Transferring PST files to Office 365 is often a challenging task for users, especially those who have a lot of data. Although it’s quite an essential task for people looking forward to shifting their data to the cloud, the apprehensions remain the same. Most commonly, Outlook users are reluctant to shift their data due to the chances of data loss, the complexity of the entire process, and the time-consuming nature of it. 

This blog aims to address all the doubts and all the challenges users may encounter during the import PST to Office 365 process. We’ll be going over the reasons why users migrate PST files to Office 365, a manual method for it, and certain precautions to keep in mind. Also, we’ll be highlighting a powerful tool to simplify the overall process of PST migration without losing data.


Reasons to import PST to Office 365

Here is why users import PST data to Microsoft 365:

·        Advanced features: Office 365 comes with multiple advanced features, and it has emerged as a preferred cloud platform for organizations.

·        High-end security: Office 365 is equipped with strict security protocols. Stored data is safe even during downtime. Admins can apply retention policies and audit required information so that the organization meets all the legal requirements.

·        Cost-effective: Mailboxes under the 50 GB limit are provisioned without any license cost. It makes them a highly cost-effective solution for archiving data compared to purchasing a dedicated user license simply to host a PST file.

·        Easier data management: When you import PST files to Office 365 Mailbox, it helps multiple team members send, receive, and manage data at the same time from anywhere, at any time.


Prerequisites to successfully import PST files

To successfully migrate PST files to Office 365 Mailboxes, you must follow the below prerequisites and keep them in check before the PST import process:

·        Keep multiple backup copies: Put the 3-2-1 backup rule in place. Save copies of your data at secure locations so you can easily recover it if you face any situations of data loss.

·        Import necessary data: Assess the source environment and import only the required PST files. It helps to avoid filling up extra space in the mailbox.

·        Size issues: If there are over-sized PST files, then split oversized PST files into multiple smaller files. Avoid corruption issues with ease.

·        Permissions and roles: Review the assigned permissions and roles required for migration.

·        Look out for corruption: Check your PST files and make sure they’re not corrupted.


Import PST to Office 365 via Network Upload Method

A popular method to import PST files to Office 365 is by using Microsoft’s Azure AzCopy Tool. Also known as the Network Upload method, this method is executed in 4 steps. The first step involves assigning the required permissions to users. In the second step, we create a PST import job in the Microsoft 365 admin center. Moving ahead, in the third step, we upload the PST file to Azure Storage. Finally, we import PST files to Office 365 mailbox. However, one thing to note is that this method is extremely lengthy and time-consuming. Moreover, executing this method requires a certain level of technical expertise, and there’s still a high chance of errors. Users are recommended to take a proper backup of their data before attempting to execute this method.  


What’s the safest method to import PST to Office 365?

The network upload method to import PST files gets the job done, but not without certain risks. This method requires thorough technical knowledge and a lot of time. Also, bulk transfer of PST files isn’t possible with the Network Upload method. That’s why users, especially non-technical users, prefer using professional Email Migration software to avoid the risks involved and migrate PST files with ease.

Kernel Email Migrator is a powerful email migration tool that efficiently migrates all emails without data loss. Users get the option to save their data in multiple formats, like PST, OST, MSG, EML, etc. It also retains the original folder structure and formatting. Run multiple migration jobs of even large-sized PST files without any downtime or delay.

 

Conclusion

Shifting to Office 365 can open doors for better data management and enhanced workflow. While initially the process may seem complex and difficult, it can be managed by following a structured plan. By fulfilling the prerequisites given above and with the help of a trustworthy Office 365 migration tool, users can easily migrate their data to the cloud. Kernel Email Migrator moves all your data with full integrity and safety without data loss. Users can migrate data in bulk without any file size restrictions to Office 365 mailbox.


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