How to Move Outlook PST File to External Drive – Direct Method
Is it possible to move Outlook PST file to external drive for use on either a personal PC or laptop? We are often asked this question by remote users who frequently shift between desktop computers and laptops. The answer is Yes! But, ensure you understand the best practices first.
Where does Outlook Stores Data ?
There are two types of Outlook data files: PST (Personal Storage Table) and OST (Offline Storage Table). After making a new Outlook account, you will see that it automatically generates a PST file. This file with .pst extension saves a local copy of complete mailbox information like emails, contacts, notes, calendars on your computer.
If you want to move Outlook PST file to external drive, there are three ways to do it:
Before proceeding towards the solution, take a look at the primary reasons on why to move Outlook files to an external hard drive.
When Should I Move Outlook Data Files to External Hard Drive ?
- The Outlook archive (.PST file) saved on an external USB drive can be used for both your personal computer and laptop.
- To move Outlook PST file of your workplace or school/college machine to your own personal computer.
- To minimize unnecessary storage space on your hard drive.
- You can move Outlook emails to external hard drive when you are switching from PC to Mac.
- Move Outlook files to an external hard drive for creating a periodic backup of all your data.
- Move Outlook folders to external drive before upgrading one version of Outlook to another one.
Resolution: Move Outlook PST File to External Drive Using Import/Export Wizard
After getting or upgrading to a new computer, you may want to move Outlook data files to external hard drive. These steps guide you how.
- Launch Outlook and go to File>> Open & Export>> Import/Export tab
- Pick the Export to a file option and tap on Next
- Choose Outlook Data file (.PST) option and hit on Next
- Specify a saving location using the Browse option
- Click on the Finish tab to end the task
- After getting the PST file, you can move Outlook PST file to external drive.
Manually Move Outlook Folders to External Hard Drive
In order to do this process, you must first know the PST file location on your PC. Thereafter, you can copy or move emails from Microsoft Outlook to an external hard drive.
- Open Outlook, choose File>> Account Settings
- Tap on the Data files and search for the location of Outlook files
- Hit on the Open File location to verify the Outlook file path
- Now, copy the PST files from this location and paste it into the external drive
This ends the complete process to move Outlook PST file to external drive.
Don’t forget; to make a backup!
The NXT Software is a reliable and easy application to move Outlook data files to external hard drive in a seamless manner. By using this tool, you will get rid of the exhaustive and tiring Import/Export process of MS Outlook and can efficiently move Outlook emails to an external hard drive.
This software is particularly useful because when you are on the go with your external drive, it is more prone to get damaged, lost, or even stolen. Therefore, you can overcome this problem by using this professional solution and can bulk move Outlook folders to external drive. Use this application on any Windows OS like Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, etc. No more challenges not to move Outlook PST file to external drive.
Hope you liked this informative article!
