How to Export Gmail to PST - A Complete Guide

Dec 22, 2023 | By Deepak Singh Bisht

In today's fast-paced digital environment, the importance of data security and easy access to important information can't be overstated. Many people are looking for reliable ways to backup Gmail emails into PST. If you're among those seeking a secure method to preserve your Gmail messages, converting them into PST files could be an ideal solution. PST, which stands for Personal Storage Table, is a format used by Microsoft Outlook to store email data, offering a great way to keep your emails both safe and easily accessible.

If you're wondering how to export Gmail to PST, you're in the right place. This guide is crafted to walk you through the process of exporting Gmail emails to PST in a straightforward, easy-to-understand manner. We'll first delve into the advantages of converting your Gmail emails to PST format, highlighting how it can benefit you. Then, we'll provide a detailed, step-by-step approach to help you achieve this task on your own. Whether your primary concern is to prevent losing access to your emails or to establish a more secure storage method, this guide is designed to address your needs and empower you with the knowledge to manage your email data efficiently.

Why export Gmail emails to PST?

Gmail is a popular email service widely used for personal communication. It's free and offers the convenience of accessing your emails from anywhere. However, when it comes to managing a large volume of emails, especially in a professional context, Gmail alone might not be enough.

That's where Microsoft Outlook comes into play. Outlook is great for managing multiple email accounts in one place, making it easier to organize both personal and work emails. For those who use Gmail for personal purposes and other services for work, Outlook can be a game-changer in keeping everything streamlined. To integrate Gmail with Outlook, users export their emails to a format known as PST. PST, or Personal Storage Table, is the file format that Outlook uses to store data like emails, contacts, and calendars.

There are other reasons too why people might want to export Gmail emails to PST. For example, if someone is changing jobs and they want to take their emails with them, exporting to PST makes it easy to move everything over. Or, if they just want to make a backup of their emails in case something goes wrong, like accidentally deleting an email or losing access to their Gmail account, having a PST file means they still have all their important emails saved.

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.


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Export Gmail emails to PST, EML, MBOX, MSG, and other file formats.


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.

Note: To execute this method, you need to have Outlook installed on your machine.

Step 1: Enable IMAP in 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: Add Gmail Account to 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 successfully export Gmail to PST. However, it's important to note that this method can be quite long and time-consuming, especially if you're dealing with a large volume of emails. For those who are seeking a quicker and more streamlined approach, third-party tools designed to export Gmail emails to PST can be a great alternative.

One such tool that you might consider is the SysCurve Gmail Backup tool. This software is specifically designed to simplify the process of exporting your Gmail emails to PST. It offers a more user-friendly interface and can handle large amounts of data more efficiently than the manual method. This can save you a considerable amount of time and effort, making it a practical choice for both personal and professional use.

Method 2: Export Gmail to PST using the Gmail Email backup tool

If you're not keen on using the manual method and are looking for a simpler, more direct way to export your Gmail emails to PST, the SysCurve Gmail Backup tool is an excellent alternative. This software is designed to make the export process quick and straightforward. 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.

By following these steps, the SysCurve Gmail Backup tool efficiently exports your Gmail emails into a PST file. After the process is complete, you can access the exported PST file using any version of Microsoft Outlook. This method is particularly useful for those who prefer a straightforward and less time-consuming approach compared to manual methods.

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

How to export selected Gmail folders to PST?

With the help of the SysCurve Gmail to PST export tool, you can quickly export selected folders to PST format. To perform this task, follow the steps given below.

  1. Download, install and open the SysCurve Gmail Email Backup tool
  2. Enter your Gmail email address and Gmail App password. If you do not have an App password, then generate one.
  3. Click the Connect to my Gmail account button.
  4. Select folders you want to export
  5. Choose PST as an Export option
  6. Click on the Browse button and provide a path to save the PST file.
  7. Click on the Process Now button.

Can I export my business Gmail account to PST?

No, the SysCurve Gmail to PST Export tool is designed only to export personal @gmail.com accounts. It doesn't support business or enterprise Gmail accounts, which may require different methods or tools for exporting.

Is there a mailbox size limit for exporting?

There is no size limit when using the Gmail to PST Converter tool. It can handle exporting Gmail mailboxes of any size. However, keep in mind that very large mailboxes might take more time to export and result in large PST files.

Is there a free Gmail Backup tool?

No. There are no free tools for exporting Gmail emails to PST. For a free solution, you can use the manual method, although it's more time-consuming. If you are searching for a simple and secure way to perform this task, try the SysCurve Gmail to PST Converter.

Does this software require MS Outlook installation?

No, the SysCurve Gmail Backup tool operates independently and doesn't require MS Outlook or any other software to be installed on your system. It is a standalone tool specifically designed for exporting Gmail emails to PST.

Can I use this software on a Mac?

The SysCurve Gmail to PST Export Tool is exclusively designed for Windows operating systems and is not compatible with Mac.

Does this software only export to PST?

No. With the help of this tool, you can also export Gmail to MBOX, EML, MSG, and other formats.

Will the exported PST files be compatible with all versions of Outlook?

Yes, the exported PST files can be opened with any version of MS Outlook.

Can I use this software to backup Gmail emails?

Yes, exporting your Gmail to PST can serve as a backup. You can store the PST file in a safe location and import it into Outlook if needed.

Does the software maintain the original formatting of emails?

Yes, the Gmail Backup software preserves the original formatting and attributes of your emails during the export process.

Can I export large mailboxes manually?

Yes, you can manually export large mailboxes using the manual method. However, be aware that this can be time-intensive and may result in large PST files, which could be challenging to manage and store.

How long does the manual export process take?

The duration of the manual export process varies depending on the size of your Gmail mailbox and the performance of your computer and internet connection. Larger mailboxes and slower systems or connections will increase the time required for the export.

Is Microsoft Outlook required for the manual method to export Gmail to PST?

Yes, to manually export Gmail emails to PST, Microsoft Outlook is essential. The manual process involves using Outlook's capabilities to import your Gmail account and then export the emails to a PST file.

The Final Word

Exporting your Gmail emails to PST is a smart move for keeping your important emails safe and organized. If you want a quick way to export Gmail to PST without Outlook, the SysCurve Gmail to PST export tool is a great choice. It's easy to use: just download the tool, enter your Gmail details, and let it do the work. You don't need Outlook for this, which makes it super handy.

For those who like doing things manually and have Outlook, you can also export Gmail emails to PST by setting up your Gmail account in Outlook and then exporting the emails. This takes a bit more time but it's a good option if you're comfortable using Outlook.

So, whether you pick the quick and easy SysCurve tool or go for the manual way in Outlook, both methods will help you keep your emails in a safe place. This guide is here to make sure you can handle your email data easily and worry-free.

The Author

Deepak Singh Bisht

Deepak Singh Bisht

Content Lead |

Deepak Singh Bisht is a dedicated IT professional with over 9 years of experience, is a key member at SysCurve Software for the last 5 years. His expertise lies in email migration and data recovery, with a focus on technologies like MS Outlook and Office 365. Deepak, who also delves into front-end technology and software development, holds a Bachelor's degree in Computer Applications.

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