If you’re searching for a reliable way to import PST to Excel, you’re in the right place. Many users need to extract Outlook PST data into Excel for reporting, analysis, or record management. However, Outlook PST files cannot be opened directly in Excel, which often creates confusion.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to convert PST file to Excel using both free manual methods and a professional solution, so you can choose the approach that fits your data size and requirements.
Why Do Users Convert PST File to Excel?
Outlook PST files store emails, contacts, calendars, and other mailbox data. While Outlook is great for communication, it’s not ideal for data analysis.
Converting a PST file to Excel helps users:
- Analyze email data using filters and sorting
- Create reports for audits or compliance
- Build searchable email records
- Extract sender, receiver, subject, and date details
- Share email data easily in spreadsheet format
Excel gives you full control over your data that PST files don’t offer on their own.
How to Import PST to Excel Free?
Outlook provides a built-in export option that allows you to convert PST data into CSV format, which can be opened in Excel.
Note: Microsoft Outlook must be installed on your system.
- Open the Outlook application on your PC.
- Add your mail account to Outlook.
- Navigate to the “File” menu item and open the files.
- Choose the “Open & Export” option.
- Select “Import & Export“
- Choose the option Export to a file, then click “Next“.
- Select the option “Comma Separated Values (.csv)” as file type.
- Click on the “Next” Button.
- Now select the folder and click the “Save” button.
Once exported, you can open the CSV file in Excel and view your PST data.
Limitations of the Manual Method
Although free, this approach has several drawbacks:
- Only one folder can be exported at a time
- Not suitable for large PST files
- High risk of data formatting issues
- No advanced filters (date, sender, subject, etc.)
- Attachments are not included
- Time-consuming and error-prone
For users with large or multiple PST files, this method is not practical.
Can You Open PST File in Excel Directly?
Some users try to open a PST file directly in Excel using the Insert >> Object option. However, this method is unreliable and not recommended.
Why This Method Fails?
- Excel does not support PST file structure
- Data may appear unreadable or corrupted
- No control over what data is imported
- Same limitations as CSV export
Because of these risks, this method is not suitable for professional use.
How to Import PST to Excel Professionally? (Recommended)
If you want a safe, fast, and accurate way to convert PST to Excel, a professional tool is the best option. Xtraxtor software allows you to convert PST files into Excel-compatible CSV format with complete data accuracy. The tool works offline and maintains folder structure while exporting.
You can convert single or multiple PST files and apply filters to extract only the required data.
Now, click the “FREE Download” button and see how it works.
Steps to Import PST Files to Excel
- Open the Xtraxtor to your windows.
- Click the “Open” button to select the account option.
- Click the “Open” button to select the PST option.
- Select your PST file and click “Open“.
- Click the “Export” button to see the “import” option.
- Select the CSV option to convert PST files.
- Select the folders you want to use in your CSV file.
- Now browse to the file location and click “Save“.
That’s it! Your PST file is converted to Excel format within minutes.
Features of Professional Software
- This tool comes with a free trial version.
- You can convert PST files with its filter option
- This is an all-in-one solution for backing up emails.
- It provides an option to choose specific folders for backup.
- This wizard can also convert PST to CSV files.
- Compatible with Windows 11, 10, 8, 8.1, 7, and XP.
Conclusion
In this blog, we have discussed how to import PST into Excel using both manual and professional methods. We found that manual methods are time-consuming, difficult to use, and can lead to data loss. However, the use of a professional tool to import PST file into Excel will make this process easy and more efficient. Well, the users who have small PST files or only need to extract a limited amount of data can try the manual method, but we highly recommend using of professional method.
Read the complete method described in this guide and then try the free trial version of this tool. If you are satisfied with the trial version, you can go for the licensed version.