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What is an NST File & How to Import NST File to Outlook?

  Admin
Admin
Published: August 12th, 2026 • 5 Minutes Reading

Do you want to know what is NST file, and is trying to import NST file to Outlook, but doesn’t know how? Don’t worry; in this write-up we will discuss the NST file, how to import it, why users are unable to open it and other details.

An NST file is also a part of Outlook just like OST and PST formats. And, it used primarily with Microsoft 365/Exchange accounts, especially for Groups and other locally cached group-related data.

Users may need to open NST file in Outlook, when they want to recover old data, move locally stored data to another Outlook profile, or access data after profile change. The NST file may contain emails, attachments, folders, and other local items, depending on the Outlook setup.

What is NST File in Outlook?

NST file is used by MS Outlook when your account is connected to Office 365 or Exchange. It stores mailbox data such as emails, contacts, and calendar items of accounts linked to Office 365.

Is It Possible to Import NST File to Outlook?

No, Outlook doesn’t provide a straightforward option to import NST file directly like a regular PST file. It provides Import/Export option only for PST format, so NST to PST conversion is the only way to import it into Outlook.

Also, there is no possible manual or free technique available to convert it, so we will use an automated solution.

Why Do Users Want to Import NST File to Outlook?

There can be several reasons for needing to open NST file in Outlook application. Some of them are explained below:

  • Moving Outlook Data to Another Computer: Maybe user wants to move NST file from older machine to access data on new computer.
  • Outlook Profile Migration: The user wants to preserve locally stored data after changing the Outlook profile.
  • Outlook Data Recovery: NST file generally contains local information that user wants to extract before changing or removing configuration.
  • Accessing old Outlook data: Maybe you have old NST file and wants to access older data.

How to Find Location of NST File?

  1. Use “Windows + R” keys to open “Run”.
  2. Type %localappdata%\Microsoft\Outlook\ and hit the Enter key.
  3. Now Outlook folders will open, locate your NST file.
  4. Once located, note down location and file name for conversion.

How to Import NST File to Outlook?

Microsoft Outlook doesn’t have a direct option to import NST file, it provides Import/Export option to import PST file into Outlook. So, to upload NST file we will convert it into PST format, and then we will import it.

Manual techniques are not available for this, so we will take help of Recovery-Tools OST Converter Tool. This software helps to fix corruption and convert it into multiple saving formats such as PST, PDF, HTML, EML, MSG etc.

This tool helps to open multiple NST files in bulk at the same time without repeating process for each data file. Also, it offers UNICODE output PST, which can be accessed in all Outlook versions.

First, download the demo version and export first 25 items per folder to understand how the software works.

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How to Access NST File in Outlook? Tools Steps

  1. Download the software locally and install it properly.

    software

  2. Use “Add File” button to import NST file.

    import NST file

  3. The Software provides three different options to import NST file.

    different options

  4. Use “Scan Mode” to check whether your data file is corrupted or not.

    data file is corrupted

  5. After scanning all your data will appear on the screen; then select required data.

    data will appear

  6. Select “Export” >> “PST” option from the list.

    saving options

  7. Click on the “Adv Setting” and apply filters such as “Split option, Filter option, and Categories”.

    apply filters

  8. Select saving location using “Browse” button.

    saving location

  9. Click on the “Export” button to start process.

    start process

Now import output data file by opening “Outlook” >> “File” >> “Open & Export” >> “Import/Export” and then choose “Import from another program or file” >> “Outlook data file(.pst)” option.

Why Only This Software to Access NST Files?

There is no direct way to import NST file to Outlook, so we will use an automated solution. We will explain features of this solution:

  • Users can convert multiple NST files in bulk at the same time.
  • This software provides three different options to import single file, search from machine, or automatically detect.
  • It provides two different advanced scan modes to detect the corruption level of data file.
  • It provides multiple saving options such as PST, PDF, MSG, EML, HTML, and Office 365.
  • Also, users can use advanced settings like Split output data files, date filters, and categories.
  • This software can recover permanently deleted data from NST files.
  • Also, it preserves original folder structure and complete mailbox components during conversion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ques 1: How is an NST file different from an OST file?

NST file is primarily related to Outlook Groups, while OST file contains cached local copy of Outlook mailbox.

Ques 2: Does software handle large NST files?

Yes, it can handle all sizes of NST files without crashing.

Ques 3: Can I import output data file into Outlook 2016?

Yes, it creates UNICODE PST that can be accessed in all latest versions.

Ques 4: Can ScanPST repair an NST file?

No, ScanPST only repairs PST files; for NST file you can use suggested solution.

Final Words

Here we have explained how can we import NST file to Outlook 2021, 2019, 2016, 2013 and older versions. We have used an automated and smart solution, as there is no manual technique available to access NST file in Outlook. First, we changed .nst extension to .pst format as Outlook only allows importing this file; then we imported it into Outlook. We have suggested simple and best solution.