Can I import large PST files to IMAP?

arjunmehta

Yes, you can import large PST files to IMAP, but the method you choose is very important. Using the manual Outlook drag-and-drop approach is not recommended for large PST files because it is slow, depends on Outlook performance, and often fails due to size limits, sync errors, or server timeouts.
The best solution is to use a professional Aryson PST Converter. It is specially designed to handle large and oversized PST files without data loss. The tool supports batch migration, splits large PST files if required, preserves folder hierarchy, and transfers emails with attachments securely. It also works without Outlook installation, making it reliable and efficient for importing large PST files into any IMAP server.

nityamahajan

Yes, you can import large PST files into an IMAP account, but it isn’t always straightforward. Technically, PST files can’t be imported directly into IMAP. The usual method is to first open the PST file in Outlook and then move or copy the emails into the IMAP mailbox. However, when the PST file is large, this process can be very slow and may cause Outlook to freeze or disconnect, especially because IMAP servers often have mailbox size limits and message upload restrictions.

In real-world scenarios, users often face issues like sync errors, partial uploads, or throttling by the IMAP server. To avoid these problems, it’s recommended to import data in smaller batches or use a reliable PST conversion tool that can convert PST data into IMAP-compatible formats and upload it securely without data loss. This approach is generally faster, more stable, and better suited for handling large PST files.