Applies ToOutlook for Microsoft 365 Outlook 2024 Outlook 2021 Outlook 2019 Outlook 2016 Office for business Microsoft Office New Outlook for Windows

Outlook Data Files (.pst), or Personal Storage Tables files, contain Outlook user messages and other Outlook items, such as contacts, appointments, tasks, notes, and journal entries. You might also use an Outlook data file to backup messages or store older items locally on your computer to keep the size of your mailbox small.

We currently provide different levels of support for Outlook Data Files, depending on which version of Outlook you are using. To determine which version of Outlook you're using, look for File on the ribbon. If there's no File option, you're using new Outlook. If the File option is there, you're using classic Outlook.

Outlook Data File (.pst) support in new Outlook

The latest update of support for .pst files in new Outlook added the ability to modify Mail items in .pst file. Now you move, copy, and delete emails and folders in your .pst file. You can also drag and drop emails between your mailbox and .pst files.

Note: Calendar, Contacts, and Tasks data saved in .pst files will not be accessible in this version. Future releases of new Outlook will expand the support for .pst file capabilities.

Open an Outlook Data File (.pst) in new Outlook

You can open .pst files, read e-mails in .pst files, and search .pst files for emails.

  1. To open an Outlook Data File (.pst), go to Settings > General > Outlook Data Files.

  2. Select Add file.

  3. Select Continue to open.

  4. Select a .pst file and then select Open.

In settings, select General, Outlook Data Files, and then select Add file.

Requirements

To open .pst files in new Outlook, note the following requirements:​​​​​​​

If you have ...

You also need ...

32-bit  new Outlook

32-bit classic Outlook

64-bit  new Outlook

64-bit classic Outlook

Important: Before installing a different version of Outlook – 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) – make sure you uninstall the previous version. Learn more at Choose between the 64-bit or 32-bit version of Office.​​​​​​​

  • The account you're using in new Outlook must have a Microsoft 365​​​​​​​ subscription.

  • Outlook Data Files (.pst) isn't supported with the ARM version of new Outlook.

  • ​​​​​​​New Outlook​​​​​​​ cannot be in Safe or Recovery modes.

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