Find and transfer Outlook data files from one computer to another (2024)

Outlook saves backup information in a variety of different locations. Depending on what type of account you have, you can back up your emails, your personal address book, your navigation pane settings, your signatures, templates, and more.

If you're using a Microsoft Exchange, Microsoft 365, or Outlook.com account, your email messages are backed up on your email server. In most cases, you won't have a Personal Folders file (.pst) for these types of accounts.

In order to view some of the backup files for Outlook, you'll need to unhide system folders and file name extensions. For information on how to perform that task, see How to unhide folders and file name extensions.

Backup information for Microsoft 365, Exchange, or Outlook.com accounts

For Microsoft 365accounts, Exchange accounts, or Outlook.com, Hotmail.com, or Live.com accounts not accessed by POP or IMAP, you won't have a Personal Folders (.pst) file. You may have an Offline Folders (.ost) file, but that file is automatically recreated by Outlook when you add a new email account. You can't move that file from one computer to another.

For Microsoft 365 accounts, Exchange accounts, or Outlook.com, Hotmail.com, or Live.com accounts not accessed by POP or IMAP, the following information can be transferred from one computer to another.

Email, calendar, contact, and task information for POP accounts

If you have a POP account, all of your information is already stored in a Personal Folders (.pst) file. You can move this file to a new computer and retain your information. Moving a .pst file from one computer to another doesn't transfer your email account settings. If you need to set up Outlook on a new computer, copy your .pst file from the old computer, then set up your email account on your new computer.

You can then open the .pst file from the new computer. The location of your .pst file depends on your version of Outlook, your version of Windows, and how you set up your account or created the .pst file. You can find your .pst file in one of the following locations:

• Windows 10 drive:\Users\<username>\Documents\Outlook Files

• Windows 11 drive:\Users\<username>\Documents\Outlook Files

• Older versions of Windows drive:\Documents and Settings\\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook

How to unhide folders and file name extensions

Some of the folders might be hidden folders, and Windows might have file name extensions (such as .pst, .ost, .pab) turned off. To show hidden folders and file name extensions, do the following:

1. Open Control Panel.

   • In Windows 10, right-click the Start button, and then click Control Panel.

   • In Windows 8, press the Windows key + X, then click Control Panel.

   • In Windows 7, click Start > Control Panel.

2. In the View by list, make sure either Large icons or Small icons is selected so that you can see all the icons in Control Panel.

3. Click Folder Options.

4. Click the View tab.

5. In the Advanced settings box:

   1. Under Files and Folders, uncheck the Hide extensions for known file types box

   2. Under Hidden files and folders, click the Show hidden files, folders, and drives button.

   3. Click OK.