How to Import PST to Office 365 With AzCopy

What does AzCopy do in a PST Import?

AzCopy uploads PST files from your PC or file share to a temporary Azure Storage location. Microsoft names this path network upload on its page for importing PST files with network upload.

AzCopy moves the files only. The mailbox import starts later as a separate step.

How do You Upload PST Files With the Command?

Method #1: AzCopy Upload (Free)

Who it suits. Admins with PST files on a PC or a file share. Extra application. AzCopy from the Import page.

1. Sign in to the Microsoft Purview portal and open the Import page.
2. Select New import job and enter a name.
3. Select Upload your data and then Next.
4. Select Show network upload SAS URL, copy it and save it in a safe place.
5. Select Download Azure AzCopy and save the file.
6. Open a command prompt in the AzCopy folder.

Enter the command with your own folder and SAS URL. Add double quotation marks around both values.

azcopy.exe copy "C:\PSTFiles" "<SAS URL>"
azcopy.exe copy "\\FILESERVER01\PSTFiles" "<SAS URL>"

The first command uploads a local folder. The second command uploads a folder on a network share.

Add a subfolder name after ingestiondata in the SAS URL to upload into a subfolder. Remember the exact spelling because the mapping file needs it later.

What do You Check Around the Upload?

• Protect the SAS URL like a password. The URL is unique to your organization.
• Use only the AzCopy version that the portal shows. Microsoft does not support other versions for this method.
• Use a folder as the source. A single file name fails.
• View the uploaded files in Azure Storage Explorer when you want a list. Storage Explorer cannot upload PST files.
• Use PST files of 20 GB or less for a smooth import.

Microsoft lists the file limits on its PST import overview page.

What Fixes AzCopy Upload Errors?

• An authorization error points to a bad SAS URL. Copy a fresh URL in the portal.
• A path error points to a missing quotation mark. Quote every path that holds a space.
• A connection error points to a firewall. Allow the Azure Storage endpoints.
• A missing file after the upload points to a wrong source folder. Check the path.
• A failed import later points to a damaged PST file. Repair the file first.

How do You Repair a Damaged PST Before the Upload?

Method #2: SysTools PST Repair (Paid)

Use it when. A PST file fails a check in Outlook or in the import. Extra application. Windows PC.

Start with Microsoft ScanPST. Microsoft describes the steps on its page for repairing Outlook data files.

Move to SysTools PST Repair when ScanPST cannot fix the file. Read the guide to ScanPST and professional repair tools for the comparison.

1. Start PST Repair and add the damaged PST file.
2. Scan the file and preview the folders.
3. Save the repaired data to a new PST file.
4. Upload the new file with the AzCopy command.

Test the demo before you buy.

Where Else do You Go From Here?

• Build the mapping file with the guide to the Office 365 PST import service.
• Compare other options in the guide to import PST files to Office 365.

Frequently Asked Questions

Author's Verdict

Use AzCopy from the portal and a folder source for every PST upload.

Repair any damaged PST file before the upload.

Key Takeaways

• AzCopy uploads the files and the import moves the data.
• The SAS URL works like a password.
• Use a folder as the source.

Related Guides

• Office 365 Azure PST Import Service
• Import PST Files to Office 365
• Professional PST Repair Tool vs ScanPST