How to Change Outlook PST File Location | Step-by-Step Guide

Why Do Users Need to Change Location of Outlook Data Files?

Well, there are a few reasons why one would want to change the location of PST. Have a look:

1. When multiple users need to access the same Outlook data, users relocate the PST file to a shared network location or external servers for remote access.
2. It is beneficial to backup the PST file in a location that is part of your regular backup routine.
3. If your primary drive is nearly full, Outlook’s performance can suffer. Therefore, storing your PST file on a different drive may help speed up its performance.
4. Storing your PST file on a different drive may safeguard your Outlook data from being affected during a system crash.

How To Find the Outlook PST File Location?

To change the Outlook PST file location, we have to first find the location of the PST file. There are in total 3 ways to find the PST File location. Let’s go through them one by one:

Default Location of PST File

Manually access the default PST File location according to your version of Windows or Outlook:

Use Outlook Tool to Find the PST File Location

Here’s how the Outlook tool helps users locate PST files, with a step-by-step process for each Outlook version:

Note: With the help of the SysInfo Outlook PST Converter, you can automatically locate all PST files on your system, no matter their location. If Outlook access is unavailable and you can’t find the PST file location, use this software. It automatically detects PST files from its default directory and also allows you to search for them anywhere.

How To Change PST File Location in Outlook?

Following are the number of ways by which one can change Outlook PST file location.

Method 1: Use Symlink to Outlook Change PST File Location

1. Before starting the process, make sure no Outlook processes are running.
2. Firstly, find your PST File. (use any of the methods mentioned above)
3. Copy-paste the PST File to your preferred location.
4. Now, open the Console Window. Run the command –

mklink “C:\Users\[Your Username]\Documents\Outlook Files\Outlook.pst” “D:\Outlook_Data\Outlook.pst”strong>

5. Open Outlook and it will automatically use the PST file from the new location via the symbolic link.

Method 2: Use the Control Panel to Change PST File Location

1. First of all, make sure you properly exit Outlook.
2. Open Control Panel >> Search Mail >> Click Mail.
3. Click Show Profiles. Select your profile and then click Properties.
4. Now, click on Data Files, choose your account, and click Remove.
5. Next, move the PST file to your desired location.
6. Click Add. Choose the newly added PST file and Set as default.
7. Now, restart Outlook.

Method 3: Change Outlook PST File Location by Moving

1. Close Outlook.
2. Locate your PST File on your system.
3. Move the PST file to a new location.
4. Open Outlook. If it prompts an error,
1. Click OK. Now, navigate to the new location.
2. Select the relocated PST file and click OK.
5. Open Outlook. Go to File >> Account Settings >> Account Settings.
6. Open the Data Files tab. Select the newly moved PST file and Set as Default.
7. Tap Close.
8. At last, restart Outlook.

Method 4: Change Location of PST File By Using Registry Editor.

1. Close Outlook.
2. Open Windows Registry Editor.
1. Press Win+R >> type Regit >> hit Enter.
2. Navigate to: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\XX.0\Outlook
3. Right-click on the Outlook folder. Click New >> Expandable String Value.
4. Give the registry file name as ForcePSTPath.
5. Right-click on it and select Modify.
6. In the Value Data field, type the new PST location path.

We have now seen how to change Outlook PST file location manually by making use of different methods.

How to Convert PST to a Compatible Format?

If you are a non-Outlook user, accessing PST can be a challenge. Therefore, converting them to a widely compatible and easily accessible format can help. Use the SysInfo PST Converter Tool to convert PST files to any desired format such as PDF, DOC, TXT, MSG, HTML, etc. It also supports batch conversion without any data loss. In addition to this, if you are updating your address book or moving to another platform, you can export contacts from Outlook to CSV.

Conclusion

Finding the location of your PST file isn’t that difficult. Following a few simple steps as mentioned above will make it easy for you to find and change Outlook PST file location. Although it does require a little bit of technical know-how it does the job perfectly. Coming to a more automated way, we can use a SysInfo PST Converter Tool, which can directly convert PST to an easily accessible format.

Frequently Asked Questions

About The Author:

Simran Bhatia

Simran Bhatia is a technical content writer engaged in writing clear, concise, and SEO-optimized content. With a background in computer science and a passion for writing, I thrive to deliver complex technical content in simple layman terms.