How to Merge Outlook PST Files into One Free & Pro Solutions

Reasons to Merge Outlook PST Files into One

Combining all your PST files into one improves the overall management efficiency. Look at the various reasons that users consider:

• By merging PST files, one means a more structured and organized mailbox for easy management.
• Once the PST files are merged, searching and accessing old emails and attachments becomes easy.
• A combined PST backup reduces the chances of missing any important files.
• Businesses often merge project-based PST files into a single annual archive for easy reference.
• With consolidation, there is less risk of data loss, ensuring data integrity.

Method 01: Merge Multiple PST Files into One Newly Created PST File

In this method, we will first create a new PST file and then combine the existing PST files into it. This process will not affect the original mailbox structure.

Follow the steps to begin the process:

• In Outlook, tap on the File menu and click on Account Settings > Account Settings.
• After that, go to Data Files > Add > Outlook Data File (.pst) > Ok.
• Now, again go to File > Open & Export > Import/Export > Open Outlook Data File (.pst).
• Then, browse the PST file you want to merge and open it one by one.
• Next, expand the old PST files and select the emails.
• At the end, drag and drop them into a new PST file.

Limitations: Dragging and dropping many PST files into one manually is a time-consuming process. While moving the data, there is a possibility of missing the emails. The method is not suitable for those with hundreds of PST files.

Method 02: Combine PST Files into One in MS Outlook

This method uses Outlook’s built-in Import/Export feature to merge multiple PST files.

These are the following steps to initiate the process:

• Open Outlook and navigate to File > Open & Export > Import/Export.
• Then, select Import from another program or file > Outlook Data File (.pst) > Next.
• After that, browse and select the desired PST file you want to merge and click Next.
• Now, also check the Include Subfolders checkbox.
• Lastly, press the Finish button.

Limitations: If not done properly, it can lead to the creation of duplicate files. Moreover, there is no option to selectively merge the files based on date, sender, etc.

A Professional Utility to Merge PST Files into One

Simplify Outlook PST file management with the Cigati PST Merge Tool effortlessly. This efficient tool enables users to merge several PST files into one PST file. Also, it can merge contacts, calendars, tasks, notes, etc, while keeping the folder structure intact. Moreover, it has features like duplicate removal, date-range filter, and even secures your PST file. Also, the tool combines the PST files of any size.

Simple steps to combine two PST files:

• Download and launch the tool on your PC.
• Then, press the Add File button, browse, and select the desired PST files to merge.
• Open it and click on the Next button.
• Afterward, pick the folders you wish to merge and choose the Merge PST option.
• Next, apply the filters as per your need and select the folder path to save the merged PST file.
• At last, tap on the Merge button to begin the process.

Conclusion

Merging PST files into one file improves the searchability and accessibility and ensures data integrity. Users can merge PST files into one manually by following the step-by-step process shown above. But this approach becomes tricky while handling large numbers of files. Hence, to simplify this, a professional tool, Cigati PST Merge Tool, is used. This reliable tool efficiently merges PST files, ensuring an accurate and well-organized mailbox.