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Where Does Outlook Store Pst Files?

Are you an Outlook user who’s looking to better understand the storage of PST files? If so, then you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the storage of PST files in Outlook, including where they’re stored, how they’re organized, and other important information. By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of how Outlook stores your PST files. So let’s get started!

Where Does Outlook Store Pst Files?

Source: howtogeek.com

Where is Outlook Storing PST Files?

Microsoft Outlook is a powerful personal information manager used by many people to store emails, contacts, calendar entries and more. Outlook stores all this information in a file known as a Personal Storage Table (PST). These PST files can be stored in different places, depending on the version of Outlook and the type of installation. In this article, we’ll take a look at where Outlook stores PST files and how to find them.

PST files are stored in a user’s profile folder. On Windows, the profile folder is located in C:\Users\\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook. On Mac, it is located in ~/Library/Application Support/Microsoft/Outlook. If you’re using a non-default installation of Outlook, the files will be stored in a different folder.

Outlook 2010 and Later

In Outlook 2010 and later, Microsoft changed the way PST files are stored. By default, Outlook stores PST files in the user’s Documents/Outlook Files folder. If a PST file is created in Outlook, it will be stored there. If the user moves the PST file to a different location, Outlook will continue to use that location.

Outlook 2007 and Earlier

In Outlook 2007 and earlier, PST files are stored in the user’s profile folder. The exact location of the profile folder varies depending on the operating system and the type of installation. On Windows, the profile folder is located in C:\Users\\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook. On Mac, it is located in ~/Library/Application Support/Microsoft/Outlook.

Finding PST Files

If you’re not sure where your PST files are located, you can use Windows Explorer or Finder to search for them. In Windows Explorer, go to the profile folder and search for files with the .pst extension. In Finder, search for files with the .olm extension.

Backup and Restore

If you’re worried about losing your PST files, you should back them up regularly. This can be done by copying the files to an external hard drive or cloud storage service. To restore a PST file, simply copy it back to the profile folder.

Managing PST Files

If you want to manage your PST files, you can use the Import and Export Wizard in Outlook. This allows you to import and export PST files, as well as create new ones and delete existing ones.

Using PST Files on Multiple Computers

If you need to use your PST files on multiple computers, you can copy them to a USB drive or other external storage device. You can then copy the files to the profile folder on the other computer and open them in Outlook.

Conclusion

Microsoft Outlook stores PST files in different locations, depending on the version of Outlook and the type of installation. PST files can be backed up and restored, and can even be used on multiple computers. With a little bit of knowledge, you can easily manage and locate your PST files.

Top 6 Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: What are PST files?

Answer: PST files, also known as Personal Storage Table files, are the primary data file type used by Microsoft Outlook. They store emails, contacts, tasks, calendar events, notes, and other Outlook items. PST files are generally stored in a local file system and can be used to transfer emails and other Outlook items from one computer to another.

Question 2: What is the default location for Outlook PST files?

Answer: The default location for Outlook PST files is the Documents folder. The full path is usually ‘C:\Users\username\Documents\Outlook Files’. However, users can also store their PST files in a different location, such as a network location, or their OneDrive or Dropbox account.

Question 3: How do I find the location of my PST files?

Answer: To find the location of your PST files, open Outlook and go to File > Account Settings > Account Settings. In the Account Settings window, select the Data Files tab and it will list the location of the Outlook PST files.

Question 4: How do I back up my PST files?

Answer: To back up your PST files, you can manually copy them to an external drive or cloud storage account. Alternatively, you can use Microsoft’s built-in backup utility in Outlook to automatically back up your PST files. To do so, go to File > Options > Advanced, select the AutoArchive Settings button, and check the “Backup data before AutoArchiving” box.

Question 5: How do I create a new PST file?

Answer: To create a new PST file in Outlook, open the Account Settings window and select the Data Files tab. Then click the Add button and select Outlook Data File from the drop-down menu. This will create a new PST file that you can use to store emails, contacts, and other Outlook items.

Question 6: How do I delete a PST file?

Answer: To delete a PST file, open the Account Settings window and select the Data Files tab. Then select the PST file you want to delete and click the Remove button. This will delete the PST file from Outlook, but the file will still remain in your computer’s file system. To delete the file from your computer, you will need to manually delete it from the file system.

HOWTO import / export PST files in Microsoft Outlook 365

The answer to where Outlook stores PST files is not a simple one, as the location of PST files can vary depending on the version of Outlook you are using and the type of installation you have chosen. However, with a bit of effort, you can find the location of your PST files, regardless of the version of Outlook you are using. Once you have located your PST files, you can back them up to ensure their safety and make sure that your Outlook data is always secure.