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How to Export IMAP to PST?-A Comprehensive Guide

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  • Updated on June 26th, 2025

Summary: User issue: “I have stored all the emails in the IMAP account for backup and protection purposes. Now, I want to save all those emails in a PST format to manage them in Microsoft Outlook. But how? Since I have a large number of emails for conversion, it is difficult to do it without any hassle. Do you have any techniques to export IMAP to PST? If yes, please help me.”

If you’re looking for ways to convert your IMAP emails into PST files, this blog is for you. It covers all the information you need to know, including the reasons and the techniques. To complete this task with minimal risk, experts recommend using an IMAP Backup Tool. Additionally, this post also discusses a free method for users who need a budget-friendly solution.

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Why Convert IMAP Emails to PST?

Email clients use an IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol) to retrieve emails from a mail server. Besides, when users want to shift to Outlook, they often save IMAP emails in PST format. Other than this, some reasons are:

  • Unlike IMAP, which requires an internet connection to access emails, PST files can be accessed offline at any time.
  • By converting IMAP emails to PST format, users create a local backup to access emails even if they are lost from the IMAP server.
  • PST files also provide enhanced security as they can be password-protected, reducing the risk of unauthorised access and keeping data safe.
  • If you’re moving to Outlook, saving emails as PST files is crucial, as it is easily imported and accessed on both Windows and Mac versions of Outlook.

How Do I Export IMAP Emails to PST? – Proven Techniques

You might understand the reasons or requirements of this process. Let’s take a look at the ways to export IMAP to PST, including manual and professional. Firstly, we will explore native and then move toward automated for a rapid and effective outcome.

#1. Export IMAP Email into PST – With Microsoft Outlook

Here, we will use the technique to convert your IMAP emails into PST using MS Outlook. Let’s start.

Step 1. Connect IMAP in Outlook

  1. To start, start Outlook and visit File.
  2. Now, choose Add Account and enter the email address and hit Connect.
  3. Then, choose IMAP and enter incoming and outgoing mail server information:
    • Incoming: Enter your email provider’s IMAP server.
    • Outgoing: Enter your provider’s SMTP server.
  4. Further, tap More Settings -> Outgoing Server.
    • Verify outgoing server (SMTP) authentication.
    • Pick Use the same settings as my incoming mail server.
  5. Later, click the Advanced tab and check:
    • Incoming server (IMAP): Port – 993 with SSL/TLS encryption
    • Outgoing server (SMTP): Port – 465/587 with SSL/TLS encryption.
    • Once it is done, Outlook verifies and sends a message that the process ends successfully. Hit Finish.

    Now, your IMAP account is linked to a Microsoft Outlook account. After this, we will save IMAP emails into PST using the import export feature.

    Step 2. Save IMAP Emails to PST

    1. For this, launch the Outlook application again and move to File and choose Open & Export.
    2. After that, select the Import/Export and pick Export to a file – Next.
    3. Further, choose: Outlook Data File (.pst) and click Next.
    4. Thereafter, select the folder with IMAP emails.
    5. Then, choose the location to save the PST file and tap Finish – OK.

    Well, you might now understand why this technique is not worth it. If you want to use it, make sure you have proper technical knowledge and time. Otherwise, you must choose an automated method to finish this process effectively with no risk.

    #2 Automated Solution to Export IMAP to PST

    CloudXena IMAP Backup Tool is a reliable utility with multiple features to ease the process. This software enables users to migrate IMAP to PST within a few seconds. Apart from this, users can convert IMAP Emails to PDF or various other file formats. Additionally, it gives access to various incredible features, including duplicate remover, saving emails without attachments, and so on. While it processes the conversion, it keeps the original folder hierarchy intact.

    Simple Steps to Move IMAP to PST

    Follow-up steps are needed to complete this process securely and efficiently.

    1. Firstly, download and launch the IMAP Email Backup Software on your computer.
    2. After that, enter the IMAP credentials to log in and hit Sign In.
    3. Further, tick the folder that you want to save as a PST. Tap Next.
    4. Then, select PST as the destination option from the given options.
    5. Later, assign the path to save it in your system’s desired location.
    6. At the end, hit Convert to begin the backup process.

    Final Verdict

    Once you read this blog, you might know about the different reasons to export IMAP to PST. It also includes the procedure to achieve it. Among the discussed ways, automated approaches enable users to complete the process efficiently and smoothly. On the other hand, the native way is likely to be risky and threatening. So, you must choose the technique wisely to avoid risk while converting.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Q1. How to Export IMAP emails to PST? 

    Ans. There are complete steps to convert your IMAP emails into PST format. 

    1. Run Outlook and connect an IMAP account to it. 
    2. Use the Import/Export feature to save IMAP emails into PST.

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