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Written By
Ananya -
Published on
June 27th, 2017 -
Updated on
February 11, 2022 -
Read Time
6 minutes
Microsoft Outlook client creates Outlook data file, called PST or personal storage table, on a local computer system. It saves the PST files in two different formats: ANSI and Unicode. In Outlook 2002 and earlier versions, PST files are saved in ANSI format. In Outlook 2003 and later versions including the latest 2016, PST files are saved in Unicode format. Size limitation is the only difference between these two formats. An ANSI PST file can only store up to 2 GB of mailbox content. On the other hand, a Unicode PST file can store 20 to 50 GB mailbox content. In Outlook 2003, 2007 & 2010, the maximum size limitation is 20 GB. And in Outlook 2013 & 2016, the maximum size limitation is 50 GB. Now it’s clear that Unicode PST file provides you more storage space than ANSI PST.
These days, most Outlook users are using the latest versions. It means most of the Outlook users are using Unicode PST file format. Though it provides you with enough storage space, sometimes you may face size limitation issues. If the size of the PST file grows and reaches its maximum size, it may cause some serious problems for Outlook users. You’ll notice that the Outlook client starts hanging or crashing frequently. Sometimes you can face even the worst situation which is corruption. An oversized PST file is always prone to corruption. Being oversized means the PST file has reached or exceeded its maximum size limitation.
Corruption is not less than a nightmare for Outlook users. It can cause permanent data loss situations. In the case of minor corruption, you can use the scanpst.exe utility to repair the PST file. But if corruption is severe, the Inbox Repair tool can’t help you. You have to use a professional recovery tool that’ll cost you a lot of money. How about this if I show you an easy manual trick to increase Outlook mailbox size? By using that trick, you can easily increase PST file size without causing any alteration or damage.
I’ve heard this question thousand times so far. Most Outlook users stuck with PST file size limitation issues. They want to increase Outlook mailbox size limit so that they can store more mailbox content. If you’re using Outlook 2003, Outlook 2007, Outlook 2010, Outlook 2010 or Outlook 2016, you should definitely try the manual trick I’m sharing below. You should use Windows Registry Editor. There you can define the PST file size limit as per the Outlook version you’re using. Just follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Press Win + R on your desktop screen. Now enter “regedit” in the search box and click Enter.
This will take you to the Registry Editor.
Step 2: You’ll see a tree structure under Computer on Registry Editor window. In the list, you’ll see HKEY_CURRENT_USER entry.
Expand it by clicking it once.
Step 3: Now you need to navigate to the following registry path according to your Outlook version.
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\11.0\Outlook\PST
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\12.0\Outlook\PST
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\14.0\Outlook\PST
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\15.0\Outlook\PST
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Outlook\PST
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\11.0\Outlook\PST
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\12.0\Outlook\PST
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\14.0\Outlook\PST
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\15.0\Outlook\PST
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Outlook\PST
Step 4: Once you’ve reached to the entry PST in the tree-structure, you’ll see something this:
Step 5: If you can’t see the following two values there, you have to create them manually:
Step 6: Just right-click on the blank space. Point to New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
Note: If you’re using Outlook 64-bit version, you should choose QWORD (64-bit) Value.
Step 7: Give this entry a name: MaxLargeFileSize.
Step 8: Again, right-click on the blank space. Point to New > DWORD (32-bit) Value
Step 9: Give this entry a name: WarnLargeFileSize.
Once you’ve created these two values, you have to define their values. How will you do that?
Step 10: First double-click MaxLargeFileSize.
Now enter the Value data and define the Base type:
Step 11: Now double-click WarnLargeFileSize.
Now again enter the Value data and define the Base type:
Step 12: Now close the Registry Editor.
The task of “increase Outlook mailbox size” has been successfully completed.
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