Microsoft Outlook is now the most preferred and used email client by organizations to get connected with teams and clients. When it comes to business, every bit of data matters, and Outlook stores its data in PST format—keeping Outlook files and emails secure means saving PST files from data corruption and managing them effectively.
To manage Outlook files, users should first know PST file location and how to move them from one place to another. Managing PST files is a hectic task, but knowing the correct method will be a cakewalk. In this write-up, I’ll list every aspect of PST file management, including where Outlook stores PST files and how you can move them to another computer.
Why do Users need to know the PST file location?
Before we know where Outlook files are stored, let’s first know the reasons behind the Outlook PST file location. Honestly, there are several reasons why users often need to know the PST file, including but not limited to the.
- Backup and Recovery: Backing up the PST file is like insurance against data loss and accidental deletion. Knowing the PST file location allows users to regularly back up their PST files.
- Migration: There are several reasons for which users may need to move their PST file from one storage device to another; reasons could be anything, including job change, employee resignation, etc.
- Storage Management: Microsoft suggests users keep their PST files below 50 GB as larger files are prone to corruption. Organizations often need to split PST files and keep them smaller in size to keep PST files secure.
- Access Control: We live in the digital world, and privacy is a big concern nowadays. Many users prefer to change the location of PST files to control unauthorized access to them.
So, these are the few of many reasons for which users should their PST file location. Now, let’s move on to our main topic, which: Where Outlook stores PST files.
Where are Outlook PST Files Stored in Windows 10, 11, and Other Versions?
By default, Outlook stores PST files in different locations; the location of the PST file depends on the Outlook version and Windows operating system. Below are the default locations of the PST files in different Outlook versions.
| Outlook Version | Windows Version | PST File Location |
|---|---|---|
| Outlook 2000, 2003, 2007 | Windows XP | C:\Documents and Settings\UserName\Local Settings\Application Data\ Microsoft Outlook |
| Outlook 2007 | Windows Vista Windows 7 Windows 8 Windows 8.1 Windows 10 Windows 11 | C:\Users\UserName\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook |
| Outlook 2010 | Windows XP | My Documents\Outlook Files |
| Outlook 2010 | Windows Vista Windows 7 Windows 8 Windows 8.1 Windows 10 Windows 11 | Documents\Outlook Files |
| Outlook 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021 | Windows Vista Windows 7 Windows 8 Windows 8.1 Windows 10 Windows 11 | C:\Users\UserName\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook |
If you can’t locate your PST file from the above table, don’t worry. Outlook provides a few options that you can easily use to access the Outlook PST file location.
Use Outlook options to Locate PST files
The below steps are for Outlook 2013, 2016, 2019, and 2021 to find where Outlook stores PST files.
Outlook PST file location in Outlook 2013, 2016, 2019 and 2021
- Open Microsoft Outlook in your system.
- Now click on the File option from the ribbon bar.
- After that, click on Account Settings, and from the dropdown, again click on the Account Setting option.
- Now, from the Account Settings window, go to the Data Files tab. You’ll see your PST file; click on the Open file location.
- Now, Outlook will redirect you to the PST file location.
It is very simple to find where Outlook files are stored, and anyone can easily pursue the process. However, the question now is, can we change the location of PST? There are several instances when users need to change the location of their PST file.
The answer is that users can easily change the PST file location if their PST files are healthy, and there are several ways to do so.
Change PST file location using Registry editor
- Press the Windows +R key simultaneously, type Regedit in the text box, and then press enter.
- Now navigate to the HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\15.0\Outlook registry key.
- Right-click on Outlook and click on the New > Expandable String Value.
- The following is to name the registry file ForcePSTPath.
- Right-click on the ForcePSTPath and click on Modify.
- Now, in the Value data field, enter the new location where you want to shift your PST file.
- Click OK, then close the Registry Editor and restart your system.
“Remember, the manual method only works if you have access to Outlook and your PST files are in a healthy state. Otherwise, there is no manual method that can be used to change the PST file location. Fortunately, there is a tool named Shoviv PST repair tool that allows users to manage their PST files.”
The tool is capable of recovering corrupt PST files and moving them from one location to another even without Outlook. Several professionals and enterprises have the tool in their bucket list as it has several user-centric features, such as Splitting PST files, filtering PST files, processing multiple PST files, converting PST to multiple file formats, migrating PST to a cloud server, etc.
Conclusion
Managing PST files is crucial for maintaining the integrity and security of Outlook data. Whether it’s for backup and recovery, migration, storage management, or access control, knowing the PST file location is essential. This blog has provided comprehensive insights into where Outlook stores PST files in various Windows versions and how users can easily locate them through Outlook options. Additionally, it has addressed the common query of whether users can change the location of their PST, offering a manual method using the Registry editor and highlighting the importance of having healthy PST files for this process. Lastly, it introduced a solution, the Shoviv PST repair tool, as a convenient option for managing PST files. Shoviv PST repair tool also comes in a free version that can be used to evaluate the software skills and compatibilities before making any investment.
Answered Frequently Asked Questions:
A: Yes, you can change the location of your PST file using the Registry editor method outlined in the blog. However, ensure that your PST file is healthy for this process to be successful.
A: Knowing the PST file location is crucial for backup and recovery, migration, storage management, and access control purposes. It allows users to efficiently manage their Outlook data and ensure its security.
A: If you cannot find the PST file location using the default locations, you can use the Outlook options to locate it easily. The blog provides step-by-step instructions for finding the PST file location in Outlook.
A: The Shoviv PST repair tool offers a comprehensive solution for managing PST files. It can recover corrupt PST files, move them to another location, split PST files, filter them, process multiple PST files simultaneously, convert PST to various file formats, and migrate PST files into cloud servers, among other features. It’s a versatile tool suitable for both individual and enterprise use.
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