Free Outlook OST Viewer Software
Free OST Reader Software to View OST Files
OST Reader opens offline OST and BAK files with no Outlook and no Exchange Server. Preview emails, contacts, calendars, tasks, notes and journals in eight views. Upgrade to Pro for search, PDF export and print.
- Free to install with no activation code
- Opens healthy, corrupt and orphaned OST files
- Two scan modes for any file state
- Handles files from Outlook 2021 down to 2000
- Free DownloadNo activation code
- No Outlook NeededWorks on its own
- Corrupt Files OpenAdvanced scan mode
- Eight Preview ViewsMail, Hex, MIME and more
- 24x7 SupportChat and email
1Is this my case?
Why Would You Need an OST Viewer?
Spot your situation below. Free viewer software opens an offline file with no mail account.
- Outlook Cannot Open the OSTOutlook shows an error and the OST file stays locked away.
- Orphaned OST FileThe mailbox is gone from Exchange and only the OST copy is left.
- Old Computer or ProfileAn OST file from a former user sits on a drive with no account to open it.
- Quick Peek at MailYou need to see what a file holds before any conversion starts.
- Departed Employee MailboxA manager asks for a few emails from an old offline file.
- Large OST FileA huge file takes too long to load in Outlook.
Broken or Orphaned Files
Advanced scan loads files that Outlook rejects and shows deleted items.
Nothing Else to Install
No Outlook, no Exchange Server and no mail profile stand in the way.
Many Computers
Install the free viewer on as many machines as your team needs.
Outlook builds an OST file as an offline copy of an Exchange or Microsoft 365 mailbox. Only the account that created it opens the file.
OST Reader skips that link. When you need the data saved in a new file, use RecoveryTools OST Recovery or divide a huge file with the OST File Splitter.
2What changes?
What Changes After You Load an OST File?
Before
- OST file sits locked on a drive
- Outlook asks for the original account
- Contents stay unknown until a conversion ends
After
- Folders appear in an Outlook style tree
- Mail, contacts and calendars appear in eight views
- Pro adds search and PDF output when you ask for it
3What can it do?
Which Features Come With the Free OST Reader?
Open any offline file from one window and view every item type.
Open OST Without Outlook
Load an OST file on Windows with no Outlook, no profile and no Exchange Server.
Quick and Advanced Scan
Quick scan fits healthy files. Advanced scan recovers corrupt, orphaned and inaccessible files.
OST and BAK Files
Add OST files or Outlook BAK files one at a time and review them in one tree.
Every Item Type
Browse emails with attachments, contacts, calendars, tasks, notes and journals.
Eight Preview Views
Switch between Normal Mail, Hex, Properties, Message Header, MIME, HTML, RTF and Attachments.
Sort and Count
Sort mail by From, To, Subject, Sent, Received or Size. Unread marks stay visible.
Save and Reload Scans
Keep the scan of a large file and load it again later without waiting.
Move the Temp Folder
Send temporary data to a drive with free space and keep the C drive light.
Pro and Pro+ Upgrades
Add search and PDF tools with Pro. Add four mail and PST output types with Pro+.
4Is it easy?
How to Open an OST File Without Outlook in 4 Steps
Install the viewer, load the file and see your mail in minutes.
- 1Download
Install OST Reader
Download the 18.1 MB Windows installer. Setup needs no activation code. Start the installer as Administrator.
- 2Add
Add Your OST File
Click Add File and browse to the OST file. Select Advanced scan when the file is damaged.
- 3Preview
Browse Folders and Items
Open a folder and select an email. Switch views and flip between horizontal and vertical layouts.
- 4Upgrade
Upgrade When Needed
Click Upgrade to Pro in the toolbar for search and PDF tools. Choose Pro+ for PST and mail exports.
Index the items when the software asks so that search works later. Screenshots of every step sit in the OST Viewer user guide.
5What will I see?
Which Screens Appear in OST Reader?
Follow the path from an empty window to a finished review.
Load the File and Set a Scan Mode
Browse to the OST file. Select Advanced scan for a damaged file.
Check Mail and Attachments
Select an email to see its header, body and attachments.
Open Calendar Items
Appointments show their subject, place and time.
Switch the Layout
Flip between horizontal and vertical layouts to suit your screen.
6Which edition?
Free vs Pro vs Pro+ OST Viewer Compared
Set the free viewer beside the upgrades to see what every edition adds.
| Feature | Free OST Viewer | Pro | Pro+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Add OST and BAK files | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Quick and Advanced scan | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Preview of mail with attachments | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Eight preview views and sorting | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Search with To, Cc and Bcc filters | No | Yes | Yes |
| S/MIME and OpenPGP encryption removal | No | Yes | Yes |
| PDF output and print | No | Yes | Yes |
| Batch processing and drive search | No | Yes | Yes |
| PST, MSG, EML and EMLX output | No | No | Yes |
| Price | Free | From $69 | From $129 |
7Will it fit my system?
System Requirements for the Free OST Viewer
| Product Version | 5.0 |
|---|---|
| Download Size | 18.1 MB |
| Product Type | Windows desktop software for viewing OST files |
| Supported Files | Healthy, corrupt, orphaned and inaccessible OST files plus Outlook BAK files |
| Outlook Versions | OST files from Outlook 2021, 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, 2007, 2003 and 2000 |
| Windows | Windows 11 (64 bit), 10, 8 and 7 (32 or 64 bit) or Windows Server 2019, 2016, 2012 R2 and 2008 |
| Mac | Not available. Windows is the only platform. |
| Processor | Intel Core 2 Duo E4600 at 2.40 GHz |
| RAM and Disk Space | 2 GB RAM recommended and 100 MB free disk space |
| Framework | Microsoft .NET 4.5 or later |
| Activation | None for the free viewer. Pro and Pro+ need a license key. |
| Outlook and Exchange | Not required |
| Installs | Installs on many computers for free. |
8What does an upgrade cost?
How Much Does an OST Viewer Upgrade Cost?
Viewing costs nothing. Choose Pro or Pro+ when you want search or output. Prices are in US dollars.
Free OST Viewer
$0
- Open OST and BAK data
- Eight preview views
- Quick and Advanced scan
- No activation code
- Installs on many computers
Pro
$69
- Single machine price $69
- 5 to 500 machines at $29 per machine
- Search with To, Cc and Bcc filters
- PDF output with print
- S/MIME and OpenPGP encryption removal
- 1 year of free updates
Pro+
$129
- Single machine price $129
- 5 to 500 machines at $39 per machine
- Everything in Pro
- Output to PST, MSG, EML and EMLX
- 1 year of free updates
Need both OST and PST viewing? Forensic Viewer Suite pairs OST Viewer Pro with PST Viewer Pro Plus for $149 instead of $198. Bundle purchases cannot be refunded. Compare every bundle on the RecoveryTools offers page.
9Is it safe?
Is Free OST Reader Software Safe for Your Mail?
See Results First
Install the free OST viewer, open your own file and see every item before you pay for Pro.
In Business Since 2007
RecoveryTools stands on a company that began in 2007 and now helps users in over 100 countries. Find more about RecoveryTools.
ISO Certified
Standards ISO 9001:2015 for quality and ISO/IEC 27001:2013 for information security back the company. See the awards and certifications page.
Terms in Plain Sight
Refund, privacy and usage terms are public before you pay. See the refund policy, privacy policy and terms of use.
10Need a hand?
Which Support Options Cover the OST Viewer?
Support engineers answer tool questions before and after you buy. Visit the RecoveryTools support center for phone numbers and more ways to get help.
Live Chat
Talk to an expert on live chat at any hour.
Email Support
Email support@systoolsgroup.com with your Windows version and a note on the OST problem.
Remote Session
An expert connects to your computer and solves a hard case for you.
Secure File Sharing
Send your OST file through a secure FTP server. RecoveryTools can sign a Non Disclosure Agreement first.
11Still have a question?
Free OST Viewer Questions and Answers
How do I open an OST file without Outlook?
Install OST Reader on Windows, click Add File and browse to the OST file. Folders and items load in an Outlook style window. No Outlook profile or Exchange Server is needed.
Is the OST viewer free?
Yes. Free OST Reader needs no activation code. You can install it on many computers and preview every OST item with no payment.
Can it open a corrupt or orphaned OST file?
Yes. Choose Quick scan for a healthy file or Advanced scan for a corrupt, orphaned or inaccessible OST file. Deleted items come into view with Advanced scan.
Which items show inside an OST file?
Emails with attachments, contacts, calendars, tasks, notes and journals show in separate views. Folder lists and item counts appear on the left.
Does OST Reader open BAK files?
Yes. Add the Outlook BAK file the same way you add an OST file.
Which Outlook versions create OST files that open?
OST files from Outlook 2021, 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, 2007, 2003 and 2000 open in the viewer. Both 32 bit and 64 bit Outlook files work.
Can I save or print emails from the free viewer?
No. Free OST Reader previews data only. Pro adds PDF output with print. Pro+ adds four more output types.
Can I search inside the OST file?
Pro and Pro+ include search. Add To, Cc and Bcc filters and join them with AND or OR to find mail fast.
Which edition do I need, Pro or Pro+?
Pro covers search, PDF output, print and S/MIME or OpenPGP removal. Pro+ adds PST, MSG, EML and EMLX output on top.
Can the viewer handle many OST files?
Yes. Add files one by one and preview them in one folder tree. Pro adds batch processing and a drive search that finds OST files for you.
Does OST Reader work on Mac?
No. Windows is the only platform. Windows 11, 10, 8 and 7 and Windows Server 2019 to 2008 are supported.
How quickly do I get a Pro or Pro+ license key?
Pay by card or PayPal at the hosted checkout and your key reaches your inbox within 15 minutes.
Can I get a refund on Pro or Pro+?
Yes. Refund requests are accepted for 30 days under the RecoveryTools refund policy. Software bought without a demo evaluation does not qualify. Email a signed Letter of Destruction to sales@recovery-tools.org. Bundle purchases cannot be refunded.
12Where next?
Related Viewers and OST Guides
RecoveryTools OST Recovery
Repairs corrupt OST files and exports the mail to PST, EML or Office 365.
RecoveryTools OST File Splitter
Divides oversized OST files into smaller PST files.
RecoveryTools PST File Viewer
Opens PST files for free and shows every mailbox item.
RecoveryTools Exchange EDB Reader
Opens Exchange database files for free and lists mail, contacts and calendars.
RecoveryTools PST Converter
Moves PST items into other file formats for sharing and storage.
RecoveryTools MSG Viewer Pro
Searches, prints and saves MSG files as PDF.
Open Your OST File Free Today
Download the free OST viewer software, add your file and browse every folder. Upgrade to Pro for search or PDF output.