Transferring Outlook 2013/2016 Folders and Contacts to Outlook Classic 2021

Did you install office and is classic Outlook installed? If not, get it from https://support.microsoft.com/office/install-or-reinstall-classic-outlook-on-a-windows-pc-5c94902b-31a5-4274-abb0-b07f4661edf5 - classic Outlook had the icon with the flat top, new Outlook has an open envelope flap at the top of the icon.

What type of email account do you have configured in Outlook? POP, IMAP, Outlook.com, or Microsoft Exchange?

If you use POP or have PST files, copy them to the new computer and open in classic Outlook using file > Open & Export > Open Outlook data file.

If you use IMAP or exchange accounts, the mail is on the server - and for exchange, calendar & contacts - you just need to add the accounts to outlook.

If you use an IMAP account and have calendar & contacts in folder named “(This computer only)" you will need to export them to CSVB files and import on the new computer.

Hi Lynda,

Thank you for your question! To transfer all folders and contacts from Outlook 2013/2016 to Classic Outlook 2021 on Windows 11 (without using Outlook 365 or the new Outlook), the recommended method is to export your data to a PST file from the old Outlook and then import it into Outlook 2021. Below are the steps:

Export Data from Outlook 2013/2016

1. Open Outlook 2013/2016.
2. Go to File → Open & Export → Import/Export.
3. Select Export to a file, then click Next.
4. Choose Outlook Data File (.pst) → Next.
5. Select your mailbox (top-level folder) and check Include subfolders.
6. Click Next, then Browse to choose where to save the PST file.
7. Click Finish. (Password is optional.)
8. Copy the PST file to your new Windows 11 device using a USB drive or secure transfer.

Import Data into Outlook 2021

1. Open Outlook 2021 (Classic).
2. Go to File → Open & Export → Import/Export.
3. Select Import from another program or file, then click Next.
4. Choose Outlook Data File (.pst) → Next.
5. Browse to the PST file you copied.
6. Choose how to handle duplicates (e.g., Replace duplicates with items imported).
7. Select the mailbox where you want the data imported.
8. Click Finish.

Check the People section in Outlook 2021 to confirm your contacts are present.

If contacts were exported separately as a CSV, import them via: File → Open & Export → Import/Export → Import from another program or file → Comma Separated Values.

Important Notes

• Rules, Views, and AutoArchive settings do not transfer with PST files and must be recreated manually.
• For POP accounts, ensure local folders are included in the export.
• Large mailboxes may take time to process, avoid interrupting the import.

If the issue persists or you want to provide more information, please let me know. I’ll be happy to guide you further if needed.

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Best regards,

Sin Dau

Hi Diane.

I have been busy on other things.

I will get back to you soon.

Thank you for your assistance.

Lynda

Thank you Sin Dau.

I will attempt to transfer the Classic Outlook 2013/2016 to the new Win 11 laptop on Monday.

I will let you know how it goes.

Thank you for your time.

Lynda