Microsoft Enhances New Outlook for Windows with Upcoming PST Features
In a recent blog post, Microsoft highlighted the advantages of its New Outlook for Windows, showcasing its improved functionalities compared to the classic version. While acknowledging some shortcomings, the company reassured users that significant enhancements and new features are on the horizon for the updated mail application.
Among the forthcoming improvements, Microsoft specifically mentioned the addition of offline capabilities and support for Personal Storage Table (PST) files. This acknowledgment has paved the way for a confirmed rollout of several new PST functionalities for New Outlook in the near future.
Understanding Outlook PST Files
PST files are integral to Outlook’s ecosystem, serving as local data containers that store copies of various mailbox items, including email messages, calendar entries, contacts, tasks, and notes. These files enable users to access their data offline, manage personal archives, and ensure efficient mailbox organization, making them invaluable for data backup and retrieval.
Recent Enhancements in PST Functionality
As of June 2025, Microsoft introduced exciting features for the New Outlook, such as the ability to favorite folders and access Profile card details with a single click. Additionally, users can now reply to and forward emails that are stored within a PST file.
Upcoming Features and Release Dates
Currently, Microsoft is developing advanced export functionalities for mailboxes, including support for auto-export scheduling. Recent updates on the Microsoft 365 (M365) roadmap confirm this feature. According to the roadmap:
With this update of support for.pst files (a.k.a. Outlook Data File) in the new Outlook for Windows, users will be able to schedule an export of an entire mailbox (emails, calendars, and contacts) or a specific mailbox folder to a.pst file.
This anticipated feature is projected for release in July 2025, though delays can occur. For instance, the option for non-auto exporting was initially slated for June but has now been postponed until August 2025. For further details, refer to the roadmap entry here under ID 485743.
In addition to export support, Microsoft aims to introduce import capabilities that will allow users to seamlessly integrate emails, calendars, and contacts from PST files back into their mailboxes. According to Microsoft:
With this update of support for.pst files (a.k.a. Outlook Data File) in the new Outlook for Windows, users will be able to import emails, calendars and contacts from.pst file to mailbox.
These import features are scheduled for deployment around October 2025, and users can access the details through the roadmap entries under IDs 485740 and 486840.
Another feature facing a delay is the ability to forward emails as attachments. Originally expected to launch in July, this functionality has been rescheduled for August. Information can be found under ID 485750.
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