Find Default PST File Location in Outlook 2021, 2019, 2016, 2013

Every version of Microsoft Outlook stores your emails, contacts, calendar, and other mailbox data in a file called PST. This file plays a crucial role because it contains your entire Outlook data, particularly when you use a POP account or archive old emails. Knowing the default PST file location is essential when planning to back up your emails, migrating Outlook to a new device, or resolving file-related issues. In this blog, you’ll learn the default location of PST file in Outlook 2007, 2010, 2013, and 2016, how to find them manually, and why the paths may differ on different systems.

Where is PST file located in Outlook?

A PST file is a data file that stores all mailbox items from Outlook. It contains emails, attachments, calendars, contacts, notes, and journals. When you use a POP3 account, all messages are downloaded and saved in this local PST file.

In simple terms, PST acts as your personal email database stored on your computer. If you ever need to move your Outlook profile to another computer or take a backup, this file is what you need to copy.

Default Location of PST File in Different Outlook Versions

Each Outlook version has a slightly different default location for storing PST files. The path also depends on your Windows version and whether you’ve upgraded from an older Outlook release.

1. Outlook Data File Default location in Outlook 2007

For Outlook 2007, the PST file is stored in the AppData directory.
Default Path: C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook\

2. Outlook PST File location in MS Outlook 2010

Starting from Outlook 2010, Microsoft began storing PST files in the Documents folder for easier access.
Default Path: C:\Users\<username>\Documents\Outlook Files\

However, if you upgraded from Outlook 2007 to 2010, the PST file may still reside in the older AppData path. Outlook does not automatically move your old data file during an upgrade, so it retains the previous directory.

3. Outlook Email Data File Path in Outlook 2013

In Outlook 2013, Microsoft continued using the Documents → Outlook Files folder for new profiles.
Default Path: C:\Users\<username>\Documents\Outlook Files\

If your Outlook 2013 was installed as an upgrade, it might still point to the AppData folder used by the earlier version. This ensures backward compatibility so that users do not lose access to their old data.

4. Default Location of PST File in MS Outlook 2016

Outlook 2016 follows the same default directory as Outlook 2013.
Default Path: C:\Users\<username>\Documents\Outlook Files\

However, in some cases, if your profile was created before the upgrade, Outlook 2016 may continue to use the legacy AppData path. Therefore, two possible PST locations may exist on your computer, and both could be valid depending on your configuration.

Summary of Default PST File Locations

How to Find Outlook Data File in MS Outlook

Even though you now know the default paths, your Outlook data file might have been moved or stored elsewhere. Follow these steps to check default location of PST file in Outlook:

1. Open Microsoft Outlook on your computer. 
2. Click on the File tab in the top menu.
3. Select Account Settings and then click Account Settings again.
4. In the dialog box, open the Data Files tab.
5. Here, you’ll see the list of PST files used by Outlook.
6. Select your PST file and click Open File Location to open its folder directly.

This method works for all Outlook versions from 2007 to 2016. It’s the easiest way to confirm where your PST file is stored.

Why the PST Location May Differ

Sometimes, you may notice that your PST file is not in the default directory. This can happen for several reasons:

• Upgraded Outlook Version: If you upgraded Outlook (for example, from 2007 to 2016), the PST may remain in its old location.
• Custom Configuration: During profile setup, users or administrators can specify a different folder path.
• Windows Redirection: If your Documents folder is synced with OneDrive or redirected to another location, the PST file might appear inside OneDrive\Documents\Outlook Files.
• Manual Move: You may have manually moved the PST file to another drive to save space on your C: drive.
• Corporate Policies: In managed IT environments, Outlook data files might be stored on a specific partition or network drive as per company policy.

Additional Note: If the Outlook PST file that you have located is damaged and inaccessible, no need to worry. You can simply fix the corrupted PST file by repairing it using Microsoft’s built-in inbox repair tool, i.e., scanpst.exe. This inbox repair tool is very effective in fixing minor corruptions in the Outlook PST file.

Best Practices for Managing PST Files

To keep your Outlook data safe and organized, consider following these practices:

• Regular Backups: Always take backups of your PST file. This prevents data loss in case of system failure.
• Avoid Network Drives: Do not store PST files on a network or shared drive. Outlook can become unstable, and data corruption is common in such cases.
• Monitor File Size: PST files can grow large over time. If the size exceeds recommended limits, Outlook may become slow or unstable. Use the Archive feature to reduce the file size.
• Keep PST in Local Drive: Always store your PST on your local disk. It ensures better performance and fewer chances of errors.
• Name Your PST Files Clearly: If you manage multiple accounts, assign unique names to your PST files to identify them easily.

Troubleshooting Common PST File Issues

If you face errors or problems with PST files, the following situations and fixes can help:

• “PST File Cannot Be Found” Error: This usually occurs when the file was moved or deleted. You can fix it by opening Outlook’s Account Settings, removing the old entry, and adding the correct PST file again.
• Outlook Running Slow: If your PST file is too large or located in a synced folder (like OneDrive), move it to your local Documents\Outlook Files folder and restart Outlook.
• Multiple PST Files: After upgrading Outlook, you might find multiple PSTs from old versions. Check which one is active and remove the unused ones to simplify management.

Conclusion

The PST file is the heart of your Outlook data. Knowing default location of PST file in Outlook helps you protect your emails, contacts, and calendar information. While Outlook 2010, 2013, and 2016 mainly use the Documents → Outlook Files directory, Outlook 2007 relies on the AppData → Local → Microsoft → Outlook path. When you check the exact location and keep a regular backup, you can make sure that your data remains safe, even during upgrades or migrations. Taking a few minutes to locate your PST file today can save you hours of trouble in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions:

About The Author:

Mithilesh Tata

Mithilesh Tata is dedicated to making the lives of his customers as simple as possible. He enjoys learning about new applications and utilities that can help people protect their data. Mithilesh also has a strong grasp on email migration & data recovery. He enjoys validating every component of the software, technical materials, and anything else that has to do with his working life.

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