Create an Outlook Data File

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Create an Outlook Data File (.pst) to save your information

If you like to use folder for managing your email, then you should know about Personal Folders. To create one, you start with an Outlook Data File.

Create an Outlook Data File (.pst) to save your information

When you run Outlook for the first time, the necessary data files are created automatically.

Sometimes additional data files are needed. For example, older messages and items that you don’t use regularly can be archived to an Outlook Data File (.pst). Or, if your online mailbox is near your storage quota, you could move some items at an Outlook Data File(.pst).

  1. Click HOME.

  2. In the New group, click New Items, point to More Items, and then click Outlook Data File.

  3. In the Create or Open Outlook Data File dialog box, in the File name box, type the name as you want it to appear in the Outlook folder pane, and then click OK.

  4. By default, data files are not password-protected. To add a password to your data file, under Password, type that password that you want to use in the Password and Verify Password text boxes.

    If you set a password, you must enter it every time the data file is opened. For example, when Outlook starts or when you open the data file in Outlook.


    Important: Microsoft, your Internet service provider (ISP), or your email administrator neither have access to your password, nor can they assist you with recovering the contents of the Outlook Data File(.pst) if you forget the password.

If you access your email account from multiple computers or devices, it is important to know that when messages are moved to an Outlook Data File(.pst), they are available only on the computer where the file is saved.

Source: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/video-create-and-use-personal-folders-outlook-data-files-cc784f7c-70c4-495d-bcbf-f3fcb679651f