How to Find OST File Location in Outlook 2013/2016/2019

Summary: This article will walk users through the major problem while using Microsoft Outlook, finding their missing OST files. Because it is frustrating and disruptive not being able to find the desired OST (Offline Outlook Data File). So in this article, we will guide how to find OST file location in Outlook. In that, we will be discussing the methods of using MS Outlook to locate the OST files. But firstly we need to understand the reasons for finding the OST file and how an OST file works.

Table Of Contents

1 Functionality and Benefits of Outlook OST Files:
2 Why is it Important to Know the OST File Location?
3 How to Find OST File Location?
- 3.1 Where Does Outlook Typically Save the OST File?
- 3.2 Locate the OST File via Outlook Settings
4 Steps to Change the OST File Location and Locate It

Functionality and Benefits of Outlook OST Files:

We all know that Outlook OST (Outlook Storage Table) files stand for Offline Outlook Data File. These are created when we synchronize our MS Outlook with other accounts such as Microsoft 365, IMAP, and Exchange accounts. These OST files store the synchronized copy of Outlook mailbox data in the user’s local system. In the case of interruption of the mail server as if there is no internet connection or wifi connection, Users can still access all the mail, contacts, calendar data, and previously downloaded data. Users can also read and compose messages, add contacts create appointments. Nevertheless, these emails won’t be sent and users won’t receive any new messages until users are again connected to the internet.

However, as the internet is connected all the changes will be automatically synchronized. The locally saved items and the server items will be the same again. Now we know how an OST file functions. Next, we will understand the methods and reasons to find OST file location in your system.

Why is it Important to Know the OST File Location?

There are several important reasons for knowing the location of the Outlook OST file. Let’s learn that below:

Recovery and Backup: In the case of data corruption or accidental deletion, users need to have access to OST files so that users can recover or restore the data. So knowing the OST files store offline copies of mailbox data allows for easy backup.
Migration: Whenever a user needs to switch to a new system or email service. It’s important to know the location of the OST file that gives ease in exporting or migrating emails, contacts, and other mailbox data.
Troubleshooting: To know the Outlook data file location helps in troubleshooting when any error occurs. This also allows users to reset, repair, or delete the OST file to resolve sync or connectivity problems. Being familiar with the OST file location helps in managing storage, especially when space needs to be freed up or when optimizing system performance.

Thus, locating the OST file is essential for data management, security, and efficient troubleshooting. Furthermore, it also helps to convert OST to PST easily. Let’s learn all the methods to find the OST file location.

How to Find OST File Location?

The OST files are Saved in the AppData folder in your system by Microsoft Outlook automatically. However, the OST file location differs between the various MS Outlook and Windows versions. Now we will walk through the various techniques to locate the OST file but before that, we will learn the default location of the saved OST files.

Where Does Outlook Typically Save the OST File?

Below here, we are mentioning the default saved location of the OST file in your local system.

Microsoft Outlook Version	Windows OS Version	Primary OST File Path
Outlook 2000/2003/2007	Windows XP	C:\Documents and Settings\User Name\ Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft Outlook
Outlook 2007	Windows Vista/7/8/10	C:\Users\ User Name\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook
Outlook 2010	Windows XP	My Documents\Outlook Files
Outlook 2010	Windows Vista/7/8/10	Documents\Outlook File\
Outlook 2013/2016/2019	Windows Vista/7/8/10	C:\Users\admin\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook

By following these paths users can locate OST file Location at once. These paths can be manually explored by following this. If still, users are unable to find the OST files. They can follow the below-mentioned techniques.

Locate the OST File via Outlook Settings

In this section, we will learn how to find the OST file location with Outlook settings.

For Microsoft Outlook 2021, 2019, 2016, or 2013

First of all, run the Microsoft Outlook software on your system.
Then, go to the File tab.
In the File tab, click Info > Account Settings > Account Settings.
After that, go to the Data Files tab and choose the OST file related to your account (the file you are looking for).
Now, press the Open File Location key.

By following these steps, a window will open in File Explorer, which will provide you with the location of the OST file on your Windows PC.

For MS Outlook 2010

In MS Outlook 2010, reach to File > Info > Accounts Settings > Account Settings.
Then, from the list, select Microsoft Exchange Server and press Change.
Now, tap on More Settings.
After that, in the Advanced tab, press Offline Folder File Settings.

With this, users get the display of the OST file location path.

Now, users can copy the folder path and paste the path into the File Explorer to get the OST file location.

For MS Outlook 2007

In MS Outlook 2007, press Tools > Account Settings.
Now, choose the email account from the list and press Change.
Then, press More Settings in the Change E-mail Account dialog box.
After that, tap on the Advanced tab, and then press Offline Folder File Settings.

Now, you will have the OST file location in the File Section. Just copy the folder path and put it in the File Explorer. You will find OST file location.

Navigate Directly to OST File Location Using Outlook

By following this technique, users can find OST file location in all versions of Outlook. Follow the below-given steps carefully:

Run the Microsoft Outlook in your system.
Then click on your email profile name or email address in the left corner.
After that, select Open File Location.
Now, you will have a new File Explorer window and you will get the OST file Location.

These are the manual steps that a user can follow to get the location of the Outlook OST file. Also, if users want to do data backup, migration, or access to emails when offline or using a different Outlook profile, they need to convert the OST data file to the PST file. For that, users can use an ultimate exception Trijatech OST to PST Convert. This gives a smooth user-friendly conversion of your OST files.

Additionally, in the next section of this article, we will go through how to change the OST file location to find the path.

Steps to Change the OST File Location and Locate It

Here are the steps to change the OST file location in your system. Learn all the steps thoroughly:

Firstly, Turn off the Outlook completely.
Now, go to the Control Panel and choose Mail or the user can search for Mail in the search bar.
Then, click on Email Accounts under the Mail setup window.
After that, choose your email account and press Change>More Settings.
Go to the Advanced tab and under the Offline Folder File Settings>Browse to Select a new location for the OST file.
Now, Select the desired folder wherever you want to save the OST file and confirm the changes.
Open MS Outlook and it will create a new OST file on your desired location.

By following these, users can easily change and locate the new OST file.

Closing Remarks

In this article, we have provided detailed steps on how to find OST file location to help users locate their OST files across different Outlook versions and Windows operating systems. By understanding where the OST files are stored, users can efficiently manage their mailbox data, create backups, and resolve sync issues. Additionally, changing the OST file location is a simple yet effective process that can help users optimize their system performance.

Author
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Deckon Rock

Deckon Rock works as a Senior Technology Writer for TrijaTech Software. He is a tech enthusiast with more than 4 years of expertise in the fields of artificial intelligence, Internet of Things, and Email Migration and Management. He enjoys doing research and offering DIY solutions for Outlook technological problems. He enjoys reading poetry and books in his spare time.

How Do I Find OST File Location in Outlook 2013/2016/2019