New Outlook will not add a data file

Question

New Outlook will not add a data file

TCATHF 175

I go to Settings/Files/Add Data File

A pop up window allows me to select the data file stored on my pc, and used in Classic Outlook.

I am returned to the add data file window in New Outlook, and nothing happens.

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Answer 1

Kayece Jan Mae Amizola 14,670 Independent Advisor

Hi,

If you are referring to the Outlook Data File (.pst), unfortunately, you cannot import the file into a new Outlook. Importing emails, contacts, and calendar items isn't available in the new Outlook at this time. It is only available for the Classic Outlook.

According to the Microsoft 365 Roadmap, this feature is still being developed and is expected to start rolling out in January 2026.

Source reference: Import email, contacts, and calendar from an Outlook .pst file

If you require further assistance, please don't hesitate to let me know.

Stay Safe!

Hornblower409 8,650 Reputation points

2025-10-31T07:34:01.9133333+00:00

Kayece Jan Mae Amizola

As I read the question, the OP is not asking about Importing a PST file. He is using the New Outlook for Windows App to attach a PST so the contents can be accessed.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/office/what-s-new-in-new-outlook-for-windows-c4c33813-1e9a-4304-8499-90fe7f164bd1
TCATHF 175 Reputation points

2025-10-31T22:49:41.6433333+00:00

That is correct. I wish to add a .pst file, in use with Office Outlook, to New Outlook using the add file option in New Outlook settings, but it doesn't work. I select Add File, I select the .pst file from the drop-down window, which closes immediately, and nothing happens.
Kayece Jan Mae Amizola 14,670 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2025-10-31T23:20:22.9733333+00:00

I see. Thank you for clarifying. You wanted to open the .pst files and not import. There are requirements for opening a .pst file. Please refer to the article here for the requirements: Open and find items in an Outlook Data File (.pst). Do all of the requirements apply?

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Hornblower409 8,650 Reputation points

2025-11-01T02:38:37.0266667+00:00

Kayece Jan Mae Amizola

The "link" to the article you referenced is not a link. Here is a URL
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/open-and-find-items-in-an-outlook-data-file-pst-2e2b55a4-f681-4b93-90cb-31d39349fb95

-- There are requirements for opening a .pst file.

In my experience, you do not get the [Add file] button enabled if your don't meet all the requirements. e.g.
TCATHF 175 Reputation points

2025-11-02T20:26:45.42+00:00

Can anyone please provide a clear explanation of the current situation with .pst files and New Outlook. I am running Windows Pro 64 bit, Classic Outlook in MS Office is 64 bit, New Outlook is 64 bit, yet I cannot add a .pst file. I can browse to find the file, and when I select it, the window closes, and the file is not added.
Hornblower409 8,650 Reputation points

2025-11-02T21:56:34.12+00:00

-- the current situation with .pst files and New Outlook

For me, with the same setup as yours, it is working exactly as it should. I can add the PST file to New Outlook and it shows up as a "top level folder" in my Folders Pane.
Hornblower409 8,650 Reputation points

2025-11-02T22:04:18.3766667+00:00

As a test - Toggle into Classic Outlook and try to add the PST there. (If there is aproblem with the PST, Classic has better diagnostics than New Outlook).

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/open-and-close-outlook-data-files-pst-381b776d-7511-45a0-953a-0935c79d24f2#id0ebbf=classic_outlook

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/open-and-find-items-in-an-outlook-data-file-pst-2e2b55a4-f681-4b93-90cb-31d39349fb95#id0ebd=classic_outlook
TCATHF 175 Reputation points

2025-11-02T22:35:11.1166667+00:00

I've tried your suggestions but whatever I try, I cannot add a .pst Data File. I can add, remove, open, and close, data files in Classic Outlook. I have run Scanpst on the data file and it said it had found problems, so I repaired it, but it made no difference.
Hornblower409 8,650 Reputation points

2025-11-03T00:40:35.9166667+00:00

TCATHF,

All I can suggest is to contact Microsoft Support directly.

MS 365 General (Work or Personal)
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/support

MS 365 Admin Support
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/admin/get-help-support
TCATHF 175 Reputation points

2025-11-03T01:35:27.54+00:00

I do not get the above screen, but the add file button is available. My installation meets the requirements, both versions of outlook are 64bit. As I have said, I select add file, I browse to Documents/Outlook Files and select a .pst file, the window then closes immediately and I am returned to the Outlook Data Files screen.
TCATHF 175 Reputation points

2025-11-03T01:39:23.9333333+00:00

I'll try MS Support for Office 365.

I did manage to get New Oulook to load a pst file, by adding it in the control panel/mail/data files tab, but New Outlook wouldn't open it.

Thanks for your help
TCATHF 175 Reputation points

2025-11-04T03:37:25.57+00:00

In answer to Kayece Jan Mae Amizola Yes all conditions apply.

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New Outlook will not add a data file

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