Moving your Outlook OST file to another drive will clear up space on your C drive and make your system run better. OST files keep all of your Outlook data that isn't online, like emails, contacts, and calendars. So, it's vital to move them slowly. In this blog post, we'll show you how to move an OST file to another drive using both manual methods and an automatic OST to PST Converter Tool. The utility that moves your file safely without putting your data at risk.


Why is it Important to Move an Outlook OST file to Another Drive?


Moving your Outlook OST file to a different drive helps you use your storage space better and protects your mailbox from problems with that disk. It also makes Outlook run more smoothly and lowers the chance of losing data. Let's look at the benefits you get:


  • It frees up space on the system drive.
  • Makes Outlook run faster and better as a whole.
  • It protects the mailbox data even if the main drive breaks.
  • It helps you keep your data organized by keeping huge OST files in separate places.
  • Also, it makes synchronizing with the email server go more smoothly.
  • Moving the file can help stop Outlook from crashing all the time because there isn't enough disk space.


How to Move an OST File to Another Drive


You can migrate your OST files to another drive manually or automatically. You can either adjust the file location and registry settings or use a utility to move the files faster and more safely. Let's look at each one in more depth:


Example from the real world:


You are using a company laptop with a small C drive. Your OST file has gotten too big, which is why Outlook keeps crashing. Instead of reinstalling everything, relocate the OST file to a different drive (say D:). This will save up space right away and keep Outlook functioning properly.


How to Move the Outlook OST Data File to a Different Drive


To migrate Outlook OST files, you can either change their default location or make new ones on a different drive. You don't need any new equipment to use these procedures, although they do need certain technical steps. You can also read our full instructions on how to move an OST file. Let's look at the manual ways:


Method 1: Use the Registry Editor to move the OST file to a new location.


This solution modifies the default OST storage path in the Windows Registry and ensures that Outlook makes the file on a new drive. Let's take a look at the steps:


  • First, close Outlook all the way.
  • Then, press Windows + R, type in regedit, and hit Enter.
  • Also, navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\<version>\Outlook.
  • To move forward, make a new one or change the ForceOSTPath string value.
  • Next, type in the new path of the OST file (for example, D:\OST Files).
  • Lastly, restart Outlook; it will make a new OST file in that spot.


Method 2: Make a new profile and move the OST file to a different drive.


You can move an OST file to another drive using this procedure. First, you need to make a new path in the registry and then make a new Outlook profile. Do the following:


  • First, shut off Outlook altogether.
  • After that, press Windows + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.
  • Also, in Registry Editor, navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\<version>\Outlook


Note: Instead of version, use 16.0 for Outlook 2016/2019/365, 15.0 for 2013, and so on.


  • To move on, make a new string value called ForceOSTPath and set it to the path of your new folder.
  • In the meantime, go to Control Panel > Mail > Show Profiles.
  • After that, click "Add" and set up your email account in the new profile.
  • Outlook will then make the new OST file in the folder you chose on its own.
  • Finally, make this new profile the default and then open Outlook.


Note: If you want to set up your mailbox on a new computer. This is how to effortlessly open an OST file on another machine.


The Drawbacks of Manual Methods


  • It's dangerous to change the Windows Registry, and even a tiny mistake might cause problems with Outlook or Windows.
  • Users who aren't tech-savvy find it hard to use manual approaches because they need technological understanding.
  • It takes hours for the server to sync the OST file again if it is really big.
  • You can't just relocate an existing OST file; Outlook will always make a new one in the new path.
  • When you do things by hand, it takes a long time. Professional instruments that automate the transfer do it safely.


An Automated Way to Move an OST File to a Different drive


Manual approaches work well, but they might cause problems like registry errors, long re-sync times, and being hard to understand. Using a professional tool to relocate your OST file is safer and faster than doing it by yourself. With an advanced Softaken OST to PST Converter Tool, you may convert OST files immediately and save them to any drive you want. It keeps all of your data safe and makes it easy to move.


How to Relocate the OST File To a Different Place:


  • To add OST files, first open the OST to PST Converter Tool and click Browse.
  • Then, choose the OST files you want to convert and upload them.
  • To move forward, look at the contents of the file (emails, contacts, calendar, etc.) and click Next.
  • Choose the PST format from the list of ways to save.
  • Also, choose the target path and add any extra features you like.
  • Finally, click Convert to begin the process of converting.


The end


When you change drives, upgrade your system, or need a backup of your Outlook data, you must move the OST file to a different drive. Manual techniques can work, but they take longer to sync, have a higher chance of mistakes, and require more technical processes. A professional Converter Tool speeds up, makes safer, and makes the procedure more efficient. It also doesn't lose important emails, contacts, or attachments.