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How to Create a New PST File in Outlook 2021, 2019, 2016?

  author
Mark Regan
Published: October 9th, 2024 • 7 Min Read

Do you want to know how to create a new PST file in Outlook? Worry Not! There are so many Outlook users who want to Outlook create a new PST but they do not know how to or where to start. Today, our article aims to guide you through the step-by-step process for making PST files in Outlook using the best methods. Let’s start reading the article to find out.

Creating a new PST file in Outlook is vital for users who want to manage their email data more efficiently.

Whether users want to back up their emails, maintain their mailboxes, or reduce the size of their primary Outlook data file, a new PST file creation can be a solution.

However, we have crafted the article on how to create a new PST file in Outlook 2021, 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, 2007, and 2003 for beginners as well as advanced users while providing a detailed guide, useful insights, and some important tips at the end. So keep reading!

Table of Contents Hide
  1. What is a PST File in Outlook?
  2. How to Create a New PST File in Outlook 2021-2003?
    1. Using Account Settings
    2. Using the New Option
    3. Import/ Export Wizard
    4. Auto-Archiving Option
  3. Best Solutions for Outlook PST File
  4. Why Create a New PST File?
  5. Conclusion

What is a PST File in Outlook?

First of all, let’s understand the PST file format and its key features. A PST file or Personal Storage Table is an Outlook data file that is used to store emails, contacts, calendars, etc. This allows us to archive our old Outlook mailbox data and access them anytime. It is mainly used for local storage in the desktop versions of Outlook.

Key Features of PST Files:

  • Store emails, attachments, contacts, calendars, and tasks.
  • Supports up to 50 GB file size limit in newer versions of Outlook.
  • Allows to create an archive to manage Outlook mailbox more efficiently.

How to Create a New PST File in Outlook 2021, 2019, and Earlier?

We understand that a new PST file creation can be a challenging task, especially for new users. Hence we have outlined simple methods and steps below:

1. Make a New PST File in Outlook with Account Settings

  1. Open Outlook and Go to File Menu.
  2. Click on Account Settings >> Account Settings.
  3. Got o Data File tap and select Add button.
  4. Pick a file name accordingly and Outlook Data File (.PST) in select as type.
  5. Finally hit the Ok button to create a new PST file in Outlook.

2. Create Outlook Data File (PST) in Outlook Using the New Option

Learn how to create a new PST file in Outlook using the New Option:

  1. Launch Microsoft Outlook.
  2. Click on the New Items option.
  3. Select More items >> pick Outlook Data Files.
  4. Type a name for your new PST file and hit the Ok button.
  5. Enter a password for the new PST file if promoted then click Ok.

3. Use Import/ Export Method to Create a New PST File in Outlook

Import/Export is a powerful feature in Outlook used to move, backup, or migrate data between different accounts and systems. This feature allows users to easily transfer emails, contacts, calendar events, tasks, and notes. You can also use this tool to import data in a new PST file that is stored in another file or program as described below:

  1. Open Outlook, go to File >> Open & Export.
  2. Click on Import/ Export Wizard.
    select import/export
  3. Select Import from another program or file and hit Next.
    another program or file
  4. Pick Outlook Data File (.PST).
    select
  5. Now Click on the Browse button to select a file that you want to import to the new PST.
    browse PST
  6. Check the include subfolders box and hit Next.
  7. Select a file name and location and click on the Finish button.

4. Use the Auto-Archiving Option to Outlook Create a New PST File

AutoArchive is a useful feature in Microsoft Outlook which is designed to automatically move old Outlook emails and other items from the primary mailbox to a separate PST file regularly. However, you can use these features to make a new PST file in Outlook by setting a specific date range. Here is how to create a new PST file in Outlook with the Auto Archive option:

  1. Open the Outlook app and click on the File tab.
    auto archive settings
  2. Pick Options then select “Advanced”.
    select advanced
  3. After this, click on the AutoArchive Settings button.
  4. In the Run AutoArchive every _ days option, select the number of days as per your preferences and click browse to select the PST folder location.
    select date and browse pst
  5. Tap the Ok button at the end to create a PST file in the default location.

Note: So these were all the possible methods that you try and make a new PST file. We hope now you perfectly know how to create a new PST file in Outlook.

However, being an Outlook user you have to deal with PST files every day. For your convenience, we have suggested some must-have tools to manage the Outlook PST files effectively, whether you want to backup your emails, convert them into different formats like PDF, MBOX, etc, migrate them to a different email client, or repair those that are damaged. Following are the most convenient Outlook PST tools for professionals, organizations, and personal users.

Best Solutions for Your Outlook PST File

Learn about the best tools for PST Files and make the process to create a new PST file in Outlook more effective:

1. PST Converter

It is a solution through which any user can easily convert the file extension of a PST file into different formats like PDF, MSG, MBOX, EML, CSV, JPG, TXT, DOC, and so on. Moreover, this tool supports selective and bulk conversion and also allows to migrate Outlook emails to other email platforms like Thunderbird, Gmail, Exchange Server, etc. Outlook users should not miss such an amazing tool this.

2. PST Viewer

This is a saver tool for users who want to open PST file without Outlook. When you do not have access to your Outlook profile and you are just left with an orphan PST file, this tool can come in help. It allows you to easily read all important PST emails without an app.

3. PST Repair Tool

Another tool is helpful to fix all the damaged or corrupt PST files and also recover deleted emails, contacts all other data in Outlook without any file size limitation.

4. Outlook Duplicate Remover

It allows us to get rid of the duplicity that often Outlook users face. Having multiple emails clutter your mailbox and you get frustrated in navigating to the required emails. This tool automatically detects similar messages, contacts, etc, and helps you to remove them.

Why Create a New PST File?

Creating a new PST file in Outlook can help a user resolve several problems and offers numerous benefits:

  • Manage Outlook emails in different folders based on category, project, or specific needs.
  • Reduce primary mailbox size by moving old items to a new OST file.
  • Create an offline backup of important Outlook emails to prevent data loss.
  • Migrate data from Outlook to a different Outlook account or other email clients.
  • Forward Outlook emails to non-Outlook users by converting them into different formats.

Conclusion

Making a new PST file in Outlook is an essential task for all of us. Understanding its importance we provided a detailed guide on how to create a new PST file in Outlook 2021, 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, 2007, and 2003 for both beginners and professional users.

You can find various methods like using accounts settings, New items option, Import/ Export wizard, and Auto-Archive features along with step-by-step instructions. Additionally. we also suggested some professional tool for users who frequently deal with a PST file. We hope this guide has helped to easily create PST file in Outlook.