How to Move Microsoft Outlook OST File Location?

If you are running close to exceeding the storage limit, managing multiple profiles, or migrating into another drive, or want to move Outlook OST File location safely and with proper approach? This guide walks you through proven methods to relocate your OST file, ensuring Outlook continues to function without errors while optimizing your system storage.

Microsoft Outlook is a widely used email client in business and environments rely heavily on OST(Offline Storage Table) to store mailbox data for accounts configured with Microsoft Exchange, Microsoft 365 or IMAP. By default, these OST files are stored on the server but it can create several problems due to storage exceeded or due to upgrade.

Whether you are an IT professional or a regular Outlook user, understand where Outlook OST File Located and how to manage it efficiently. Let’s know the reasons for Outlook OST File located, risk and solutions to move Outlook OST File location.

Reasons for Outlook OST File located

• By default, Outlook stores OST on the drive. Over time, these files can grow significantly in size especially for large mailboxes, consuming valuable system storage. Changing an OST file to a secondary drive helps prevent storage-related performance issues.
• A bloated C: Drive can slow down drive performance. Relocating large data files like OSTs to a different partition of SSD can optimize the system and speed up Outlook and overall system responsiveness.
• When migrating to a new hard drive or SSD, It’s crucial to know the correct way to move Outlook OST File location can simplify the migration and keep your mailbox data in a healthy state.
• Users managing multiple Outlook profiles or accounts with each OST file in a designed folder or move. It offers better organization, reliable backups and file management easier.
• Having an OST file on a drive with low storage or performance issues can increase the possibility of file corruption. Transfer to a more stable drive reduces the chances of sync failures or data errors.
• In corporate environments, IT compliance policy requires backup employee data on for security, compliance or audit purposes. Knowing the Outlook OST file location is crucial for managing these standards.

Let’s Know the Outlook OST File Location

Methods to Move Outlook OST File Location

If you are wondering about the way to move the Outlook OST File location, Then we have explained several approaches depending on your Outlook version and technical comfort level. So, follow the approaches as we have explained below:

Method 1. Modify the ForceOSTPath Registry Entry

1. Close Outlook completely.
2. Press Win+R and type regedit and press enter to Accept permissions.
3. Launch Registry Editor and Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Outlook.
4. Replace version as per your Outlook.
5. Right-click on Outlook and select New.
6. Click on New > String Value and name it ForceOSTPath.
7. Then, double-click the newly created string and enter the full file path where you want the OST file to be saved.
8. Click OK, close the Registry Editor, and proceed to create a new Outlook profile to apply the changes.

Method 2. Utilize Symbolic Links (MKLINK Command)

1. Close Outlook and navigate to the current OST file location.
2. Move the existing OST file to the desired location.
3. Open CMD as administrator and run: mklink “C:\Users\Admin\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook\email.ost” “D:\OutlookData\email.ost“
4. Restart Outlook. It will now use the OST file from the new location via symbolic link.

Method 3. Disable Cached Exchange Mode and Configure a New OST File Location

1. Open Outlook and navigate to the file.
2. Click on Account Settings, then select Account Settings again from the dropdown menu.
3. Select your Exchange or Microsoft 365 account.
4. Click Change then uncheck Use Cached Exchange Mode.
5. Relaunch Outlook it will run in online mode.
6. Close Outlook, move the old OST file and enable Cached Exchange Mode.
7. A new OST file will be created in default path unless overridden by registry method.

Method 4. Create a New Outlook Profile with New OST Location

1. Open the Control Panel and click on Mail(Outlook).
2. Now, Press on Show Profiles and click on Add.
3. Configure your email account.
4. Apply Registry Method before launching Outlook with a new profile.
5. Outlook will now create a new OST file in the new location.

Alternative Method to Fix Outlook OST File Location

Sometimes, users directly move their OST file due to this getting orphaned and not able to access in Outlook.In situations where Outlook fails to recognize or recover your OST file, we recommend using MailsWare OST Converter. This reliable tool enables you to restore and convert dismounted or inaccessible OST files into a healthy PST file, which can be directly imported into Outlook—without any risk of data loss.

Process to Fix Outlook OST File Location

1. Download and install automated software on your system.
2. Launch the software and select “Configured Outlook mailbox data” if you want to auto-detect your OST files.
3. Browse and select the desired Outlook mailbox folders or subfolders that you want to export.
4. From the list of saving options, choose PST as the output format.
5. Browse destination path and advanced filters as per needed.
6. Click Convert to begin the process and generate a PST file ready for import into Outlook.

Import PST to Outlook

1. First, open Microsoft Outlook and go to the File tab.
2. Click on Open & Export, then select Import/Export.
3. In the Import and Export Wizard, choose Import from another program or file, and click Next.
4. Select Outlook Data File (.pst) and click Next to continue.
5. Click Browse to locate and select the PST file you wish to restore.
6. Choose the desired folder to import into and click Next.
7. Finally, click Finish to complete the import process.

Top Benefit to Choose an Automated Solution over Manual Method

• This software also supports to convert OST to PDF, MBOX, EML, HTML, PST, and 25+ other file formats, offering maximum flexibility for different user needs.
• It offers an easy to perform interface to easily perform by any professional or individual users.
• You can also use advanced filters such as create PST year wise, date range, subject, sender, recipients, exclude folders and many more with maintained attributes.
• With this advanced wizard, you can also import OST to Outlook, Microsoft 365, Gmail, Yahoo Mail, and any IMAP-supported email server.
• It also offers you to restore and convert damaged, corrupted, inaccessible, dismounted, oversize and orphan OST files.

Important Considerations and Precautions

• To move an OST file without following the correct procedure can corrupt mailbox data, Outlook access errors or loss of unsynced Outlook data.
• To preserve data integrity, always close Outlook before making any changes, use supported methods like Registry editor or symbolic links and verify all mailbox data is fully synced.
• Before making an OST file, create a backup OST file, consider exporting your mailbox to a PST file, and set system point to restore the OST file.

Common Queries

Where are Outlook Files stored on a C drive?

Outlook OST files stored on a C:Drive on path: C:\Users\\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook\ You may need to enable viewing of hidden items in File Explorer to access this folder.

Where is the Outlook program file located?

The Outlook application is typically stated at: C:\Programs Files\Microsoft Office\ root\Office version\ Enter Outlook version like Office 16 for Office 2016. Use Program Files(x86) for 32-bit installations.

Where are the Outlook OST files stored?

OST files are stored default at: C:Users\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook\. These files are cached copies of your mailbox and are only accessible while using the same Outlook profile that created them.

Final Thoughts

In this guide, we’ve clearly explained the step-by-step process to move Outlook OST file location safely and effectively. After reading this article, any users can easily locate the OST file location. If the OST file is not found at the default location then you may change the OST file location. Use Alternative method to locate and extract data from OST file and export in PST file with maintained attributes.