How to Convert PST to MSG Format – Complete Guide

PST files consolidate the entire Outlook mailbox data in a single space, which is useful for long-term storage, but not for extracting individual emails. When an IT admin, auditor, or engineer requires discrete message files for evidence collection, troubleshooting, or exchange, the PST format blocks the workflow. This is where it becomes necessary to convert PST to MSG to store each email individually in a well-specified format. Considering this, the blog highlights the best ways to convert PST files for free, as well as a PST Migration Tool for data portability and preservation.

MSG (Message File) stores a single Outlook mail message individually using the MAPI (Messaging Application Programming Interface) structure. It retains every message property and opens instantly without loading the entire mailbox. 

General Benefits Users Get to Convert PST File to MSG

Outlook supports both MSG and PST formats, but MSG files are preferred for a couple of reasons, such as:

• MAPI properties(PR_SENDER_ENTRYID, PR_RECEIVED_BY, PR_SUBJECT), and internet headers are preserved by the MSG file. 
• MSG files are best suited for audits, litigation, and regular communication handling.
• One can easily and quickly open a MSG file; it doesn’t require a high loading time, unlike PST.
• Reduces the load of the Outlook workstation and also provides safety from corruption. 
• Admin teams get the flexibility to access data across platforms for selective migration. 
• Single MSG files help streamline the analysis for malformed MIME structures, attachment anomalies, or sync conflicts. 
• MSG files are lightweight and easy to exchange for communication and other purposes without exposing the entire mailbox. 

Distinct Ways to Convert PST to MSG Format 

There are two processes available for PST to MSG conversion. It includes:

• Manual Method: One free solution using MS Outlook that provides full control and requires manual effort and skills. 
• Professional Method: A dedicated third-party software that gives control with automation to ease conversion for large and bulky PSTs.

Feasible Solution to Export PST to MSG

The manual process completely relies on Outlook’s built-in handling to transfer email, contacts, calendar, and other data stored in PST files. The steps to follow are:

1. Start Microsoft Outlook and load the PST (if it is not already loaded in the inbox).
2. Then, open the folder containing the PST emails you want to export.
3. Further, select one or multiple emails that you want to extract.
4. Later, drag them to a Windows folder. Or right-click and choose Save As.
5. Now, select Outlook message format (*.msg) as the save file type and choose a location. Also, give it a name.
6. Finally, click Save, and Outlook saves each selected email in MSG format.

Loopholes of the Manual Method 

• There is no option for filters or to export the entire PST in bulk.
• Large exports generally cause MS Outlook to freeze or throttle.
• Outlook installation and configuration is a must-have.
• Not suitable for corrupted, damaged, or inaccessible PST files.

Advanced Solution to Convert PST to MSG 

When you need to bulk convert several large PST files without affecting the data structure, formatting, or folder hierarchy. Then, using the EmailProHelp PST Migration Tool is an excellent choice as it quickly scans all the emails, contacts, and calendars from the PST file. You can save them locally on your Windows, Linux, or Mac system in MSG and many other formats with full accuracy and zero loss. Moreover, its simple interface can be used by anyone, and one can even free convert upto 50 emails per folder with the Demo Version. 

Some more benefits of this unique and smart software are: 

• Supports duplicate removal
• Enables selective conversion with Date Range
• Offers a preview of the mail content before conversion
• Has 24*7 Technical Support 
• No Outlook dependency 
• Handles both ANSI and UNICODE PSTs for all versions

Note: Avail of One-Time Service to convert PST into MSG with more custom options and without software installation.

Working Process to Convert PST File to MSG

1. Launch the PST File Converter and click Next after it gets started. 

2. Then, select the PSTs from the system and click Open to view them. Tap Next. 

3. Further, preview the emails and attachments within, select them, and click Next. 

4. Afterward, opt for the MSG file format from the system and apply the filters. 

5. In the end, click the Destination Path button for a location and Convert to complete the file format change. 

Also Read: Convert PST to vCard Format

Conclusion

Convert PST to MSG gives the message level control to the users with better performance and compliance access. The manual method using MS Outlook is fine for a few mailboxes; however, when you have large mailboxes with 1000s or more PST email volumes, using the PST File Migration Tool is a smart choice. It offers more flexibility, scalability, and user-level control with speedy conversions without hassle or loss. 

Frequently Asked Questions