How to find location of OST Files in Outlook 2013, 2016, and 2019 on Windows?

OST to PST Converter /December 26, 2024

Emails are crucial for communication, especially at work. Microsoft Outlook simplifies email management. A key feature is the OST file, or Offline Storage File. These files allow you to work offline. Later, you can sync any changes with the Exchange server. If you’ve wondered where OST files are stored, you’re not alone. In this blog, we’ll guide you in finding your Outlook Data File (.OST). This helps you manage your emails more effectively.

Where are OST Files Located?

Most of the OST files are stored under the ‘AppData’ directory of your Windows user account. This location can be different based on the versions of Windows and Microsoft Outlook which are installed. There are ways by which the OST file can be located and we are going to describe them below. All the methods will help you to follow a step by step procedure.

Step 1: Check the Default OST File Location

Refer to the table mentioned below to find the default location of OST files according to the versions of MS Outlook and Windows

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

To find the OST file on your Windows PC, you can manually go through the route in File Explorer or use the path URL provided in the table above.

Step 2: Search for the OST File Using Outlook Options

In case you are unable to search for files at default locations or manually, you can take a look at below steps to find the OST files quickly on Windows XP, 7, 8, 8.1, 10, or 11 PC.

MS Outlook 2013, 2016, 2019, or 2021

  • Open the Microsoft Outlook application.
  • Go to File > Info > Account Settings > Account Settings.
  • Click on the Data Files tab and select the OST file associated with your account.
  • Click on the “Open File Location…” button.

MS Outlook 2010

  • Open Microsoft Outlook and go to File > Info > Account Settings > Account Settings.
  • Choose Microsoft Exchange Server from the list, then click on “Change.”
  • Click on “More Settings.”
  • In the Advanced tab, click on “Offline Folder File Settings.”
  • This will display the path where the OST file is located.
  • To visit the OST file location, copy the folder path and paste it into File Explorer.
  • This will open the File Explorer window and show you where the OST file is stored on your PC.

Step 3: Directly Open the OST File Location via Outlook

  • Here’s an easy way to find the OST file in any version of Outlook:
  • Open Outlook and right-click on your email profile name or email ID in the left sidebar.
  • Click on “Open File Location.”
  • A File Explorer window will pop up, showing where the OST file is stored.

Step 4: Professional Solution to Find and Convert OST File

The methods mentioned above can be time-counsuming, especially when dealing with multiple OST files. Also, these methods may not help you recover corrupted OST files. Therefore, it’s advisable to use a more advanced and powerful solution like the one offered by Goldytool’s OST to PST Converter.

This tool allows you to quickly find all your OST files in seconds. It also lets you convert OST files to PST, including emails, journals, notes, and more. Additionally, you can repair corrupted OST files and save them in formats like PST, PDF, and HTML. The software is user-friendly and easy to navigate.

Conclusion

Manual methods work well if you are technically sound and issues are minor. But in case of dealing with multiple OST files, you may require a professional solution like the Goldytool’s OST to PST converter. It will help you find the files without any hassle. You can also repair the corrupted files and convert in any format you like. Also, all your data like email, contacts, and notes are saved.

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