Outlook 2016 & PST files => upgrade to Outlook 2024

Transitioning from Outlook 2016 to Outlook 2024: Managing Legacy PST Files

Upgrading from an older version of Microsoft Office to the latest can bring numerous benefits, including enhanced features, improved security, and better integration. However, it also raises important questions about data compatibility—particularly concerning Outlook’s Personal Storage Table (PST) files.

Understanding PST Files and Their Role

PST files serve as local repositories for email archives, calendars, and other Outlook data. Many users, like myself, maintain sizeable offline archives—say, 50 GB—stored on their hard drives. These archives are invaluable for long-term storage and occasional access, especially when working with an IMAP account that synchronizes only a subset of messages online.

Upcoming Changes with Outlook 2024

The transition from Outlook 2016 to Outlook 2024 on Windows introduces a significant change: Support for PST files is no longer extended in the newest Outlook versions. This development can be concerning for users with substantial archives stored locally. Additionally, the file format of PSTs is considered outdated, increasing the risk of corruption and errors, despite using tools like Microsoft’s scanpst.exe for repairs.

Challenges and Clarifications

A common question is whether Outlook 2024 completely abandons support for offline archives. From available information, support for custom offline PST files has been phased out or drastically limited in the latest Outlook iterations, aligning with Microsoft’s move toward cloud-based storage solutions and enhanced security protocols.

Strategies for Managing Your PST Archives

Given these considerations, here are recommended steps to ensure your valuable offline data remains accessible and secure during your upgrade:

1. Backup Your PST Files
   Before making any changes, create multiple backups of your PST archives to prevent data loss during migration.

2. Convert PST Files to Supported Formats
   Although Microsoft has deprecated PST support, tools and third-party solutions may assist in converting PST files into more modern formats or into Outlook Data Files (.ost) compatible with newer versions.

3. Import into a Supported Outlook Profile
   If possible, import your PST data into a current Outlook profile, preferably on a compatible version of Office or through a transitional setup, to ensure the data is integrated into your new environment.

4. Use Archiving and Cloud Storage Options
   Consider migrating old archives to a cloud service or a supported archival solution that integrates well with Outlook 2024, thereby reducing reliance on unsupported local files.

5. **Consult