Summary: By default, the OST file is stored in the ‘AppData’ folder of the user profile. However, users can relocate their offline Outlook data file or OST from its default location. In this blog, we’ve discussed the methods to move OST file from an Exchange account to another drive (internal/external), network storage, or a new computer.
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A popular query related to the OST file is ‘How can I move the OST file to another location.’ We also came across such queries,
1. Without starting Outlook, I moved the IMAP OST from C drive to D drive. I hoped Outlook would ask me where the file is. However, it creates a new one at the same location. How do I make Outlook use the new location?
2. I’m running out of disk space on my main drive and noticed that my OST file was really big. I know how to move PST files, but that method does not seem to apply to OST files. Please help!
If you also have similar queries, read this post!
OST file is an offline cached copy of mailbox data stored on an Exchange server or an IMAP mail server. Outlook creates the OST file when you configure the Outlook in Cached Exchange Mode. It is saved at a default location on the computer under the user profile folders.
Although you don’t usually require moving or relocating the OST file, you may come across situations that may push you to move Outlook Data File to another drive or location. Some common situations where you need to move Outlook OST file from its default location are as follows:
Also Read: How to Transfer Outlook Data to a New Computer?
But moving or relocating an OST file from its default location isn’t an easy task. Unlike PST files, moving OST files requires you to perform multiple operations and is much trickier than you may expect.
You can move the OST file in Outlook 2010, 2013, 2016, and 2019 by following ways:
But before you proceed and perform any operations, backup your current OST file. If something goes wrong, you can restore the mail items, such as emails, contacts, attachments, etc., from the backup OST file to PST using Stellar Converter for OST software. The software can help you quickly convert large or oversized OST files into single or multiple PST files while maintaining data integrity. Thus, it can help you move the mail items from the OST file to another Outlook profile or computer.
The software can also help you move an inaccessible or orphaned OST file by converting it to Outlook importable PST format with 100% integrity. It supports conversion of OST files created by Outlook 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, and earlier versions.
ForceOSTPath is a registry key that you use to relocate or move the OST file from its default location to another drive or network storage. This is one of the best ways to move OST files without causing much trouble. However, this requires you to reconfigure your Outlook account. Thus, ensure that all the changes stored in the local OST file are synchronized with the mailbox before proceeding.
Caution: Registry keys store vital information about the system, settings, and applications. Any incorrect modification or accidental deletion of the registry key during this procedure can lead to severe problems. Make sure to follow the steps correctly and back up the registry (File > Export via regedit) so that they can be restored if something goes wrong.
The steps are as follows:
Figure 1 – Type Regedit in Run Window
For Outlook 2019 and 2016
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Outlook
For Outlook 2013
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\15.0\Outlook
For Outlook 2010
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\14.0\Outlook
For Outlook 2007
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\12.0\Outlook
For Outlook 2003
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\11.0\Outlook
Figure 2 – Select Expandable String Value
Figure 3 – Enter OST File Location
Note: If you’re using an IMAP account in Outlook 2010 or earlier version, you need to create a ForcePSTPath registry key as those versions use PST file for caching IMAP data.
If you find missing mail items after synchronization, you can import the backup PST file into your Outlook account.
Symbolic Link, also known as soft link or symlink, is used in Windows to point the file or folder stored at another location. Thus, a symbolic link can be created using the mklink command to move the OST file to another location. By creating a symbolic link to the default OST file path, you point the MS Outlook to this new OST file location.
The steps are as follows:
mklink “C:\Users\user\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook\abc@xyz.com.ost” “E:\MyOSTDataFile\abc@xyz.com.ost”
This creates a symbolic link to move the OST file. A shortcut is created at the default OST file location (C:\Users\user\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook\abc@xyz.com.ost) that redirects the Outlook to the new location (E:\MyOSTDataFile\abc@xyz.com.ost).
To revert or change symlink, delete the shortcut (symbolic link).
You may also move the OST file to a different location while setting up your Outlook account via Advanced Outlook data file settings. The steps are as follows:
Steps to move existing OST file to another location:
To create and move new OST file,
Now Outlook will use this location to store the mailbox data in the OST file.
Limitations of the above methods
An Offline Outlook Data File (OST) can only be opened with the account that has created it and on the same machine that was used to create that account. So, if you want to move the OST file to a new computer or another system, you will first need to convert OST file data to PST.
Assuming that you can access your Outlook account and the OST file, you can try exporting OST data to PST using Outlook Import and Export Wizard. The detailed steps are as follows:
Note: The ‘Import and Export Wizard’ won’t work if the OST file is inaccessible or if the Outlook profile is damaged or the account is inactive. However, you can easily convert inaccessible OST files to PST by using Stellar Converter for OST software. The software also works when the Outlook account is not working.
Read this: How to Convert OST to PST free using Stellar Converter for OST software?
Stellar Converter for OST is a powerful OST to PST converter software that can help you move OST files to a new computer with complete integrity and precision. It is highly recommended by Top Editors.
Here’s the detailed insight about the Stellar Converter for OST.
Bottom Line
Sometimes, you may need to move Offline Outlook data file (OST) data to another drive or location. While modifying the ForceOSTPath registry key can help relocate or move the .ost file to another drive, migrating the OST file to another computer requires exporting the OST file to PST with Outlook ‘Import & Export Wizard.’ The wizard is accessible when the Outlook profile and OST file are active. To move an inaccessible or orphaned OST file to another computer, you can use the professional Stellar Converter for OST software. The software converts all or specific OST file items to PST in a few clicks without losing mailbox data. It can also help move multiple OST files by converting them to corresponding PST files.
Check out what MVPs say about OST to PST Tool from Stellar.
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.
Tried ForceOSTPath approach but it didn’t work for me
Outlook 2021
Windows 11
Copied OST to e\data\mail
Deleted Account (and checked .ost had been deleted)
Shut down outlook
Added registry key ForceOSTPath REG_EXPAND_SZ E:\Data\mail\
Restarted the computer
Started outlook
And it promptly created the ost file in the normal location \Microsoft\Outlook
Why is this so hard!?
(Managed to move a POP3 PST file no problem)
Created
Hi Sam,
Did you try Symbolic Link? Here’s one more solution to move the OST file to another desired location:
1. Go to File> Info> Account Settings> Account Settings.
2. Select the email account and click Remove> Yes. If it fails to remove, continue following the next steps.
3. Click New, and configure the profile with your username and password.
4. In the setup, click More Settings.
5. Under the Advanced tab, click Outlook Data File Settings.
6. click browse and select the OST file you moved to the new location.
Some of the settings might be blocked by your organization if you are connected to the domain. Contact your administrator in such a case to help you move the OST file to a different location.
Hello, I have a question.
My current Toshiba Laptop’s keyboard died, so I bought a new HP 6570 Laptop. I use Microsoft 2007 Outlook as my e-mail program and I want to transfer my saved mail lists (Quite a long list) to my new computer. I will load my copy of Office 2007 onto the new computer before making any transfers.
If I buy your product, will I be able to do what I am asking?: Please advise.
Thanks,
Dane C. LaBarr
Tampa, FL USA.
Hello Dane,
You should try a free demo of our software. Then, you would be able to explore the potential of the software.
In a free demo, you can also save 20 items/folder.
Really useful infographic for users who are using Outlook on regular basis and face running out of disk space issue. I have transferred offline outlook data file easily to another drive.
the Registry method worked fine and I was able to easily move the location of my OST.
Congrats on the successful migration of OST file. If you face any trouble, then feel free to contact us.
My offline Outlook data file (.ost) is not opening. How do I convert damaged OST file into PST database?
Hello Gabriel,
Stellar Converter for OST also works on damaged Exchange OST file. We also suggest you try free demo of the software.
I am new to Outlook 2016 on Windows 10 PC. Help me to explore the Outlook’s drag & drop feature for moving Offline Outlook data file (.ost).
Is it 100% safe?
Hi Milton,
In the first step, you have to create a blank Outlook PST file. After this, you can drag the targeted components from OST into newly created PST file.But, I suggest you perform this process carefully to avoid any bad experience like data loss.