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Outlook Data File 5 minute read

How to Change the Location of Outlook OST file?

Eric Simson
Written By
Eric Simson
Kuljeet Singh
Approved By
Kuljeet Singh
stellar calander
Updated on
August 1st, 2022

Summary: Though it is usually not required, but at times need arises to change Outlook data file location due to various reasons. In this post, we’ve mentioned some methods on how to change OST file location in Outlook 2010, 2013, 2016 and 2019. These methods are explained with step-wise instructions that can help you change Outlook file location easily.

Free Download for Windows

Contents

  • How to Change Outlook Data File Location?
  • Method 1: Set ForcePSTPath Registry Entry 
  • Method 2: Use Outlook Email Client 
  • Method 3: Use Symbolic Links to Repoint OST Location
  • Conclusion

Offline Storage Table or OST is an Outlook data file that is created locally when you set up Microsoft Outlook account. The OST file stores data, such as email messages, tasks, contacts, calendar, etc. and allows users to work offline in the Exchange environment. The OST file is saved at a default location on local storage. It is usually not required to change OST file location. However, at times, you need to change the default Outlook file location due to various reasons, such as lack of storage space where the file is saved, an Outlook account is deleted, or any other.

Note: You can’t change Outlook data file location from one machine to another to access its contents. You can, however, recreate the OST on the new machine. If that’s not possible, you can use Stellar Converter for OST to convert OST to PST on same system, and then open the PST in Outlook on new system in few simple steps. Download the free software below.

If, for any reason, you want to change Outlook data file location in Windows 10, read this post to know the methods and workarounds for changing the OST file location.

How to Change Outlook Data File Location?

Following are some manual methods that you can use to change OST file location in Outlook 2019, 2016, 2013, and 2010 on Windows 10.

Method 1: Set ForcePSTPath Registry Entry 

You can use ForcePSTPath, which is a Windows Registry Key, to change the Outlook data file location. By using the Registry Key, you can change the OST file location on all Outlook versions, be it Outlook 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, 2007, or 2003.

Note: All Outlook versions use a different location to store the OST files.

The steps to change OST file location are as follows:

Run dialog box

Figure 1: Run dialog box

  1. Press both Windows and R keys simultaneously. When the Run dialog box appears, type Regedit and click OK or press Enter.
  2. The Registry Editor is launched. In it, use the appropriate keys, depending on the version of Outlook you’re using.
  3. For Outlook 2016, the key is:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Outlook

  • For Outlook 2013, the key is:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\15.0\Outlook

  • For Outlook 2010, the key is:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\14.0\Outlook

  • For Outlook 2007, the key is:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\12.0\Outlook

  • In the right-hand-side pane of Registry Editor, right-click on an empty area. Then, select New > Expandable String Value.
Selection of Expandable String Value in the Registry Editor

Figure 2: Selection of Expandable String Value in the Registry Editor

  • A new Value is created. In the Edit String dialog box, assign ForceOSTPath name to the Value and enter the new default location, under the Value Data option, to save the OST. Then, click on OK.
Edit String to enter value name and value data

Figure 3: Edit String to enter value name and value data

  • Close Registry Editor and restart MS Outlook.

Note: When a new Exchange email account is set up, a new OST file will be created automatically at the default location that you’ve chosen for OST file.

Method 2: Use Outlook Email Client 

You can also use your Outlook account to change Outlook file location. However, you need to know the default location of the OST file, which depends on the Windows OS version installed on your system.  

Note: This method works for Outlook 2013, 2010, 2007, and 2003 version.

In Windows 10, 8, 7, and Vista, the default location of the OST file is
 C:\Users\%username%\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook

In Windows XP, the default OST file location is:

C:\Documents and Settings\%username%\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook

To change OST file location, follow the given steps:

  • Open the Account Settings dialog box and select the Data Files.
  • Select Exchange Server account and click on Settings.
Stellar

Figure 4: Selecting Settings tab in the Data Files section

  • In Microsoft Exchange account, go to the Advanced section, uncheck the Use Cached Exchange Mode checkbox and then click ‘OK’.
Actions in the Advanced section of Microsoft Exchange account

Figure 5: Actions in the Advanced section of Microsoft Exchange account

  • When it prompts, click on the OK tab.
  • In the Advanced tab, choose Outlook Data File Settings > Disable Offline Use > Yes.

Note: If the Disable Offline Use option is unavailable, return to Step 3 and uncheck the Use Cached Exchange Mode checkbox.

  • Choose Outlook Data File Settings and then select ‘I want to move the old file’ option. Here, select the Browse tab, then the offline Outlook Data (OST) file that was moved to a new folder at any location, and then click Open. Outlook will create a new OST file.
  • In the Advanced section of Microsoft Exchange account, place a checkmark on the Use Cached Exchange Mode checkbox and click OK. When it prompts to restart Outlook email client, click on the OK tab.
MKLINK Command to Create Symbolic Link

Figure 6: Prompt to restart Outlook

  • Close the Account Settings and the Mail Setup dialog boxes.

Note: When a new OST file is created, the old OST file is not deleted automatically. You have to delete the file manually. 

Method 3: Use Symbolic Links to Repoint OST Location

You can use Symbolic Links to repoint the OST file from the default location to another location. For this, you need to set up a symbolic link by using MKLINK command.

To create symbolic link, follow the given steps:

  • Move the OST file from the default original location to a new location.
  • Open the Command Prompt window by using administrator credentials.
  • Execute the mklink command: mklink “C:\old-path” “D:\New path”. See the below example:

mklink %localappdata%\Microsoft\Outlook\<file name> "D:\Outlook Data Files\<file name>"

MKLINK Command to Create Symbolic Link

Figure 7: MKLINK Command to Create Symbolic Link

As soon as you hit the Enter key after correctly entering the command, the symbolic link is created.

Note: When you move a file by using a symbolic link, a shortcut is created at the default location of the folder. If the shortcut is deleted, it breaks the link and the file gets back to the original location.

Conclusion

Changing default location of OST file is not always recommended. You may face issues after changing Outlook data file location or the process may go wrong due to some error. In such a case, the OST file may become inaccessible or orphaned. You can’t access an orphaned OST with your Outlook. Such OST file needs to be converted to PST to access its data. The best way to convert an OST to PST is by using an advanced tool such as Stellar Converter for OST. The software can easily convert orphaned or inaccessible OST to PST file, which you can import OST into Outlook and access all its mail items.

Software Recommendations by Top Editors:

Above all, the OST to PST software can be used if the OST file is damaged or corrupt. It is compatible with Microsoft Outlook 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, 2007, and lower versions.

About The Author

Eric Simson

Eric Simson is an Email Platform Consultant and is associated with Stellar Data Recovery from last 6 years. He writes about the latest technology tips and provides custom solutions related to MS Outlook, MS Exchange Server, Office 365, and many other Email Clients & Servers.

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24 comments

  1. Jeana says:
    November 20, 2019 at 2:41 am

    I tried the given manual method, It was showing some errors but after two attempts it gives the desired output. Really helpful. Thanks, Eric.

    Reply
    1. Eric Simson says:
      November 20, 2019 at 3:58 am

      Thanks, Jeana. We were happy to help you.

      Reply
  2. Michelle says:
    May 8, 2019 at 3:14 pm

    Perfect!

    The above instructions worked for me in Outlook 2019/Windows 10.

    Reply
  3. Scott Mitchem says:
    April 23, 2019 at 5:13 pm

    I decided to go with Method 1 (registry edit).

    I created a new folder (F:\OST File) on an external USB thumb-drive.

    I added the registry entry as described above at (HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Outlook
    Upon closing and re-opening Outlook the OST File was created in the new folder.

    However, upon a second closing and re-opening of Outlook, Outlook reverted back to the original path and re-created a new OST File on the C:\ Drive.

    Note: Although I’m using the new version of Office 2019, the registry entries the installation process created a reference (16.0).

    Please advise.
    Thanks.

    Reply
    1. Eric Simson says:
      April 24, 2019 at 11:00 am

      Please do the manual procedure under the observation of an experienced administrator to avoid the bad outcome.

      Reply
  4. Anderson says:
    April 22, 2019 at 7:57 am

    I am getting an error, mentioned below:

    You cannot change the location of the offline Outlook Data File (.ost) in Microsoft Outlook.

    Reply
    1. Eric Simson says:
      April 23, 2019 at 5:27 am

      Hi,

      This issue occurs due to the following reasons:
      1. Deprecation of the classic offline mode in Outlook 2013 or post versions.
      2. The legacy data access method for the online mode connectivity to Microsoft Exchange Server

      Reply
  5. Ashley says:
    April 11, 2019 at 7:21 pm

    In my case, so-called tech experts failed to change the location of the file. But, this guide encouraged me to save my hard earned money.

    Thanks again!

    Reply
    1. Eric Simson says:
      April 12, 2019 at 8:58 am

      Hello Ashely,

      You can subscribe to our blog to receive frequent updates about the latest technical guides.

      Reply
  6. Jojo says:
    June 27, 2018 at 9:51 pm

    We generally avoid all things that can damage our OST file. Don’t make any changes without understanding all points mentioned the above carefully.

    Reply
    1. Eric Simson says:
      June 29, 2018 at 2:44 am

      We understand your concern regarding the safety of Outlook emails. We also suggest that a non-technical user shouldn’t rely on manual methods.

      Reply
  7. Bob Martin says:
    May 20, 2018 at 4:22 pm

    Hi Erick,

    My previous location was C:\Users\…\bob.ost

    Yesterday, I moved OST file to D Drive without any error. Your article encouraged me to perform this assignment with 100% confidence.

    Thank You!

    Reply
    1. Eric Simson says:
      May 21, 2018 at 3:43 am

      Great!

      Your efforts will encourage other blog readers to perform this operation without any hesitation.

      Reply
  8. Bob Martin says:
    March 27, 2018 at 3:17 am

    Yesterday, I had noticed that my Outlook data file is corrupt. Please help me to explore the option of repairing corrupt OST file.

    Reply
    1. Eric Simson says:
      March 27, 2018 at 4:32 am

      Hi Bob,

      You can try free demo of Stellar Converter for OST. Before starting the conversion process, the software verifies the integrity of OST file. If any damage detects in OST file, then it repairs file automatically.

      Reply
  9. Lenny says:
    August 21, 2017 at 10:48 am

    My OST file is not opening. How can rebuild the OST file before moving from its current location?

    Reply
    1. Eric Simson says:
      August 22, 2017 at 8:37 am

      You can take the assistance of Stellar Converter for OST. It also helps to restore damaged OST file.

      Reply
      1. Brian says:
        August 28, 2017 at 3:06 am

        After using a demo version, I am satisfied with the performance of the software. But, I wished to have a freeware.

      2. Eric Simson says:
        August 28, 2017 at 4:23 am

        Hello Brain,

        According to Security experts, we should avoid the use of any freeware tool for data safety. With the third party paid software, you will gain 100% assurance for safe and error-free migration.

  10. Ferry says:
    August 4, 2017 at 10:17 am

    Now, I have changed the location of OST file successfully.
    Is it also possible to convert OST file into PST format?

    Reply
    1. Eric Simson says:
      August 5, 2017 at 9:13 am

      Yes!

      Check the process through free demo Stellar Converter for OST.

      Reply

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Table of Contents    arrow

  1. How to Change Outlook Data File Location?
  2. Method 1: Set ForcePSTPath Registry Entry 
  3. Method 2: Use Outlook Email Client 
  4. Method 3: Use Symbolic Links to Repoint OST Location
  5. Conclusion

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