Best way to Convert PST to CSV Securely – Get Started Today

Written By Rohan Wiese
Updated on November 8th, 2025

Steffi’s Query: I need to convert PST to CSV for analyzing Outlook data and attachments to get the relevant insights out of it. Is there any secure way to do the same?

Summary: PST files are basically the MS Outlook-generated files that contain email, attachments, contacts, etc., of a particular user. However, this file format is limited to MS Outlook only and is difficult to analyze. Hence, it becomes essential to convert PST files to CSV for better accessibility, analysis, and portability of data. To perform this conversion easily and secretly, this blog introduces you to two effective methods, including the manual method and Aryson PST Converter, to allow even beginners to perform the conversion.

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Table of Contents

Understanding the Need to Convert PST to CSV

Before performing the actual conversion, it is important to first understand the reasons behind the PST to CSV conversion. Some of those reasons are listed below:

To analyze emails in MS Excel or Google Sheets in a better way.
For backing up data in a simple, readable format.
For importing Outlook data into other applications or databases.
For reporting or audit purposes (easy filtering and sorting).
To extract contacts or email lists from Outlook PST files.

Top Two Solutions to Convert PST Files to CSV

Now, let’s discuss the top two ways of PST to CSV conversion in detail. Read the pros and cons of both methods carefully to choose either one of them as per your needs and convenience.

Manual Approach
Automated Software

Method 1: Convert PST file to CSV manually

The manual method involves the MS Outlook application. Therefore, it is a must to install it if you want to proceed with this approach only. In case the user does not have MS Outlook installed on their system, they can’t proceed with this method.

Steps to manually convert PST to CSV format are as follows:

Start the Microsoft Outlook application on your PC.
Then, navigate to the File tab and click on the Open & Export button.
After that, under Import/Export, choose the Export to a file option
There, you have to select CSV as the export format.
Next, pick the PST contacts folder you want to export. You can export one folder at a time.
Provide the destination path to save the resultant CSV file.
At last, click the Finish button to start converting the Outlook PST File into CSV File.

Pitfalls of Manual Conversion

This method requires the installation of Microsoft Outlook.
There is a high risk of data loss and corruption in case of Outlook crashes.
Users can’t perform bulk conversion of PST files.
It is a very time-consuming method for voluminous data.
The user must have an active Outlook profile.

Considering all the drawbacks of the manual method above, let me introduce you to an alternative method, i.e, an automated software for a more convenient and quicker conversion.

Method 2: Automated Software to Convert PST to CSV

The Aryson PST Converter is the most reliable and quickest software to convert PST files to CSV. This software keeps all the selected emails, attachments, and formatting intact during the conversion. Not only the CSV format, but it can also convert PST to MSG, DOC, DOCX, EML, EMLX, etc. file formats as well. Moreover, it keeps the directory structure as the original one after conversion. Additionally, this software provides various advanced filters to the user, which makes the conversion even quicker and convenient. The user-friendly GUI and intuitive interface of this software allow even beginners to convert PST files to CSV format in just a few seconds.

Quick Steps to Convert Outlook PST to CSV format

To begin, download and open the Aryson PST Converter on your existing PC.

Then, click Select Files/Folders to add the desired PST files.

Now, expand the tree hierarchy to select PST files for conversion and preview them.

Next, select CSV as the desired output file format.

Use the additional filters provided as per your needs and convenience.

Provide the path to save the resultant file & hit the Convert Button.

Conclusion

As the PST file format is limited to Outlook only, it is important to convert PST to CSV for better accessibility, data analysis, backup, and portability. Therefore, we discussed two different methods for PST to CSV conversion in the blog above. While the manual method is suitable for a smaller number of emails and attachments, the automated software offers a quick conversion. Even if you are a complete beginner, no need to restrict yourself to performing a conversion. The automated software will help you at each step of conversion.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q.1 Why should I convert a PST file to CSV?

Ans- You must convert PST to CSV for better accessibility, data analysis, backup, and portability of your Outlook emails and attachments.

Q.2 Can I convert PST to CSV without Outlook?

Ans- Yes, you can convert PST to CSV without Outlook, using the Aryson PST Converter.

Q.3 Which is the best PST to CSV converter tool?

Ans- Aryson PST Converter is the best software to export PST to CSV.

Q.4 Can I convert multiple PST files to CSV at once?

Ans- Yes, you can convert multiple PST files to CSV at once, with the help of Aryson PST Converter.

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About The Author:

Rohan Wiese

As a lead technical writer, I know the technical problems faced by office and professional users. So, I decided to share all my technical knowledge through this blog. I love helping you with tough challenges when dealing with technical issues.