How Do I Back Up My Outlook PST File?

Backing up the PST file is the easiest way to protect your Outlook email, contacts and calendar. There are two methods: exporting from Outlook or copying the file.

Method 1: Export from Outlook

1. In Outlook, click File > Open & Export > Import/Export.
2. Choose Export to a file, then Outlook Data File (.pst).
3. Select the account or folder to back up and tick Include subfolders.
4. Choose the location and file name and click Finish. You can set a password if you like.

Method 2: Copy the file

1. Close Outlook completely.
2. Open the folder C:\Users\UserName\Documents\Outlook Files.
3. Copy the .pst file to an external drive or a cloud folder.

A PST file copied while Outlook is open may be corrupted. Close Outlook before copying and repeat the backup regularly.

Restoring the backup

Use File > Open & Export > Open Outlook Data File and select the backup PST file; its folders appear in the left pane.