How to Transfer Outlook Data to New Computer / Another Drive? Complete Guide

Are you looking for an easy way to transfer Outlook data to new computer to another? Or perhaps you are wondering how to transfer Outlook contacts to another computer? If so, you have come to the right place. In this article, we’ll discuss how to successfully move Outlook profile and contacts to new computer easily. Here, you’ll find step-by-step instructions that will guide you through the entire process. So, if you are ready to switch, let’s get started!

Microsoft Outlook is a widely used email client. It is available in two different modes. One is desktop-based and another is cloud-based (when integrated with Office 365.) If you are using Outlook as part of your Office 365 account, the email can be accessed from any computer.

But the problem arises when you use desktop-based Outlook and want to move outlook profile to new computer or to migrate Outlook to new computer. This post will discuss how to transfer Outlook 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, and 2007 emails, contacts, and calendars to another computer. Before going to the main discussion, we will have a look at some relevant user queries to understand the situation in a better way.

How to Transfer Outlook Data to New Computer?

As we all know, Outlook data gets stored in two types of files: PST and OST. In this section, we will know how to export these files to a new computer.

Read More- Save Outlook Emails to Hard Drive

Data Transferring Method of Outlook OST Files

When MS Outlook is connected with MS Exchange Server, its data get saved in an OST file. In case the users are interested to transfer Outlook emails to another computer using OST files, then the process is not as easy as the PST file. OST files only run on a computer where it has been created. So, even if you export it to a new system it will not work. So if you need to move Outlook OST data files to another drive, the only option is reliable software.

Considering the situation, it can be said that OST file users have only one choice left them and that is to convert Outlook OST files to PST file. Now, this conversion is not a tough task at all if you use the automated solution. With this application, even novice users can convert their OST files with ease.

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Data Transferring Method of Outlook PST Files – Manual

Moving Outlook PST data files to another drive or to new computers can be easily done by copying from the existing system and then importing them to Outlook on another computer. Here, we will tell you how to implement the entire procedure.

Part A: Export Outlook Data in PST File

1. To perform this method, closure of the Outlook application is necessary. So, close MS Outlook first.
2. Now click on the Start button and click Run.
3. Type Control Panel to open it.
4. From the Control Panel window, click on the User Account option.
5. Select the account you own.
6. Select the Mail option and double-click it to open.
7. Now, click on the Show Profiles option.
8. Select the Outlook profile you wish to move your data from and click Properties.
9. Click on Data Files.
10. Back up the PST file by clicking on the Personal Folders Service option under Name. In this case, the PST file is the default option.
11. Click on Settings and check out the location of the PST file.
12. Close all the Properties windows.
13. Copy the PST file to any location on your computer.

Note: If users are not willing to move the complete Outlook data, select only the folders you need.

Part B: Move PST to Another Computer

In order to transfer Outlook data to new computer or new drive, users need to transfer the PST file to the new system using a USB pen drive. Then import the file using Outlook Import Export Wizard. This method varies from version to version and we will share the method for Outlook 2010.

1. First, open Outlook and click on the File tab.
2. Now click on the Open option from the left pane and click Import.
3. Import & Export wizard will appear, where you have to select Import from another program or file option before clicking Next.
4. Now click on the option Outlook Data File (.pst) >> Next.
5. Click on the Browse button and go to the location where you have copied the PST file.
6. There will be multiple options about how you want to manage the duplicates. It is better to select the Do not import duplicates option so that you do not get confused with duplicate items in Outlook. Click Next to go to the next page.
7. Select the folders you need to transfer to the new system. If you want to import all folders, select the top-most folder.
8. Click on the Finish button.

How to Transfer Outlook Contacts to Another Computer? Manually

There is no direct solution to move Outlook contacts to new computer. So, first, you need to export Outlook contacts to CSV format, and then move CSV contacts to new PC. So, follow the instructions below carefully to get to your desired destination.

1: Export Outlook Contacts to CSV Format

1. On your new PC or computer, open Microsoft Outlook and click the File tab.
2. Click Open and Export and select Import/Export.
3. Pick Import from another program or file option and then click Next.
4. Select the {CSV}Comma Separated Values ​​and Hit Next.
5. Now select Outlook Contacts or Address Book.
6. Click Browse to select a specific destination folder.
7. Assign custom fields if necessary.
8. Click on the “Finish” option and it will start exporting your contacts file to a CSV file.
9. Go to the destination folder and find the exported CSV file.

Important Tips! After exporting your Outlook contacts to a CSV file, copy the resulting CSV contacts file and paste it onto your new computer using a USB drive.

2:  Outlook Contacts File from Resultant CSV

1. Launch MS Outlook on the new computer and click “File”.
2. Select Open and Export and then Import/Export.
3. Choose the Import from another program or file option and then press Next.
4. Select the Comma Separated Values ​​and hit Next.
5. Choose the Browse to find or search the CSV file you want to import.
6. Select the CSV contacts file and click OK.
7. Select Outlook Contacts to import your address book, and then click Next.
8. If necessary, click “Assign Custom Fields” to manage contact fields.
9. Include required CSV values ​​and Outlook contact fields.
10. Click “Finish” to begin importing contacts into Outlook.

Limitations of Using This Manual Method

1. Outlook must be configured and connected to the correct account.
2. This is a time-consuming process and the user needs to follow many steps to move Outlook data or contacts to new computer.
3. Users who are not familiar with email protocols and settings may face some problems, for example, when troubleshooting, if any errors occur, it may be difficult for you.

Transfer Outlook Contacts to Another Computer Using Expert Solution

To avoid all the above-mentioned problems, you should use the SysTools vCard Exporter Tool. This software will help you save your valuable time and make your work easier. With this utility, you can transfer Microsoft Outlook contacts to new computers and other file formats (WAB, Google CSV, PDF, HTML, MSG and PST) in bulk. Moreover, this utility comes with a free trial that allows you to move up to 15 Outlook contacts to vCard files and other formats.

Conclusion

People may need to transfer Outlook data to a new computer due to different reasons. As Outlook data can be saved in both OST and PST files, this post discussed two methods of migrating Outlook data from one computer to another.

Users can follow the techniques mentioned here for easy and effortless migration. In the case of OST file transfer, it is better to export or move Outlook OST data files to another drive by using the application mentioned in the above section. Thus, users will be able to move Outlook 2019, 2016, 2013, and 2010 emails, contacts, and calendars to another computer without any difficulty.

Queries Resolved By This Blog:

• How to Transfer Outlook emails to another computer?
• How Can I  Transfer Outlook contacts to another computer?
• Can you Transfer Outlook calendar to another computer?
• How to Transfer Outlook folders to another computer?