It’s true that nothing stored on your internet, such as emails, is truly safe. But you can secure it by downloading it to your local storage. And what can be a more secure file format than PST, which can be secured through a password? If you are one of the users who want to export IMAP to PST, this blog is absolutely for you.
Here, in this blog, we will learn how to export emails from IMAP to PST format. We will include all the aspects of this task that you should be aware of before implementing this task.
Why Users Export IMAP to PST File?
There are many reasons why users want to convert IMAP to PST file format. Some of the most important reasons are given below –
- Sometimes users need to manage and organize their work and database, then they choose PST.
- To prevent their important data from cyber attacks.
- Get access to their email offline, or to avoid server errors.
- The IMAP server’s mailbox may be full and not preventing new messages from being stored.
- Users have a risk of losing important emails.
These were the most common reasons that they needed the PST file format.
Now, let’s move towards the methods.
How to Backup IMAP Emails to PST for Free?
You can easily convert emails from IMAP to PST format by configuring IMAP with the Outlook application. After setting up IMAP with Outlook, follow the steps below:
- Open the Outlook application on your Windows PC.

- Add your email account to Outlook First.
- Enter your Login credentials in Outlook and log in to your account.

- Then, go to the File menu and select.
- Go to the Open & Export option and select the “Import/Export” button.

- Now, choose the option “Export to a file” and click on the “NEXT” button.

- Select the option “Outlook Data File(.pst)” and click “OK” to export IMAP to PST.

- Select folders and choose all the folders manually that you need.

- Browse the location to save your converted file in PST format and click on the “Finish” button.

Finally, you have successfully converted the IMAP to PST file.
If you follow these steps, you can create PST files in just a few clicks.
Limitations:
- This process is time-consuming for bulk data.
- The steps are lengthy and easily forgettable for non-tech users.
- Even the smallest errors can lead to the permanent loss of emails.
- Selective export is not possible.
- High risk of losing email attachments.
- Older emails can not be converted easily.
These were some of the primary limitations of using a manual process.
If this process didn’t meet your requirements, you can try the next method.
How to Convert IMAP Emails to PST Professionally?
If the above method won’t work and you need an instant solution, you can try Xtraxtor software. This tool simply export IMAP to PST files while maintaining file hierarchy with email attachments. It also offers the option to selectively convert IMAP to PST using an advanced filter. Additionally, you can also backup IMAP to PST . It also offers advanced filter options for selective export.
Click below to download the free demo version of this software and test its functionality.
Steps to Export IMAP to PST File Format
- Install and open the Software in your operating system.

- Go to the Open button and click on the email account option, and choose Add account.

- Add your Email account with its App password.

- Now, click on the export button and choose PST.

- Lastly, select the folder, browse the location, and click on the Save button.

Done! You will successfully download IMAP to PST.
Using the method described above, you will easily get a PST file.
Advantages of Using a Professional Solution
- This tool can safely export IMAP emails in PST file with attachments
- Supports all Windows OS such as – 11, 10, 8, 8.1, 7, XP, and Vista.
- This is an all-in-one solution for backup, export, import, and conversion.
- It allows you to export emails in bulk and saves you time.
- Multiple and direct export options for various file formats such as EML, PDF, PST, and others.
- This tool offers a free trial version that allows you to check its functionality.
These were the advantages of using the professional solution.
Final Thoughts
In this blog, we have explained two solutions to export IMAP to PST. While using the manual solution, we found that saving IMAP emails to PST file format is time-consuming, carries the risk of data loss, and is a lengthy process. Therefore, using a professional solution is the best and most reliable option to convert IMAP to PST files.
You can try a free demo version of this software to check if it works. If you are satisfied with the outcomes, you can also go with its licensed version. This professional solution is easy to use for both tech and non-tech users.
