Revamp Your Outlook Experience- Learn How to Modify the Storage Location for Your Messages

How to Change Where Outlook Messages Are Stored

Are you looking to change the location where your Outlook messages are stored? Whether you want to optimize storage space or manage your emails more efficiently, adjusting the default message store location can be a helpful solution. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to change where Outlook messages are stored on both Windows and Mac operating systems.

Step 1: Open Outlook

First, launch Microsoft Outlook on your computer. Make sure you are logged in to the account for which you want to change the message store location.

Step 2: Access File Location

1. Click on the “File” tab located at the top-left corner of the Outlook window.
2. In the File menu, select “Account Settings” and then choose “Account Settings” again from the dropdown menu.
3. In the Account Settings dialog box, click on the “Data Files” tab.
4. Here, you will see a list of all the email accounts configured in Outlook. Select the account for which you want to change the message store location.
5. Click on “Change Folder” and then choose “Open File Location” from the dropdown menu.

Step 3: Locate the .pst File

Navigate to the folder where the .pst file for your selected account is stored. The .pst file is an Outlook data file that contains your emails, calendar events, contacts, and other items.

Step 4: Create a New .pst File

1. Right-click on an empty space within the folder and select “New” from the context menu.
2. Choose “Outlook Data File” from the list of options.
3. Enter a name for the new .pst file and click “OK.”

Step 5: Move Messages to the New .pst File

1. In the Outlook window, navigate to the folder containing your emails.
2. Select all the messages you want to move to the new .pst file.
3. Right-click on the selected messages and choose “Move” from the context menu.
4. Select the new .pst file you created in Step 4 and click “OK.”

Step 6: Set the New .pst File as the Default

1. Go back to the “Account Settings” dialog box (Step 2).
2. Click on the “Data Files” tab and select the new .pst file you created.
3. Click “Set as Default” and then “OK” to save the changes.

Now, your Outlook messages will be stored in the new location, and you can manage them more effectively. If you ever need to revert to the original location, simply repeat the steps and select the original .pst file as the default.

Remember to back up your Outlook data regularly to avoid any potential loss of information. Changing the message store location can help you maintain a well-organized email system and make the most of your Outlook experience.