How to Export Gmail to PST - A Complete Guide

In the ever-evolving digital world, concerns around data security and accessibility have reached a paramount level. As a result, it's not uncommon for many users to seek ways to backup Gmail emails into PST files. If you've been wondering how to export Gmail to PST, this post is for you! Herein, we delve into why users export Gmail emails to PST and provide you with a step-by-step approach to accomplish this task yourself.

Why do users export Gmail emails to PST?

Gmail, a widely used web-based email service, is the go-to platform for many personal users for sending and receiving emails. One of the primary advantages of Gmail is its ubiquity; you can access your email anytime, anywhere. Plus, it's free.

Many people have been using Gmail for years. In the professional space, Gmail often serves as the personal email choice while other email services cater to professional use. Managing multiple email accounts, as we all know, can be a daunting task. This is where MS Outlook comes into play. With the help of MS Outlook, users can manage multiple email accounts in one place. To access Gmail emails in Outlook, users either configure Gmail in Outlook or export Gmail to PST format. There are other reasons why users export Gmail to PST, such as job change, migration, and backup.

Advantages of Exporting Gmail to PST

Several benefits come with exporting Gmail emails to PST. Here are the most notable ones:

Unified Data Access: By exporting Gmail to PST, you enable unified access to all your data from different accounts in one place, i.e., MS Outlook. This simplifies email management and enhances productivity.

Data Security: When you export Gmail emails to PST, you essentially create an offline copy of your emails. This can serve as a critical backup in case of account loss or accidental deletion of data.

Offline Accessibility: PST files can be accessed even without an internet connection. This comes in handy when you need to access your emails, but the internet is unavailable.

Data Migration: If you're transitioning between jobs or need to move your data for any other reason, exporting Gmail to PST simplifies the migration process.

However, users need to be cautious when handling PST files. These files can be fragile and easily corrupted, so it's crucial to handle these files with care, make sure to have backups, and avoid situations where PST files might be overused or damaged, such as network access or oversized PST.

How to export Gmail to PST?

Exporting Gmail to PST can be achieved through various manual methods. However, most of these solutions are indirect and lengthy. In this guide, you'll learn how to manually export Gmail emails to PST and a more straightforward approach to export Gmail to PST using the Gmail Backup tool.

How to export Gmail to PST manually?

To export Gmail to PST manually, you can choose any manual method. We will use one of the most trusted manual methods to perform this task. With the help of this, you can quickly export Gmail emails to PST format.

Method 1: Import Gmail to Outlook PST

In this method, we will configure Gmail in Outlook. After that, we will export PST using MS Outlook. This method is also known as import Gmail to Outlook. This method has four steps. To execute this solution, follow the steps below.

Please note that to execute this method, you need to have Outlook installed on your machine.

Step 1: Enable IMAP Protocol from Gmail

1. Sign in to your Gmail account
2. Click on the settings icon and select the Settings option
3. Select the Forwarding and POP/ IMAP tab
4. Enable the IMAP option and click on the Save changes button.

Step 2: Generate Gmail app password

Many users complain that they can't configure Gmail in Outlook. The main reason for this is a change in Gmail settings. Previously, users had to enable less secure app access. But not now. The user must generate a Gmail app password. This password is different from your Gmail password. To generate an app password, one can follow the steps given below.

1. Go to https://myaccount.google.com/
2. Click on the Security option and enable 2-step verification
3. Click on the Security option and select the App Password
4. Log in to your Gmail account again.
5. From the app option, select other (custom name)
6. Enter MS Outlook and click on the Generate button
7. Copy the generated App Password

Step 3: Connect Gmail in Outlook

1. Launch MS Outlook
2. Go to the File option
3. Click on the Add Account button.
4. Enter your name, Gmail email address, App password, and re-enter your App password
5. Click on the Next button.
6. After the verification process, you will receive a successful message.
7. After that, Outlook will download Gmail emails. You can see your Gmail mailbox on the left pane.

Step 4: Export PST from Outlook

1. Go to the File option
2. Select Open & Export and choose the Import/Export option
3. From the Import and Export Wizard, select Export to a file and click on the Next button
4. From the Export to a File window, select Outlook Data File (.pst) and click on the Next button
5. Select Gmail Folders you want to export
6. Select the Include Subfolders checkbox and click on the Next button
7. Click on the Browse, provide a location to save a new PST file, and click on the OK button
8. Select Do not export duplicate items and click on the Finish button.

Using this manual method, you can export Gmail to PST. However, this method is long and time-consuming. If you are looking for an easy way to export Gmail emails to PST, try third-party export Gmail emails to PST tool.

Export Gmail to PST using the Gmail Email backup tool

Here, we are going to use SysCurve Gmail Backup tool. With the help of this software, you can quickly export Gmail to PST without Outlook. To execute this method, follow the steps below.

1. Go to https://myaccount.google.com/
2. Click on the Security option and enable 2-step verification. If you have already enabled the 2-step authentication, skip this step.
3. Click on the Security option and select the App Password.
4. Sign in to your Gmail account again
5. Select the other (custom name) as an app option
6. Enter the Gmail to PST export tool and click on the Generate button
7. Download and install the SysCurve Gmail to PST export tool
8. Open the software, and enter the Gmail email address and app password you just generated.
9. Click on the Connect to my Gmail account button.
10. Select the All Folder option and choose PST as an Export option
11. Click on the Browse button, and provide a destination path to save the PST file.
12. Click on the Process Now button.

Using this tool, you can quickly export Gmail emails to PST format. After the process, you can open the output PST with any version of MS Outlook.

Other Helpful Features

• Export Gmail to PST, MBOX, EML, MSG, and other file formats.
• Export selected Gmail Folders
• Maintain original folder structure
• Preserve mail properties
• Export the first 10 items per folder for free
• Simple User Interface
• Support all versions of MS Outlook
• Compatible with Windows OS

Frequently Asked Questions

The Final Word

Exporting Gmail to PST might seem like a complex process initially. However, armed with the right knowledge and tools, it becomes quite straightforward and quick. The SysCurve Gmail to Outlook migration tool enables you to convert your Gmail data to PST effortlessly, offering numerous benefits such as unified data access, improved data security, offline data accessibility, and smooth data migration. Whether you're a professional seeking to simplify your email management or an everyday user aiming to backup your data, this guide is your companion for a simpler journey.

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