Add Multiple PST Files to Outlook: Pick from 3 Easy Ways
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Quick Summary: Whether you are restoring archived emails or setting up a new device, you often need to import multiple PST files into Outlook. Here, the challenge is that Outlook only lets you import a single PST file at a time using its Import/Export wizard. Within this step-by-step guide, we will cover 3 tested methods to discover how to add multiple PST files to Outlook at once, including:
- Free Manual Outlook built-in Import/Export Wizard
- PowerShell Script Method
- Dedicated Add PST Tool
Can You Import Multiple PST Files into Outlook
Yes, anyone can insert multiple Outlook data files into Outlook, but not all at once. You need to use the Outlook built-in Import/Export wizard repeatedly to get the task done. Alternatively, tech-savvy users can use a PowerShell script to add multiple PST files in one go. To see both methods in action, follow the steps below.
How to Insert Multiple PST Files in Outlook? One-by-One Approach
- Launch Outlook on your PC.
- Go to the File tab and click on Open & Export.
- Now, click on the Import/Export
- Choose import from another program or file.
- Select Outlook data file (.pst) and tap the Next
- Then, browse the PST file needed to import.
- Finally, select the destination location of the imported PST file in Outlook and click on the Finish
To synchronize multiple PST’s into Outlook. Please repeat the same set of steps described above. If you are looking for a one-go approach without third-party usage. Then, please walk through the below-described PowerShell script technique.
How to Add Multiple PST Files to Outlook at Once via PowerShell & Script
Use the script written below to insert multiple PST file into Outlook at once. For how to use the execution guide of the script please go through the below-provided phase-wise step-by-step process.
#Set this to the folder where your PST files are located
$pstFolderPath = "C:\Path\To\PST_Files"
# Create an Outlook application object
$outlook = New-Object -ComObject Outlook.Application
$namespace = $outlook.GetNamespace("MAPI")
# Get all .pst files from the folder
$pstFiles = Get-ChildItem -Path $pstFolderPath -Filter *.pst
# Loop through each file and add to Outlook
foreach ($pst in $pstFiles) {
$fullPath = $pst.FullName
try {
$namespace.AddStore($fullPath)
Write-Host "Added PST: $($pst.Name)"
} catch {
Write-Host "Failed to add PST: $($pst.Name) - Error: $_"
}
}
# Done!
Write-Host "`nAll done!"
Phase 1: Save the Script as Written Above as a .ps1 File
- First, copy and paste the script to import multiple PST files into Outlook in your Notepad.
- Now, go to the File tab >> Save As
- After that, type Add-PSTs.ps1 in the file name field.
- Next, select the Save As Type as All files (*. *)
- Finally, choose the destination location and click on Save.
Phase 2: Run the Script in PowerShell
- Initially, search for Windows PowerShell in the Windows search bar.
- Next, choose to Run as Administrator.
- Now, use the cd command to navigate the file location where .ps1 is stored. For example cd “C:\Users\YourName\Desktop”.
- Lastly, run the script by typing “.\Add-PSTs.ps1”.
Bonus Tips for a Smooth Execution of the Script in Windows PowerShell
- If the Windows PowerShell blocks the scripts from running by giving a warning message. Then, you need to enable script execution just once. Please run the command
"Set-ExecutionPolicy -Scope Process -ExecutionPolicy Bypass"and press Enter. - Secondly, it is recommended to keep all the PST files in the same folder that is required to be imported.
- Change the PST files folders path in filed
($pstFolderPath = "C:\Path\To\PST_Files")to actual in the above-provided script as per your system PST files location.
Limitations of the Do-It-Yourself Techniques
- The above-described DIY technique is very time-consuming for adding multiple PST files.
- The PowerShell method is recommended for users who have a basic knowledge of scripting. This method is not recommended for non-technical users.
- Another limitation of the DIY ways is that they can only import multiple PST’s into Outlook. These cannot allow filtering from the PST files content during the add process.
Best Method to Import Multiple PST Files into Outlook
For users who are looking for a more advanced and automatic method that can allow to filtering of PST file content during the adding process. Can use the BitRecover PST Merge Wizard. This is a dedicated utility with a wide range of filters and functionality to add multiple PST files to Outlook at once.
How to Add Multiple PST Files to Outlook at Once? Working Guide
- First, install and run the suggested utility on your PC.
- Next, click on the Select Files or Select Folders option to insert PST files.
- After that, choose the folders from the PST files required for import process.
- Thereafter, enable filter settings and choose the merge option.
- Thereafter, click on the Convert button to start the software process.
- Finally, use the Outlook import/export feature to import the resultant single PST file into Outlook at once.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion the above blog on the topic of how to add multiple PST files to Outlook at once via a quick and easy guide. We have initiated our discussion by understanding why Outlook cannot import multiple PST into Outlook at once. Thereafter, we have described the Outlook import/export wizard functionality to complete the task in a one-by-one approach.
Secondly, for tech-savvy users with basic knowledge of scripting, we have discussed the PowerShell script approach to synchronize multiple PST’s in Outlook. However, these DIY ways have many limitations. Therefore, we have discussed a more advanced and feature-rich approach to overcome the problem. Finally, we have seen the working of the best approach to insert multiple PST into Outlook at once.
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