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How to Backup All Email From Outlook?

  author
Leena Taylor Paul   
Updated: Backup • 5 Min Read

Summary: To backup all email from Outlook, export your mailbox as a PST file using Outlook’s built-in export tool. Go to File, then Open and Export, then Import/Export, select Export to a file, choose Outlook Data File (.pst), select all folders, and save. For cloud-based Microsoft 365 accounts, use a dedicated backup tool for automated and scheduled exports.

Backing up Outlook email protects your messages from accidental deletion, hardware failure, or account changes. A PST file stores emails, contacts, calendars, and tasks in a single portable file.

A Perfect Solution to Backup All Email From Outlook

Before we dive into the details of the solution, you need to know why solution is perfect and why we recommend it to you

With this solution, you can backup all emails from Outlook to;

Document files: This option suits your needs best as you can save emails in PDF, text, HTML and also CSV. You don’t need a fixed application to open. We’re sure you still have an application that can write this file format

Another account: This option is also best for you because you can backup the emails on any IMAP supported email client so that you can access the emails from any device from any location.

Email Files: We’re not sure if this option will be useful to you, but we have to mention it in case you need it for any reason. Here you can save all emails from Outlook to EML, MBOX.

Found it useful? That is why we recommended this solution to you. Now let’s see more details about this solution

4n6 Email Converter is the solution that gives you all of these best storage options. It’s all in one and easiest to use application that allows users to get their job done quickly in less than a minute.

It is able to backup all email from Outlook even if you is configured with the account or not configured. It gives you so many options for every data migration need.

Now is the time to know how to select this option from the application. It can be done once you go through the process. We are therefore presenting instructions here that will help you when you actually counter the application.

Process to backup Emails From Outlook

  • First of all, you need to download the Outlook Email Backup Tool on the device where you keep the Outlook emails

  • Now click on the downloaded application to install it and prepare to launch after the setup is complete.

launch-app

  • Now click the Open tab and then Email Data Files, then click Outlook OST / PST Files and then click Choose from a folder

click-to-select-outlook-files

Note: If you are configured with the Outlook account on your device, you can choose the Desktop Email clients, click Outlook Accounts, and then select the account on the device
  • Once you have selected all of the files from the device, you will see that they have been loaded into the tool. You can also open them if necessary

take-preview

  • Now click on the Export tab and select IMAP as the email service. We use this export option because you can open the e-mails from any device

click-imap

  • Now enter the backup email address and password and click the Save button

enter-backup-account-credentials

Suggestion: If you want to backup all email from Outlook for offline viewing, you can select the Document Files and then browse the location to save the resulting files. And finally, click the Save button.

Your Outlook emails are now backed up to the account you selected. Congratulations, your task has been completed.

In Conclusion

If you need to backup all email from Outlook with all attachments in multiple file formats and also in another cloud-based account, you have to go for the alternative application as there is no manual function available yet.

For this purpose, Outlook email backup tool turns out to be one of the best solutions. So, you need to try the tool for a better experience.

Common Errors When Backing Up Outlook Email

  • PST export stops with “file is in use” error: Outlook must be closed before copying a PST file manually. Use the built-in export wizard rather than copying the file directly from Windows Explorer.
  • Export finishes but some folders are missing: Subfolders are not selected by default. In the export wizard, check “Include subfolders” to capture all nested folders.
  • PST file is corrupted after export: A large PST can get corrupted if disk space runs out mid-export. Ensure the destination drive has at least twice the size of your mailbox free before starting.
  • Exported PST will not open on another computer: PST files with a password set may not open without that password. Remove the PST password in Outlook before exporting if portability is needed.
Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does backing up Outlook to PST include attachments?
A: Yes. PST export preserves all email content including attachments, inline images, and email headers.

Q: How often should I backup my Outlook email?
A: For business use, a weekly or daily automated backup is recommended. For personal use, a monthly manual export is typically sufficient.

Q: Can I restore a PST backup to a different Outlook account?
A: Yes. Open the PST in Outlook via File, then Open and Export, then Open Outlook Data File, and then drag emails into your account folders.

Q: What is the maximum size of an Outlook PST file?
A: Outlook 2010 and later supports PST files up to 50 GB. If your mailbox exceeds this, use multiple PST files or a dedicated backup tool.

Q: Can I backup Microsoft 365 email with the same PST method?
A: Yes, if Outlook is connected to the Microsoft 365 account. Alternatively, use Microsoft 365’s compliance export or a third-party backup solution for automated backups.

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