How to Split Large PST Files of Outlook in Easy Steps?

Summary: Outlook is at the top list of most preferred email clients it efficiently manages emails, calendars, contacts, etc. in PST files. However, as your PST file grows, it can become difficult to handle. Thus, leading to performance issues and potential data corruption. So, it is recommended to split large PST files into smaller manageable parts. This blog will help you with manual methods and a reliable PST Split Tool for a more straightforward approach..

What is the Need to Split PST File?

Splitting PST files is to divide large or over-sized PST files into smaller PSTs of smaller sizes. But, why do users need to do this? Well, here are the reasons to break PST:

  • Large PST files slow down Outlook’s performance. Thus, it causes delays in opening, searching, and sending emails.
  • Oversized PST files are more prone to corruption and, as a result, there is a risk of losing important data.
  • Smaller PST files are easier to backup and restore than large PST. Also, it ensures your data is safe.
  • Dividing PST files helps is a better way of organizing your data. You can easily locate specific information and manage PST files.

Hence, these are advantages of smaller PSTs which is why users split large PST files into multiple PSTs. Now let us move to the procedure section.

How to Split PST File into Smaller Parts?

In this section, we will discuss the manual technique as well as a professional tool for splitting large PST files. There are two free methods for dividing an oversized PST file: Using the Import/Export Feature and using the Archive option. Both of these can be used to break down a large Outlook data file. Let’s get started with the manual process first.

Method 1: Split Large PST File Using Import/Export Wizard

You can use the Import/Export feature of Outlook to break PST into smaller files. Here are the detailed steps to execute the process:

  1. First, open Outlook and go to File.
  2. Then, click on Account Settings >> and again, choose Account Settings…
  3. Next, the Account Settings Window appears. Switch to the Data Files tab.
  4. Click on the Add… button at the top-left corner of the window.
  5. Enter a desired file name with the file extension .pst. Click OK to proceed.
  6. You will see a new PST file added to the list of Data Files. Click on Close.
  7. Go back to Info (in the File menu), and select Import/Export from the Open & Export menu.
  8. The Import/Export wizard opens. Choose Export to a File and tap Next.
  9. A new wizard will open. Choose the option Outlook Data File (.pst) to proceed > Next.
  10. Select the necessary folders to export Outlook Data Files from and check the Include Subfolders box.
  11. To save the exported file in your preferred location, click on Browse…
  12. You can manage duplicate emails from the given options. Click Finish to complete the process.

Well, many users find this procedure difficult to

Method 2: Split Large PST File Using Outlook Archive

Using Outlook Archive is also an option to carry out this procedure. Follow the steps below to split a large Outlook PST file into multiple PSTs:

  1. In the first step, open MS Outlook and move to the File menu.
  2. Select Info and then click on Tools. Select the Clean Up Old Items option.
  3. Next, choose a Folder to Archive Outlook folder.
  4. Set a Date in the Archive items older than the box.
  5. Then, tap Browse to save the archived files in the desired location.
  6. Click OK to complete the process of splitting oversized PST files.

You can repeat the steps to create multiple PST files as per a particular date range. Similarly, you can find many other free methods to divide PST files into smaller PSTs.

Limitations of the Manual Steps

The aforementioned methods allow you to break PSTs into smaller files effectively. However, there are certain limitations too:

  • If you have multiple PSTs to split, it will be very time-consuming.
  • The manual process doesn’t convert orphaned PST files.
  • It doesn’t allow users to specify PST file size while splitting.

Therefore, you can opt for a professional method suggested further to overcome all these limitations.

Method 3: Direct Method to Split Large PST File into Multiple PST

One of the best-automated tools to help you split your large PSTs is the PST Split Tool. You can effectively add multiple PST files and divide them into smaller PSTs at once. Moreover, the tool offers you multiple criteria to split them. Such that you can divide PST based on Size, Date, Sender, or Folder. Furthermore, if you are splitting PST according to size, you can specify a preferred size for that. The tool is a direct way and doesn’t have any complications in the steps.

Steps to Split Large Outlook PST File

  1. First, download and run the SysInfo PST Splitter.
  2. Next, click on Add Files and add all large PST files to split.
  3. In the preview section, check the necessary PST folders.
  4. Opt for the Split option: Split by Size, Date, Sender or Folder.
  5. After that, you can select other additional options given.
  6. Specify a saving path for the new PST files after splitting.
  7. At last, click on Split to begin the Splitting process of added PST.
  8. Once the process is complete, click OK to confirm and finish.

Hence, this is how the automated tool helps you split PST in minimum time. Moreover, you can add a password in the resultant PST file.

Conclusion

Breaking PST files into multiple parts has various advantages, especially in managing and organizing data. So, this was a comprehensive blog with multiple solutions to split large PST files. Well, you have both options- a manual and a professional tool. However, a professional solution is suggested by experts for quick and effective outcomes. Further, you can rely on any as required.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How to split PST files into smaller parts?

Ans- There are multiple ways to split oversized or large PST files into smaller parts. You can go for the free methods including- Using Import/Export, and Archive options. Another best method you can go for is the professional tool. It offers various advanced features to help you divide PST according to different preferences. It is a secure and highly reliable tool for users of Windows OS.

Q. Can I split large PST files on all MS Outlook versions?

Ans- Using the professional tool you can add multiple large PSTs into smaller parts at once. No matter which Outlook version the PST file belongs to, the tool supports all of them. Moreover, it offers certain preferences for users such as split PST based on Size, Sender, Folder, and Date.

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About The Author:

Lovely specializes in technical writing for SysInfoTools Software and has over 2 year of experience writing blogs, and articles about databases & backup, email recovery, email migration & management solutions. Her passion is researching and developing content that helps Office users, professionals, administrators, enterprises, and novices solve multiple problems.

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