Quick Guide to Convert Outlook PST Files to ICS Calendar File

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  • Updated on
    October 30th, 2025
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    5 minutes
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Summary: Do you want to convert PST to ICS to make Outlook calendar events compatible with other calendar apps or devices? Thus, this is the article for you. Here, we will discuss the top tried & tested method of this migration. Moreover, we will cover the manual & free approaches along with the best PST converter tool. Before that, we will walk you through the main reasons and the prerequisites for this conversion. 

Key Reasons to Convert Outlook PST Files to ICS Files

Although it’s important to keep your data saved as PST, moving it to ICS files is very crucial for businesses. 

  • This migration will liberate your schedule from Outlook’s proprietary prison.
  • Plus, it will transform your desktop-bound schedule into a universal key. Which unlocks your time on any device, in any app.
  • Moreover, to convert PST to ICS Calendar files will make the PST files a universal language. 
  • Additionally, this conversion stops your important dates from being held hostage by a single software’s future.
  • It will email your entire schedule as a simple file, letting others instantly warp your events into their own calendar.

Now, without any further ado, let’s uncover the top techniques. 

Advanced Frameworks to Convert PST to ICS

As you have taken a Backup of Outlook Emails as PST files. Now, let’s learn the techniques to move the ICS files. However, let’s dive into the checklist to ensure a hassle-free PST to ICS conversion. 

Prerequisites to Export PST to ICS File

We will divide this checklist into three sections: Prior, During & After

Pre-ConversionDuringAfter-Conversion
Install Outlook and locate your PST file.Open Outlook and load your PST file.Check the ICS file in a calendar app & verify events and times are correct.
Additionally, Back up your PST file firstGo to Calendar and select your events.Plus, import to your new calendar platform.
Moreover, ensure Outlook is closed.Export using Save As and choose ICS format.Keep a backup of the ICS file.

This checklist will help you keep your PST file data safe. 

 01: Free Way to Convert PST to ICS

This is the most direct and reliable free method, but it requires a working installation of Microsoft Outlook.

Steps to Convert PST File to ICS

  1. First, open Outlook with your PST file loaded.
  2. Then, navigate to Calendar and select your events.
  3. Next, go to File > Save Calendar.
  4. Choose your save location and filename.
  5. Importantly, select iCalendar Format (*.ics) from the file type dropdown.
  6. Finally, click Save to complete the export.

Now, you have moved all your PST events to the ICS Calendar. However, this method exports calendar data only. Emails, contacts, and tasks from the PST file cannot be converted this way.

02: Pro Way to Save PST Calendar to ICS

If you want to convert all your PST files without Outlook installed, this method is best for you.  Here we will use Cigati PST Converter, an ultimate tool that aids in keeping the data integrity of your PST data. 

Top Features of PST to ICS File Converter 

  • Convert multiple calendars at once with date/calendar filters.
  • Preserves events, reminders, attendees, and metadata perfectly.
  • Review and choose specific items before exporting.
  • Keeps your original Outlook calendar hierarchy intact.
  • Handles large files quickly without data loss or alteration.
  • Imports PST to multiple Email clients such as Windows Live Mail and others. 

Easy Steps to Convert PST to ICS

  1. Launch the tool and begin by selecting your target PST file.
  2. Journey through your data, previewing and selecting the perfect calendar folder.
  3. With a simple click, choose ICS as your destination format.
  4. Customize your voyage by applying filters and selecting a save location.
  5. Finally, cast off by hitting Convert to complete your digital transformation.

Now,  you have simply migrated all your PST Calendar data to ICS. However, with this tool you can save your PST files in multiple other file formats such as convert PST to VCF, EML, PDF & more. 

Conclusion

Data migration isn’t just about conversion; it’s about creating accessibility, portability, and freedom for your digital life. Thus, it is essential for every business and individual to convert PST to ICS files. Therefore, in this blog, we have covered both free & professional approaches for the same. The free method is best for individual users with small data. However, this method will only move your events, not other information. Moreover, if you have a large data, you must opt for the Cigati PST Converter. This user-friendly software ensures a hassle-free PST file conversion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1:  Can I export only calendar data from a PST file?

Ans: Yes, select the Calendar folder in Outlook’s Import/Export Wizard or use a PST to ICS converter to extract only calendar data.

Q2: Is there a way to convert PST to ICS without Outlook?

Ans: Yes, tools like the Cigati PST Converter allow you to convert PST files to ICS without Outlook installation.

About The Author

Rohit Singh is an Email Backup, Recovery, and Migration Expert with over 6 years of experience in the software industry. He specializes in data migration solutions for Microsoft Outlook, Office 365, Google Workspace, and other popular email clients. Rohit regularly shares practical insights and technical guides to help users simplify complex email management tasks.

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