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How to Convert ANSI PST to Unicode PST in Outlook 2016, 2013 & 2010?

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John Carter
How to Convert ANSI PST to Unicode PST in Outlook 2016, 2013 & 2010?

Often 2 GB of file size is not sufficient to store the mailbox information from Outlook. So if you're still using an older version of Outlook that uses an ANSI format, then you have to upgrade Outlook to a newer version. The Unicode format used in the newer versions of Outlook provides enough storage for you to store a large number of mailbox data easily. So, in this blog, you will get to know the methods to convert ANSI PST to Unicode.

Why Upgrade Outlook 2010, 2013 & 2016?

  • Because of its size limitation problem, the Outlook data file is highly prone to corruption. Whenever the maximum size of a PST file is exceeded, it can reduce Outlook performance and also cause other problems. 
  • But when the PST file reaches its maximum size limit, the situation becomes more severe. You are likely to face corruption in such a situation, which can lead to data loss. 
  • Since only up to 2 GB of mailbox data can be saved by an ANSI PST file, it can quickly reach its maximum size limit. On the other hand, filling of 20 GB to 50 GB of storage provided by the Unicode format may take a lot of time.

Outlook Convert ANSI to Unicode PST, because of these reasons that show the need for upgrades. Now, go ahead to see methods to convert ANSI PST to Unicode free-

How to Convert ANSI PST to Unicode Outlook 2010, 2013, 2016?

However it is easy to create an ANSI PST file, it is a bit complicated to convert it to a Unicode PST. Furthermore, it is possible to use several methods to convert an ANSI PST to Unicode PST. We mentioned two of them here as given below:

Method 1: Manual Approach

This approach is slower and best suited to PSTs with fewer files, although if you have a large number of subfolders, it works pretty well as you can move them into one group. If you move to a new device, this is a good method to use as it works best with a new profile.

Microsoft Outlook has an integrated Import feature that can be used here. You can copy everything from the old ANSI PST file into a new Unicode PST file by using this feature. But do not forget to take a backup of your original PST files before you starting this process. Follow some steps from below:

  1. Initially, start Microsoft Outlook. Go to the File tab on the taskbar> > Open >> Import.
  2. Go to Import & Export Wizard, choose Import from another program or file in the options. Hit on the Next option to continue the process.
  3. Select the Outlook Data File (.pst) from the Import a File dialog box and hit on Next to continue the process.
  4. Now browse where to store old ANSI PST files. Choose the PST file (one file at a time) and press Open.
  5. Pick the mailbox folder(s) from which to import from the Import Outlook Data File dialog box.
  6. Finally, to start the process, click on the Finish button. It may take a while to complete successfully.

Method 2: Professional Approach

You can choose a third-party tool named as PST Upgrade and Downgrade software to convert ANSI PST to Unicode PST quickly. This tool includes downgrade features that allow you to downgrade Outlook by converting the Unicode PST file to ANSI format. It is a simple and safe solution that performs PST conversion operation without causing any changes or damage to the original mailbox information. You can download software's free demo edition before you purchase its licensed version. 

Final Verdict

In this blog, we have discussed one manual method on how Outlook converts ANSI to Unicode PST. Also, a professional method for direct conversion without any extra effort has been explained. So, if you are a non-technical user, you can use a direct method.

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