Free Outlook PST Viewer Software
Free PST Reader Software to View PST Files
PST Reader software opens PST and BAK files without Outlook and previews emails, contacts, calendars, tasks, notes and journals in eight views. Upgrade to Pro for search, PDF export and print when you need more.
- Free to download with no activation code
- Opens PST files of any size
- Scans corrupt files in Quick or Advance mode
- Handles files from Outlook 2024 LTSC to 2000
- Free DownloadNo activation code
- No Outlook NeededOpens files by itself
- Any File SizeNo size limit
- Eight Preview ViewsMail, Hex, MIME and more
- 24x7 SupportChat and email
1Is this my case?
Why Would You Need a PST Viewer?
Find your situation in the list. Free viewer software opens the file on its own with no mail profile.
- No Outlook on the ComputerA PST file arrives and no Outlook is installed to open it.
- New Outlook Will Not Open ItNew Outlook needs classic Outlook and a Microsoft 365 plan for PST files.
- Archive.pst From a ColleagueAn old archive file needs a check before anyone imports it.
- BAK File After ScanPSTA repaired copy and its BAK file need a side by side look.
- Large PST FileA big data file takes too long to load in Outlook.
- Case ReviewAn investigator needs to check headers and attachments of a mailbox copy.
Files Outlook Cannot Open
Corrupt or inaccessible PST files still show their folders in Advance scan.
Password Protected Files
Protected PST files open for viewing with no separate password step.
Shared Computers
Put the free viewer on many computers and share nothing but the file.
Microsoft lists these conditions for opening a PST file in new Outlook. Classic Outlook must sit on the same computer with the same 32 bit or 64 bit build. Your account needs a Microsoft 365 subscription. ARM builds of new Outlook do not support PST files.
PST Reader needs none of these. Install the free viewer on Windows, add the file and browse the folders. Microsoft explains the steps in its Open and find items in an Outlook Data File guide.
2What changes?
What Changes After You Load a PST File?
Before
- PST file sits on a disk and nobody can open it
- New Outlook asks for classic Outlook and a 365 plan
- Contents stay unknown until someone imports the file
After
- Folders open as an Outlook style tree
- Mail, contacts and calendars preview in eight views
- Pro adds search and PDF export when you need them
3What can it do?
Which Features Come With the Free PST Reader?
Open any PST file from one window and view every item type with no limit.
View PST Files Without Outlook
Open a PST file on Windows with no Outlook install, no profile and no import.
Quick and Advance Scan
Quick scan loads healthy files fast. Advance scan opens inaccessible files and brings deleted items into view.
PST and BAK Files
Add PST files or the BAK files that ScanPST creates. View several files together in one folder tree.
All Item Types
Browse emails, contacts with distribution lists, calendars, tasks, notes, journals and user folders. Archive PST files open too.
Eight Preview Views
Review messages in Normal Mail View, Hex, Properties, Message Header, MIME, HTML, RTF and Attachments. Horizontal and vertical layouts both work.
Sort by Attributes
Sort emails by From, Subject, To, Sent, Received or Size. Folder counts show how many items every folder holds.
Attachment Zoom and Rotate
Preview image attachments and rotate them left or right. Zoom in or out to see fine print.
Light on Memory
Move the temporary folder of the software to any drive with free space. Large PST files then load with less pressure on the system drive.
Pro and Pro+ Upgrades
Add search and PDF output with Pro. Add six more export formats with Pro+.
4Is it easy?
How to Open a PST File Without Outlook in 4 Steps
Set up the free viewer, load the file and see your data in minutes.
- 1Download
Install the PST Viewer
Download the 18.2 MB Windows installer. Setup needs no activation code.
- 2Add
Add Your PST File
Select Add File. Browse to a PST or BAK file and tick Advance Scan when the file is damaged.
- 3Preview
Browse Folders and Items
Open any folder and select an email. Switch between the eight views and between horizontal and vertical layouts.
- 4Upgrade
Upgrade When Needed
Select Upgrade to Pro in the toolbar for search, PDF export and print. Choose Pro+ to export mail to other formats.
Choose to save the scan of a damaged PST file and load it later for a quick start. Screenshots of every step sit in the PST Viewer user guide.
5What will I see?
Which Screens Appear in PST Reader?
See the path from an empty window to a finished review.
Load the File and Choose a Scan Mode
Browse to a PST or BAK file. Tick Advance Scan for a damaged file and choose a storage folder for temporary data.
Check Mail in Eight Views
Select an email to see its header, body and attachments. Tabs below the list switch the view.
Open Calendar Items
Appointments show subject, location and times in the same layout Outlook uses.
Upgrade Inside the PST Viewer
The Upgrade to Pro button sits in the toolbar next to Switch View.
6Which edition?
Free vs Pro vs Pro+ PST Viewer Compared
Set the free viewer beside the upgrades to see what the editions add.
| Feature | Free PST Viewer | Pro | Pro+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Add PST and BAK files | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Quick and Advance scan | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Preview of emails with attachments | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Eight preview views and sorting | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Search inside PST data | No | Yes | Yes |
| SMIME and OpenPGP encryption removal | No | Yes | Yes |
| Export to PDF and print | No | Yes | Yes |
| Export to PST, MSG, EML, EMLX, MBOX and CSV | No | No | Yes |
| Resize the output PST file | No | No | Yes |
| Price | Free | From $69 | From $129 |
7Will it fit my system?
System Requirements for the Free PST Viewer
| Product Version | 5.0 |
|---|---|
| Download Size | 18.2 MB |
| Product Type | Windows desktop software for viewing PST files |
| Supported Files | ANSI and Unicode PST files and ScanPST BAK files |
| Outlook Versions | PST files from Outlook 2024 LTSC, 2021, 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, 2007, 2003, 2002 and 2000 |
| Windows | Windows 11 (24H2), 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 above |
| Activation | None for the free viewer. Pro and Pro+ need a license key. |
| File Size Limit | None |
| Outlook Needed | No |
| Installs | Free viewer installs on many computers. |
8What does an upgrade cost?
How Much Does a PST Viewer Upgrade Cost?
Viewing costs nothing. Choose Pro or Pro+ when you need search or export. Prices are in US dollars.
Free PST Viewer
$0
- Open PST and BAK data
- Eight preview views
- Quick and Advance scan
- No activation code
- No file size limit
Pro
$69
- Single machine price $69
- 5 to 500 machines at $29 per machine
- Search inside PST data
- Export to PDF and print
- SMIME and OpenPGP encryption removal
- 1 year of free updates
Pro+
$129
- Single machine price $129
- 5 to 50000 machines at $39 per machine
- Everything in Pro
- Export to PST, MSG, EML, EMLX, MBOX and CSV
- Resize the output PST file
- 1 year of free updates
Need more viewers? Forensic Viewer Suite adds OST Viewer Pro to 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 PST Reader Software Safe for Your Mail?
See Results First
Install the free PST viewer software, open your own PST 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 PST 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 the file problem you see.
Remote Session
An expert connects to your computer and solves a hard case for you.
Secure File Sharing
Send your PST file through a secure FTP server. RecoveryTools can sign a Non Disclosure Agreement first.
11Still have a question?
Free PST Viewer Questions and Answers
Can I open a PST file without Outlook?
Yes. PST Reader opens PST files on Windows with no Outlook install. You add the file and browse folders, emails, contacts, calendars, tasks, notes and journals.
Is the PST viewer free to use?
Yes. PST Reader needs no activation code and no payment. You can install it on many computers and open PST files of any size.
Can the viewer open a corrupt or password protected PST file?
Yes. Quick scan suits healthy files and Advance scan handles inaccessible files with deleted items. Password protected PST files open for viewing too.
Can I open the BAK file that ScanPST creates?
Yes. Add the BAK file the way you add a PST file. BAK copies open in the same folder tree.
Which Outlook versions create PST files that open?
ANSI and Unicode PST files from Outlook 2024 LTSC, 2021, 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, 2007, 2003, 2002 and 2000 open without trouble.
Which items can I view inside a PST file?
Emails with attachments, contacts with distribution lists, calendars, tasks, notes, journals and user created folders show in an Outlook style layout. Archive PST files open too.
Can the free viewer export or print emails?
No. Free viewer access is view only. Pro adds PDF export and print. Pro+ converts PST data to other mail formats.
Can I search inside a PST file?
Search sits in Pro and Pro+. Type phrases and add criteria to find emails, calendar items and attachments in a large PST file.
Which edition do I need, Pro or Pro+?
Pro suits PDF export, print, search and encryption removal. Pro+ adds export to PST, MSG, EML, EMLX, MBOX and CSV with PST size control.
Does the viewer work on Mac?
No. Windows is the only platform. Windows 11, 10, 8, 7 and Windows Server 2019 to 2008 are supported.
Can I view several PST files in one session?
Yes. Add more than one PST file and preview the items of all files from one window.
How fast do I receive the Pro or Pro+ license key?
Payment by card or PayPal at the hosted checkout triggers an email with your license key 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 Outlook Guides
RecoveryTools Outlook PST Recovery
Repairs corrupt PST files and exports the recovered data to PST, EML, PDF or Office 365.
RecoveryTools Outlook PST to PDF Converter
Saves many PST files as PDF with attachments and no Outlook install.
RecoveryTools PST Converter
Moves PST items into other file formats for sharing and storage.
RecoveryTools OST File Viewer
Opens offline OST 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 MSG Viewer Pro
Searches, prints and saves MSG files as PDF.
Outlook File Guides From the RecoveryTools Blog
- How to Search Emails in Outlook by Different Criteria
- Archive.pst Not Opening in Outlook? 3 Ways to Fix Error
- How to Retrieve Emails from Outlook Archive Folder Securely
- How to Save Multiple Emails as PDF in Outlook 2019, 2016, 2013
- How to Print Outlook Emails With Attachments to PDF
- How to Fix Unable to Open Encrypted Outlook Email Error
- How to Save Outlook Emails to PST File
- How to Recover Permanently Deleted Emails from Outlook PST File
Open Your PST File Free Today
Download the free PST viewer software, add your file and browse every folder. Upgrade to Pro when you need search or PDF export.