Create a Personal Storage Table (.PST) File in Outlook File (Windows)


This article explains how to create a personal storage table (.pst) file in Outlook 2016 and Outlook 2013. A .pst file can be used to backup copies of your Outlook data to your local computer. They are especially useful for archiving messages from your Outlook mailboxes in order to free up storage space on your account when you are running low on storage space and when you need to back up your Outlook data (i.e., calendar events, email messages, and contacts address book.)

Contents

Create a PST File

To create your .pst file, follow the instructions below:

  1. On the Ribbon then select Home.
  2. Select New Items, select More Items from the drop-down menu, then select Outlook Data File from the next drop-down menu.
  3. Now the Create or Open Outlook Data File window will appear on your screen. In the File name field, enter the name of the file as you want it to appear in the Outlook folder pane, then select OK.
    Tip: Be sure the Save as Type field is set to Outlook Data File.
    Create or Open Outlook Data File dialog box
  4. By default, data files are not password-protected. To add a password to your data file, select the checkbox next to Add Optional Password. Select OK.
    Create or Open Outlook Data File window with Add optional Password checkbox checked
  5. Now, the Add optional password pop-up window will appear. Enter the following information:
    1. In the Password field, enter the password for the file.
    2. In the Verify Password field, re-enter the password.
      Note: If you set a password, you must enter it every time that the data file is opened—for example, when Outlook starts or when you open the data file in Outlook.

  6. Select OK to finish the process. Now, your passworded .pst file is saved on your computer in the Documents\Outlook Files folder. When you add the .pst file to Outlook, it will appear as a folder in the left navigation pane in Outlook. See the Add a PST File section to add your .pst to Outlook.

Note: If you access your email account from multiple computers or devices, it's important to know that when messages are moved to an Outlook Data File (.pst) (personal folder), they are available only on the computer where the file is saved. Note the location of the .pst file, as you might want to copy it to an external backup device.

For more information on this, view Create an Outlook Data File (.pst) to save your information.

Add a PST File

  1. Select File on the ribbon.
  2. Choose Account Settings, then Account Settings again.
  3. Select the Data Files tab.
  4. Click the Add button.
  5. If you have an existing .pst file you would like to add, navigate to the location where your .pst file resides, then select the file. Tip: By default, the .pst file will be downloaded to your Documents\Outlook Files folder.
  6. To create a new .pst file, provide your File name.
  7. Select OK.

Remove a PST File

  1. Select File on the ribbon.
  2. Choose Account Settings, then select Account Settings again.
  3. Select the Data Files tab.
  4. Select the PST File you wish to delete, then select Remove (X).

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