Locate PST File in Outlook 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016 Windows XP, 7, 8, 10

It is important to know the location of Outlook data file (.pst) before backing up or migrating data. It is crucial that the emails saved in archive.pst are located and transferred safely without data loss. This post describes all the steps necessary to locate PST files in Outlook 2016, 2013, 2010, 2007 and below versions. It is an easy guide to locating PST files and moving them to a new location. This makes backing up mailbox information easier to an external drive and freeing up space on the primary drive. Repeat the steps to identify Outlook data file location and move it to a new computer or disk.

Default Outlook PST File Location in Windows 10, 8, 8.1, 7, XP

The primary step in migrating mailboxes is to locate and move data files from their default folder location. This path may contain disconnected PST or old .pst files that contain important information. Below is a table containing the default Outlook data file location in Windows PC. Refer to it to retrieve data files from Outlook folder.

Outlook Version	Windows Version	Default Location
Outlook 2007, 2003, 2002	Windows XP	C:\Documents and Settings\%username%\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook\
Outlook 2007, 2003, 2002	Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows 8 or Windows 10	C:\Users\%username%\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook\
Outlook 2010	Windows XP	C:\Documents and Settings\%username%\My Documents\Outlook Files\
Outlook 2010	Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows 8 or Windows 10	C:\Users\%username%\Documents\Outlook Files\
Outlook 2013 and Outlook 2016	All Windows versions	C:\Users\%username%\Documents\Outlook Files OR drive:\Users\ username\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook OR drive:\Users\username\Roaming\Local\Microsoft\Outlook OR drive:\Documents and Settings\username\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook OR drive:\Users\username\My Documents\Outlook Files

Methods to Locate PST Files in Outlook 2007, 2010, 2013 and 2016 - Windows

Following are some of the ways to find the folder location where the Outlook.pst files are saved on a Windows PC:

Solution#1 Outlook Settings

PST File Location in Outlook 2007, 2003, 2002

First, launch the MS Outlook application and go to Tools >> Options.
From the Mail Setup tab, click on Data Files button.
Next, copy the file path and paste it to the file explorer window and hit Enter.
Then, locate Outlook PST file in this folder location.

Outlook 2010 PST File Location

First, launch the email client.
Then, go to File >> Info >> Account Settings >> Account Settings.

From the Account Settings dialogue box, select Data Files tab and click on Open File Location.

Now, this will open the PST File Location in Outlook 2010.

Locate PST File in Outlook 2013, 2016

First, launch the email application and open the tree-view of folders.
Just click on the ‘>’ icon below File menu.

This will display the full folder pane in Outlook 2013 or 2016.

Each item in the tab has a separate Outlook data file(.pst). Each email account has a different Outlook.pst file and different PST file location.
Now, right-click on any one item and click on Data File Properties.

From the Properties dialogue box, click on Advanced button.

From the Outlook Data File dialogue box, copy the path to FileName.

Then, copy the file location and paste it in a Windows File Explorer window. This will open the PST file location Outlook 2013.

Solution#2 Use the Control Panel

First, go to Start >> Control Panel >> Mail.
From the Mail Setup dialogue box, select Data Files…

From the Account Settings dialogue box, click on Open File Location to locate Outlook data file(.pst).

Advantages of Manual Solution

Free of Cost: There is no additional cost to locate PST files to the company or to the user using manual approach.
Locate Outlook File Folder: Identify the Outlook data file folder location with all the .pst files saved in one place using the manual solution.
Locate Archive.pst: Find the Archive.pst file that stores a regular backup of complete mailbox. This includes backup of emails with attachments, contacts, calendar, tasks, notes, journal items.

Limitations of Manual Solution

Confusing Steps: The manual solution in technical jargon for a non-technical or home user.
Cannot Change Location: To change Outlook default PST location is a risky undertaking and may lead to errors.
Requires Technical Expertise: To identify and backup PST file to another location requires some technical knowledge about the subject.

Limitations of Manual Solution

There may be a lot of confusion and difficulty in locating Outlook data files(.pst). Changing location to backup mailbox data may lead to corruption or errors that may be difficult to overcome. Instead, it is recommended to use a perfect third-party tool like the PST Locator to make the task easier and direct. Locate PST File in Outlook 2013, 2010, 2007, 2003 and 2000 in UNICODE or ANSI format. The tool works with all versions of Windows 2000, 2003, 2008, XP, Vista, 7, 8 or 8.1. It is also compatible with Windows server 2008 and 2012 (32 and 64-bit) versions.