
Are you wondering if you can utilize.pst files with the latest Outlook version on Windows 11? The answer is yes, but with some limitations. Recent evaluations by Windows Latest reveal that Microsoft is progressively enhancing its support for.pst file functionalities within the new Outlook. Currently, users can perform various email-related tasks such as reading, replying, and moving items using.pst files, while support for calendar and contact features is expected to be introduced soon.
Despite the improvements, the reception of the new Outlook app among users—particularly in business environments—has been lukewarm, primarily due to the absence of certain functionalities, including.pst file support. Initially, when the new Outlook launched, Microsoft disabled the Mail & Calendar features and began to redirect users from the classic Outlook application, leaving.pst functionalities unavailable. Fortunately, there have been significant advancements in the interim.
Accessing Outlook Data Files (.pst) with the New Outlook
To open an Outlook Data File (.pst) in the new Outlook application, follow these steps based on guidance from Microsoft’s support documentation and tests conducted by Windows Latest:
- Navigate to Settings > Files > Outlook Data Files (as shown in the accompanying screenshot).
- Select Add file, locate your desired .pst file, and then click on Open.
It is important to note that for this process to work, the classic version of Outlook must also be installed on the same system. Both Outlook versions need to be compatible, meaning they must either be both 32-bit or 64-bit. For example, if you’re running the new Outlook in 64-bit, you cannot have the classic Outlook installed in 32-bit.

According to Microsoft’s roadmap, recent updates have included the ability to reply to and forward emails using.pst files, with further enhancements expected to roll out soon. This year, Microsoft has an extensive list of planned updates aimed at making.pst file handling in the new Outlook more comprehensive, aspiring to close the gap with features available in the classic version.

Looking ahead, users can anticipate numerous added functionalities in June and July, including:
- Support for forwarding emails from a PST as an attachment
- The option to add folders from PST files to favorites
- Capabilities for replying, forwarding, and exporting mailboxes to.pst files
Furthermore, by July, users will see the introduction of auto-export features for mailbox data to.pst format, followed by the addition of read-only access for calendar and contact information in August. Ultimately, the new Outlook application is on track to provide full import functionalities for data files and emails from PST files throughout the year, moving closer to the user experience associated with the classic Outlook version.
Upcoming.pst Features in the New Outlook for Windows 11
Feature | Description | Status | Rollout Start |
---|---|---|---|
Export mailbox to PST | Transfer the complete mailbox (including emails, calendar entries, and contacts) to a PST file. | Coming Soon | June 2025 |
Auto-export mailbox to PST | Schedule automatic exports of mailboxes or specific folders to PST files. | Coming Soon | July–August 2025 |
Import emails from PST | Bring emails stored in PST files into your Outlook mailbox. | Coming Soon | September–October 2025 |
Import calendars and contacts from PST | Transfer calendar events and contacts from PST into your mailbox. | Coming Soon | September–October 2025 |
Read-only access to calendars in PST | View calendar data within PST files without needing to import them. | Coming Soon | August–September 2025 |
Read-only access to contacts in PST | View contact information from PST files without importing them. | Coming Soon | August–September 2025 |
Forward emails in PST as attachment | Send emails from PST files as attached messages. | Coming Soon | August 2025 |
Import PST support on Mac | Enable importing of PST files into Outlook on Mac. | Coming Soon | October 2025 |
Enhancements in Offline Email Handling
Recent updates to the stable version of Outlook have introduced notable improvements, such as extending offline email synchronization to 30 days, which is a significant increase from the prior 7-day limit. Additionally, users can now easily move emails between different personal accounts within the app.

There were also developments regarding Copilot integration. Users with paid subscriptions can now utilize Copilot features across multiple connected accounts, including Gmail and other services. A Copilot-powered theme generator is also in the process of being rolled out for both Windows and mobile platforms (iOS and Android).
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