How to Open PST File in Excel? Quick & Easy 3 Techniques

Published By Karen Chard

Approved By Rollins Duke

Published On June 20th, 2025

Reading Time 5 Min Read

Hello Folks, are you fighting with the question of whether you can open PST file in Excel. The answer is Yes, but not directly. PST is a proprietary format of Microsoft that is used by Outlook to store email, contacts, calendars, and many more. In simple layman’s terms, you may understand a PST file as a container used by legacy Outlook to store data.

However, many working professionals look to convert PST to Excel for daily reporting, analysis, etc., work requirements. Therefore, within an expert-curated guide, we will cover the three different techniques to overcome your query. We will include a free (manual approach), online techniques, and a reputable PST to Excel converter.

How to Import PST File to Excel? Quick Overview

One can easily sum up the task by utilizing the below guided three methods.

Manual Method: Classic Outlook offers import/export functionality. Users can use this functionality to export PST to CSV format and later open the exported data file in Excel.
Online PST to Excel Converter: Use a free web-based PST to Excel converter but remember it is ideal for small Outlook data files and often have data breach risk.
Pro Application: Use reputable desktop-based Outlook data file to Excel converter for bulk import PST to Excel in a secure environment.

Free 2 Ways to Convert PST to Excel

If you are looking for a free-of-cost technique to analyze or open PST file in Excel. Below step-by-step, structured guide to overcome your problem. One, you may use the Outlook built-in functionality. Second, you may choose the online PST to Excel conversion solution. Remember, these free solutions are only suitable for a small Outlook data file with some pitfalls. Please go through the below guided sections below to discover more.

#1: Open PST File to Excel Via Outlook Import/Export Functionality

Run Legacy Outlook on your PC.
Click on File > Open & Export > Import/Export.
Choose Export to a File > Click Next.
Now, choose Comma Separated Values (CSV) > Click Next.
Next, choose the PST folder that needs to be exported to Excel.
After that, click on the Browse button to choose a storage location.
Now, click Finish to complete the Export process.
Thereafter, go to the saving location and right-click on the exported file.
Finally, choose to open with >Excel from the drop-down list.

#2: How to Convert a PST File to Excel Using Online Solutions

Go with any Online PST to Excel Converter.
Now, load PST files for conversion to Excel.
Thereafter, click on the Convert button to start the PST to Excel Conversion.
Next, you may access the converted data in your Downloads folder.
Lastly, you can double-click on the converted file to open PST file in Excel.

Drawbacks of Using the Free and Online Methods

Data Loss Risk: Attachments, folder hierarchy, and other elements may not be fully preserved during the PST to Excel import process.
Limited Control for Selective Conversion: Users do not have control over selective conversion in free techniques.
File Size Restrictions: Online PST to Excel converters often involve file size limitations. Commonly up to 100 MB
No Batch Processing: If you have multiple PST files you need to repat the same set of DIY approach.
Risk of Data Breach: Uploading Outlook data files to online platforms may expose sensitive data.

Open PST File in Excel Professionally Via a Secure Solution

If you are a regular user who is required to open Outlook data files in Excel regularly. Then, these free techniques might not be suitable for you. In such instances, you may use the reputable Outlook Migration Tool to get rid of the problem. This solution is so advanced that you can selectively convert Outlook data files to Excel at the email level. Since this software has been built with exclusive, selective filters. Users need to simply enable the filters accordingly and start the PST to Excel conversion to seamlessly open a PST file in Excel without any data loss or damage to the original Outlook data file.

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#3: How to Import PST File to Excel? Quick Working Steps

Download and run the PST to Excel Converter on your PC.
Next, insert PST files into the utility console for the conversion process.
Now, enable the folders required to convert into Excel.
After that, choose the saving format as CSV from the drop-down list.
Thereafter, apply an advanced filter for selective PST to Excel import.
Lastly, choose the storage path and click on the Convert button to start the PST file to Excel conversion.

Concluding Thoughts

To open PST file in Excel is not as easy as opening a spreadsheet. But it is doable with the right approach. You may go with the free (manual/online) methods if you are handling a small data set. On the other side, if you are a working professional and dealing with a large, sensitive PST file data. Then you must go with the professional PST to Excel converter.