PST Returns in the new Outlook: Microsoft listens to user criticism
Microsoft is pushing ahead with the integration of PST support in the new Outlook for Windows and Mac, responding to criticism from users of classic Outlook due to a lack of functions. The next update for this will start in early 2025.
First phase: read-only access
Microsoft has moved forward its plans to integrate PST file support in the new Outlook for Windows. The start was originally scheduled for March 2025, but now the update is starting according to the report online magazine Neowin already at the turn of the year.
The PST (Personal Storage Table) format enables the local storage of emails, calendar events and contacts, which is particularly advantageous when online storage space is limited and is of course essential if you want or need to work offline. The lack of PST support in the new Outlook version was criticized by many users as a major problem.
With the first phase of PST support, the new Outlook for Windows will soon enable read access to emails in PST files. Users can search their PST records, read emails and search for specific messages. However, calendar, contact and task data still remain inaccessible in the preview. In January 2025, Microsoft plans to introduce additional features for managing PST files.
Users will then be able to move, copy or delete emails in PST files. You can also define categories, rename folders or create new folders. These updates, which are available under the Feature ID 473995 are intended to further close the gap between the classic and the new Outlook.
PST support for Mac
At the same time, Microsoft is working on integrating PST functions into Outlook for Mac. Users can then import PST files, which was previously only possible in the older Mac version. Support for OLM data files – the equivalent of PST on Mac – is also being expanded.
Both import and export options are planned, as can be seen from feature ID 405754. Microsoft has emphasized that PST support will include all data types in the future. In addition to emails, this also includes calendars, contacts and tasks. With the further development of the new Outlook app, the company wants to make the switch easier and refute the criticism of long-time users.
