Change Outlook classic IMAP account to POP account

Simon A Scott 40 Reputation points
2026-03-24T13:33:03.1333333+00:00

I am trying to change my Outlook Classic IMAP account to a POP account.

I have set up a second email pst data file so that I can remove the original ost data file

But after 1 hour Outlook says my pst file is still being configured

What can I do or try?

Outlook | Windows | Classic Outlook for Windows | For home
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Answer accepted by question author
Kal-D 7,375 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
2026-03-24T20:53:29.4066667+00:00

Hi Simon A Scott,

In Outlook Classic, changing an account from IMAP to POP typically does not work reliably as an in‑place change. IMAP uses an OST file, while POP uses a PST, so when Outlook shows a message like “The .pst file is still being configured”, it usually means the new POP profile or PST has not finished initializing correctly.

Please try the steps below, in order:

  1. Confirm the actual account type

Go to File > Account Settings > Account Settings > Email and check the Type column.

  • If it still shows IMAP, the account has not actually switched. In that case, remove the account from the profile and add it again using manual POP setup.
  1. Start Outlook in Safe Mode

This helps check whether an add‑in is blocking the PST configuration.

  • Press Windows + R > Type outlook.exe /safe > Press Enter

If Outlook opens normally in Safe Mode, disable add‑ins and test again in normal mode.

  1. Create a new Outlook profile (recommended)

This is usually the cleanest and most reliable way to move from IMAP to POP in Outlook Classic.

  • Close Outlook
  • Open Control Panel > Mail > Show Profiles > Add > Create a new profile
  • Add the account there as POP using manual setup
  1. Test with a brand‑new PST

If Outlook still hangs:

  • In the new POP profile, let Outlook open with a new, empty PST first
  • If the empty PST opens normally, the previous PST may be damaged or stuck in configuration

If needed, you can run SCANPST on the PST file.

Note: make a copy of the PST before running any repair.

Before removing the old IMAP account or an OST‑based profile, please make sure any mail or folders you need are backed up, since POP and IMAP store mail differently.

If the issue continues, please reply with:

  • Whether the account currently shows as IMAP or POP
  • Whether Outlook opens normally in Safe Mode
  • The exact wording of the message you see

That will help narrow down the next step.

Please let me know if this proves useful to you, or if you would like further assistance.

I'm looking forward to your reply.

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AI answer

2026-03-24T13:33:25.6266667+00:00

To change from IMAP to POP in Outlook Classic, the IMAP account must be removed and re‑added as POP; the existing .ost/.pst cannot simply be “converted.” The “pst file is still being configured” message usually appears while the current profile is still tied to the IMAP account.

Use this approach instead:

  1. Exit Outlook.
  2. Open Control Panel → Mail → Show Profiles.
  3. Click Add, create a new profile name.
  4. Choose Manual setup or additional server types → Next.
  5. Select POP or IMAP → Next.
  6. Enter name and email address, and under Account Type choose POP3.
  7. Enter the POP3 Incoming and SMTP Outgoing server details from the mail provider, plus logon info.
  8. Click Next and let Outlook test the account until it completes successfully.
  9. Click Finish, then in Mail set “Always use this profile” to the new profile.
  10. Start Outlook with this new profile; it will use a POP‑based .pst automatically.

If the provider does not support POP3, POP cannot be used; keep using IMAP or follow the provider’s guidance.

References:

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