Recommended Free Tools
To export Outlook email and mailbox folders, use a PST file in desktop Outlook. Microsoft’s documented CSV export is for contacts, not email messages; it creates an editable contact list rather than a mailbox archive. The steps depend on whether you use classic Outlook for Windows, new Outlook, Outlook.com, or Outlook for Mac.
Choose the right export format
| Your goal | Use | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Save Outlook email and mailbox folders | PST export from desktop Outlook | The export includes the folders and locally synchronized content you select. |
| Move contact records to a spreadsheet or another contact program | CSV contact export | Microsoft’s documented CSV workflow exports contacts, not email messages. |
| Export an Outlook.com mailbox on a Mac | OLM export in legacy Outlook for Mac | OLM is Mac’s archive format; Windows PST and CSV instructions do not directly apply. |
For email, use the PST workflow below. Microsoft’s classic Outlook export guidance describes PST export, while its CSV instructions cover contacts.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Export email to PST in classic Outlook for Windows
Before starting, check that Outlook has synchronized the messages you need. If older mail matters, review the download setting first: Microsoft says the default download period is the past year, and the default Cached Exchange Mode cache contains the past 12 months. An export can omit older messages that are not present in Outlook’s local cache.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →- Check synchronization: In Outlook, go to File > Account Settings > Account Name and Sync Settings. If the download slider is available and older mail is needed, move it to All and allow the messages to synchronize.
- Go to File > Open & Export > Import/Export.
- Select Export to a file, then select Next.
- Select Outlook Data File (.pst), then select Next.
- Select the account or folder to export. Select Include subfolders if you also want its child folders.
- Choose a destination and filename for the PST, then select Finish. You can optionally set a password for the PST.
The wizard exports one account at a time. With Cached Exchange Mode, it exports what is in the current cache, so wait for required older mail to synchronize before creating the file. Microsoft also advises against exporting directly into a OneDrive folder that is automatically syncing, because OneDrive can block automatic PST syncing. After the export completes, you can copy the PST to a USB flash drive, another hard drive, or cloud storage.
#1 Best Overall
- USB-C 2-in-1 storage OTG: The Lexar JumpDrive Dual Drive D40E features USB Type-A and Type-C connectors in a slim, portable form factor for easy device compatibility
- Transfer speeds up to 100MB/s: Based on internal testing, performance may vary depending upon the host device, interface, and usage conditions. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes
- Plug and Play: Widely compatible with USB Type-C smartphones, tablets, laptops, Macs, and traditional Type-A devices, no software installation required. The 360° swivel design allows for easy switching between connectors without the hassle of losing a cap
- Durable & Compact: The Lexar D40E USB memory stick features a metal enclosure, withstands temperatures from 0° to 50° C (32°F to 122°F), and is lightweight at 26g with dimensions of 70.4 x 16.9 x 11.7mm
- Security & Warranty: Securely protects files using an advanced security software solution with 256-bit AES encryption. Backed by a Lexar 3-year limited warranty
Export to PST in new Outlook for Windows
- Open Settings > Files > Export.
- Select Get started.
- Follow the wizard to choose a mailbox or specific folders and complete the export.
Microsoft notes that calendar and contacts items saved in PST files are not available in new Outlook at this time. The feature and its requirements may change; if the Export setting is missing, check Microsoft’s current PST support guidance and the options in your installed app.
Export Outlook contacts to CSV
CSV is appropriate when you need contact records in a spreadsheet or another contact program. These steps do not export email messages.
Rank #2
- High-speed USB 3.0 performance of up to 150MB/s(1) [(1) Write to drive up to 15x faster than standard USB 2.0 drives (4MB/s); varies by drive capacity. Up to 150MB/s read speed. USB 3.0 port required. Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on host device, usage conditions, and other factors; 1MB=1,000,000 bytes]
- Transfer a full-length movie in less than 30 seconds(2) [(2) Based on 1.2GB MPEG-4 video transfer with USB 3.0 host device. Results may vary based on host device, file attributes and other factors]
- Transfer to drive up to 15 times faster than standard USB 2.0 drives(1)
- Sleek, durable metal casing
- Easy-to-use password protection for your private files(3) [(3)Password protection uses 128-bit AES encryption and is supported by Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, and Mac OS X v10.9 plus; Software download required for Mac, visit the SanDisk SecureAccess support page]
Windows Outlook desktop
- Go to File > Open & Export > Import/Export.
- Select Export to a file, then select Next.
- Select Comma Separated Values, then select Next.
- Select the account’s Contacts folder.
- Choose a path and filename, then finish the export.
Microsoft suggests opening the resulting CSV in Excel to inspect or edit it.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsOutlook.com on the web
Open People, select Manage contacts > Export contacts, and save the CSV file.
Rank #3
- What You Get - 2 pack 64GB genuine USB 2.0 flash drives, 12-month warranty and lifetime friendly customer service
- Great for All Ages and Purposes – the thumb drives are suitable for storing digital data for school, business or daily usage. Apply to data storage of music, photos, movies and other files
- Easy to Use - Plug and play USB memory stick, no need to install any software. Support Windows 7 / 8 / 10 / Vista / XP / Unix / 2000 / ME / NT Linux and Mac OS, compatible with USB 2.0 and 1.1 ports
- Convenient Design - 360°metal swivel cap with matt surface and ring designed zip drive can protect USB connector, avoid to leave your fingerprint and easily attach to your key chain to avoid from losing and for easy carrying
- Brand Yourself - Brand the flash drive with your company's name and provide company's overview, policies, etc. to the newly joined employees or your customers
For the supported contact-export options, see Microsoft’s Export contacts in Outlook guidance.
What a PST includes—and what it leaves out
A PST export creates a copy; it does not remove the source items from Outlook. Exported email includes its attachments. A PST can also hold other Outlook items, such as contacts, appointments, tasks, notes, and journal entries, although support depends on the Outlook version.
Rank #4
- GOOD VALUE PACKAGE - 1 Pack 32GB Memory Stick USB 2.0 Flash Drives with great cost performance and high quality.
- BIG CAPACITY - The available capacity: 29.10GB-29.8GB, You can save the data of movies, music, photos, designs, programs, manuals, handouts in a high speed.Good performance in digital data storing, transferring and sharing with families, friends, workmates, clients and machines.
- EASY TO USE & PLUG AND WORK - Support windows 7 / 8 / 10 / Vista / XP / 2000 / ME / NT Linux and Mac OS, Compatible with USB2.0 and below.
- TWISTTURN DESIGN & EASY CARRY - The metal clip rotates 360° round the ABS plastic body which with rubber oil skin feeling finish. The capless design can avoid lossing of cap, and providing efficient protection to the USB port.
- WARRANTY & SUPPORT - SIMMAX logo is laser printed on the USB connector surface, our products are of good quality and we promise that any problem about the product within one year since you buy.
- Included: The selected mailbox or folders and their synchronized content; attachments on exported email.
- Not included: Folder properties such as views, permissions, and AutoArchive settings; message rules; and blocked-sender lists.
For details on PST files and finding their contents, see Microsoft’s Outlook Data File (.pst) guidance.
Outlook.com and Outlook for Mac
Microsoft says exporting an Outlook.com mailbox requires desktop Outlook. Its guidance covers PST export through new or classic Outlook for Windows and OLM export through legacy Outlook for Mac. The archive is a copy of email, contacts, and calendar data up to the export date. Mac users should follow the OLM workflow rather than assume the Windows PST or CSV steps apply. See Microsoft’s Outlook.com mailbox export instructions for the applicable platform steps.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 【16GB Flash Drive】USB flash drives with 16GB capacity, meet your needs of daily use on work, school, home and travelling for photos, music, videos, files storage and transfer. IMEASON thumb drives can be used to store different files, easy to data backup.
- 【Metal Swivel Cap Design】USB thumb drive is metal swivel cover provides extra protection for the usb thumbdrive connector, no usb drive cap to lose; keychain design makes it easier to carry without worrying lose it.
- 【Wide Compatibility】USB drive supports Windows 7/8/10/11 / Vista / XP / Unix / 2000 / ME / NT Linux and Mac OS, also Supports USB 2.0 and 1.1 ports. USB Stick support TV, desktop, notebook computer, car, audio and other device. The USB Memory Stick is your great data storage and transfer companion with traveling and working.
- 【Easy to use】usb memory stick is plug and play without any software installation. Just simply plug the Flashdrive into the port of your USB-compatible devices such as computer, laptop to start data storage or transmission.
- 【What You Get】16 GB USB Flash Drive Thumb Drive, The default format of the usb storage flash drive is FAT32.
If older messages are missing from the PST
- Check that Outlook is signed in to the intended account and that the messages appear in Outlook before exporting.
- In classic Outlook, review File > Account Settings > Account Name and Sync Settings. Increase the download range to All when available and allow synchronization to finish.
- If using Cached Exchange Mode, remember the export uses the current cache; Microsoft says its default contains the past 12 months.
- Run the export again after the needed messages have synchronized locally.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
