navigate to Settings (gear icon) > Files (or Data files) > Export and select Get started).

Method 2: How to Open and Browse Existing PST Files

If you need to view historical emails or retrieve reference attachments from an existing PST file without importing it into your primary mailbox:

1. In New Outlook, click Settings (gear icon).
2. Navigate to Data files > Outlook Data Files.
3. Click Add file.
4. In the File Explorer window, browse to your .pst file and click Open.
5. The PST file mounts in your left-hand folder pane under its own collapsible root, allowing you to browse messages and read attachments.

Method 3: Importing PST into a Mailbox (Documented Path & Fallback)

Official Microsoft Import Procedure:

Microsoft's dedicated support guide (Import email, contacts, and calendar from an Outlook .pst file) outlines the following path for importing PST data into New Outlook for Windows:

1. In New Outlook, select Settings (gear icon).
2. Select Data files, and then select Import.
3. Under Outlook Data File (.pst), select Get started, then select Select file.
4. Browse to the location of the .pst file, select the file, and click Open.
5. Under Folders to import from, select the folder containing the items you wish to import (leave Include subfolders checked to retain hierarchy), then select Next.
6. Under How do you want to handle duplicate items?, choose your preferred duplicate handling rule, then select Next.
7. Under Choose a destination folder, select your target account and mailbox folder from the list.
8. Select Import to start copying items into your mailbox.

Classic Outlook Import Fallback:

If the Import option under Settings > Data files is not present in your New Outlook installation, use the established Classic Outlook import workflow:

1. In the top-right corner of New Outlook, switch the New Outlook toggle to Off.
2. Launch Classic Outlook.
3. Navigate to File > Open & Export > Import/Export.
4. Select Import from another program or file > Outlook Data File (.pst).
5. Browse to your .pst file, select your destination mailbox folder, and click Finish.
6. Once synchronization completes, toggle back to New Outlook. All imported items will be present in your cloud mailbox.

Method 4: Standalone Local Conversion via Prism PST Converter

When Classic Outlook is not installed on the system, when operating on macOS, or when converting PST archives into open file formats (MBOX, EML, PDF, MSG), dedicated migration utilities provide an independent solution:

The Prism PST Converter Tool parses .pst archives independently without MAPI or client prerequisites:

1. Launch Prism PST Converter Tool on your workstation.
2. Click Add File to load your .pst archive.
3. Review messages, attachments, and folder trees in the interactive preview pane.
4. Select your desired output format (such as MBOX, EML, MSG, or PDF).
5. Configure folder structure retention and export filters.
6. Click Convert to generate clean, portable archives.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the difference between opening a PST and importing a PST in New Outlook?

Opening a PST connects the local file to Outlook without copying its contents into your mailbox, allowing you to browse historical records. Importing a PST copies selected items directly into your destination mailbox account so they synchronize with the cloud.

Can New Outlook open PST files if Classic Outlook is not installed?

No. Microsoft's documentation specifies that opening local .pst files in New Outlook requires Classic Outlook to be co-installed on the same computer with matching architecture (both 32-bit or both 64-bit).

Does New Outlook support exporting PST files?

Official Microsoft documentation directs users to desktop Outlook to export mailbox data to .pst using the Win32 Export Wizard (File > Open & Export > Import/Export). In supported New Outlook desktop builds, a client-side export option is also accessible under Settings > Files > Export > Get started.

What should I do if the Import option is missing in New Outlook?

If Settings > Data files > Import is not available in your New Outlook client, toggle to Classic Outlook using the switch in the upper-right corner and use the native Win32 Import Wizard (File > Open & Export > Import/Export).

Summary Matrix

Verified against current Microsoft Support documentation.