How to Import PST to Gmail Without Outlook, Errors, or Size Limits

If you want to view your old Outlook emails in Gmail but don't want to install Outlook or deal with file size issues, you're not alone. Many users desire to transfer PST files to Gmail without any issues. This step-by-step article demonstrates how to accomplish it manually while also introducing an easy tool to help ease the process.

Let us start with the basics.

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What is a PST File?

A PST (Personal Storage Table) file is used to save Microsoft Outlook data such as emails, contacts, calendars, and more. If you used Outlook in the past, your data was probably saved as a PST file.

Importing PST files to Gmail is becoming increasingly frequent as more users migrate to Gmail or utilize Google Workspace.

Why Import a PST File to Gmail Without Outlook?

There are several reasons why users look for a way to import PST files without using Outlook.

No Access to Outlook Anymore Some customers no longer have a valid Microsoft Office license or Outlook access, but they do have PST files from a prior job or system.

Moving from Outlook to Gmail. If you're switching from Outlook to Gmail for improved accessibility, cloud storage, or collaboration, you should carry your emails with you.

Outlook Installation Issues Installing Outlook alone to view a PST file can be time-consuming and troublesome on new or constrained PCs.

Avoid Outlook errors. Outlook frequently displays errors when attempting to import large or corrupted PST files. These concerns can be avoided by employing alternative solutions.

Use Gmail Across Devices. Once your PST emails are in Gmail, you can access them from any device, including your phone, tablet, or browser.

Can You Import PST to Gmail Without Outlook?

Yes. Even if you don't have Outlook installed, you can still import PST files to your Gmail account using other techniques. However, manual methods require significant setup, and not all data types can be transferred.

Manual Method to Import PST to Gmail Without Outlook

This approach utilizes Google Workspace Migration for Microsoft Outlook (GWMMO).

• Works only with a Google Workspace (business) account.
• Not appropriate for free Gmail accounts.
• Requires a PST file on your PC.
• Outlook is theoretically required to install the app, even if not configured.

Step-by-Step Instructions Step 1: Enable IMAP in Gmail.

• Sign in to your Gmail account.
• Click Settings (gear symbol).
• Go to View all settings.
• Open the Forwarding and POP/IMAP tabs.
• Under IMAP Access, choose Enable IMAP.
• Click Save Changes.

Step 2: Download and install the GWMMO Tool.

• Visit the GWMMO download page.
• Download and install the utility.
• After opening it, log in with your Google Workspace email account.

You may need admin access to allow data import in your Google account settings.

Step 3: Select the PST file and start the import.

• After logging, the tool requests a PST file.
• Look through the local drive and choose the PST file.
• Select which items (contacts, calendar, emails, etc.) to import.
• Click Start Migration.

The tool will transfer your PST data to Gmail. The time required depends on the file size and internet speed.

Cons of the Manual Method

• You must have a Google Workspace account.
• You still need Outlook installed for PST compatibility.
• It is not user-friendly for non-technical people.
• Larger PST files may cause the utility to crash or hang.
• You cannot use it with personal Gmail addresses.

If you encounter any of these concerns, using a specialist PST to Gmail import application is a preferable solution.

A Simpler Solution: Import PST to Gmail Without Outlook Using a Professional Tool

If the manual procedure is too complicated, or you don't have an Outlook or Workspace account, the GainTools Cloud Importer is a much simpler solution.

This application allows you to transfer PST files directly to any Gmail account without using Microsoft Outlook. It is intended for users who seek a quick, clear, and error-free approach to importing old Outlook data into Gmail.

You can use it whether you're a home user looking to read old emails or an IT administrator managing several accounts. Some highlights

• Import EML, EMLX, MSG, MBOX, PST, OST, and more file types into any cloud email service.
• Uploading data in bulk from local to the cloud server.
• It is only feasible to import healthy files.
• Supports all MS Outlook editions and requires only the correct cloud service login information.
• No third-party email client installation is required.
• Importing without losses is 100% safe.
• Keep all email formatting and meta attributes safe.
• There is no limit on file size.
• Save the files to the primary or archived directories of the cloud application.

How It Works

• Set up the application on your Windows computer.
• To import a PST file, add it.

• Choose Folder or File mode.

• Select a cloud application from the list. If it is not in the list, select Export to IMAP Account.

• Provide a valid login and password for your cloud application. Click the Authenticate User button. 

• Select an existing folder or create a new one to save the files in.

• Finally, hit the Upload Now button.

That's all. In Gmail, your emails seem precisely like they did in Outlook.

• Depending on the file size, the total time was a few minutes.
• Safe and secure—no file damage or data loss

Common Questions Answered

Q1: Outlook is not installed on my computer. Can I use Gmail to open a PST file? You can, indeed. You don't even need Outlook to open and move PST files to Gmail, thanks to tool like GainTools Cloud Importer. All you need is the PST file that is stored on your computer.

Q2: After importing, would my folders (Inbox, Sent, etc.) seem the same in Gmail? Indeed. With the correct tool, such as GainTools Cloud Importer, emails will remain organized just as they were in Outlook by preserving your original folder structure.

Q3: I have a large PST file. Will that be an issue? Not with an expert tool. The Cloud Importer manages huge PST emails without crashing or losing data, but the manual technique could have trouble with them.

Q4: Do I need Google Workspace, or can I transfer PST files into a free Gmail account? Both Google Workspace and free Gmail accounts allow PST imports. GainTools is compatible with all versions of Gmail, but the manual GWMMO tool is limited to Workspace.

Q5: I don't want to change contacts or calendars; I just want to move emails. Is that feasible? Indeed. GainTools Cloud Importer allows you to select what to transfer during the import process. If you don't need the other emails, you can choose just those.

Final Thoughts

To view your old PST emails in Gmail, you don't have to install Outlook or deal with difficult techniques. The manual approach might be effective if you are tech-savvy and have a Google Workspace account. However, the Cloud Importer is a rapid and stress-free solution. It is dependable, works with all Gmail formats, and requires no Outlook.

You can now safely, swiftly, and limitlessly enjoy all of your old emails within Gmail.