Check the default Outlook folders first. Open the file location from Account Settings when the folders are empty. Search Control Panel or File Explorer for a PST file saved elsewhere. Finder software lists PST files on many computers and exports the list as a CSV report.
Where to find the Outlook PST file is the first question before any backup or move. Your Outlook version and the folder you chose at creation decide the location.
I wrote this guide to help you find the Outlook PST file in five ways and to list every PST file on a computer.
Microsoft lists the default folders in its article on opening and finding items in a PST file.
Why Does the PST File Location Differ?
Outlook saves a PST file in a folder that depends on its version. Three facts decide where you look:
- Outlook 2016 and newer. Microsoft lists
Documents\Outlook Filesas the default folder. - Earlier versions. Microsoft lists
AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlookas the default folder. - Your own choice. You can save a PST file in any folder so the default folders can be empty.
POP accounts store mail in PST files according to Microsoft. Exchange accounts use an OST file with a copy of the mailbox.
Which Search Fits Your Case?
Match your case to a way first:
| Your Aim | Starting Place | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Check the usual folders | Documents or AppData | Method #1 |
| Find the file Outlook uses now | Account Settings | Method #2 |
| Outlook will not start | Control Panel | Method #3 |
| The file moved to another folder | File Explorer | Method #4 |
| Many files or many computers | Finder software | Method #5 |
5 Ways to Find the Outlook PST File
Windows and Outlook settings serve the first four ways while software serves the fifth:
| Path | Best When | Weak Spot |
|---|---|---|
| Default Folders | You never moved the file | Empty after a move |
| Account Settings | Outlook opens | Lists profile files only |
| Control Panel | Outlook fails to start | Needs the Mail setup |
| File Explorer Search | The folder is unknown | Slow on large storage |
| Finder Software | Many computers | Paid |
Method #1: Check the Default Folders (Free)
Microsoft names two default folders so check them before you search elsewhere. Four steps open both:
- Open File Explorer and select Documents.
- Open the Outlook Files folder for Outlook 2016 and newer.
- Type
%localappdata%\Microsoft\Outlookinto the File Explorer address bar for earlier versions. - Look for files that end in .pst.
Note: Files that end in .ost in the AppData folder are offline copies and not PST files.
Method #2: Open the File Location From Account Settings (Free)
Outlook shows the path of every data file it uses. Five steps open the folder:
- Start Outlook and select File.
- Open Account Settings and select Account Settings again.
- Click the Data Files tab.
- Select your PST file in the list.
- Click Open File Location to see the folder.
Note: The list shows only the files that your profile uses. Close Outlook before you copy or move a file.
Method #3: Find the PST File Through Control Panel (Free)
Control Panel shows data files even when Outlook fails to start. Five steps list them:
- Open Control Panel and search for Mail.
- Select Mail (Microsoft Outlook).
- Click Show Profiles and select your profile.
- Click Properties and then Data Files.
- Choose the PST file and click Open File Location.
Note: The Mail icon name varies with the Outlook version. Search for Mail when you cannot see it.
Method #4: Search File Explorer for PST Files (Free)
Search finds the Outlook PST file when you saved it outside the default folders. Four steps search the computer:
- Press Windows + E to open File Explorer.
- Select This PC in the left pane.
- Type
*.pstin the search box. - Right click a result and select Open file location.
Note: Search can take several minutes on large storage. Results also show PST files from old computers that you copied.
Method #5: Find PST Files on Many Computers With EmailDoctor Outlook PST Finder (Paid)
Manual search checks one computer at a time. EmailDoctor Outlook PST Finder searches a local machine or a machine on a network domain according to the vendor guide. Vendor guide states that it searches all disks or the disks you select and exports the result as a CSV report.
Search for the PST Files
Three steps start the search:
- Install the software and open it from the Start menu.
- Select the machine and enter the user name and password for a network machine. Choose All drives or the specific drives and click OK.
- Wait for the search to end and click OK on the completion message.
Save the Report and Copy the Files
Three steps save the results:
- Click Export As CSV and choose a save location for the report.
- Open the CSV report to view the details of every PST file.
- Tick the PST files and click Copy to save them in a safe location.
Note: Vendor guide mentions no trial limit. Confirm the demo conditions with the vendor first.
What Does Your Search Show?
Check the result before you move any file:
| Search Outcome | Reason | Follow Up |
|---|---|---|
| File found in Documents | Default folder in use | Create a backup |
| File found in AppData | Earlier Outlook version | Create a backup |
| No file in either folder | File saved elsewhere | Method #4 |
| Many files on the computer | Old and new profiles | Method #5 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Outlook PST File Stored by Default?
Microsoft lists Documents\Outlook Files for Outlook 2016 onward. Earlier versions use AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook.
How do I Find the PST File Outlook is Using Now?
Open File, Account Settings and the Data Files tab to find the Outlook PST file in use. Select the file and click Open File Location.
Can I Find the PST File if Outlook Fails to Start?
Yes. Use Control Panel, File Explorer search or the default folders to find the Outlook PST file.
Why is the Documents Folder Empty?
Your file sits in another folder or your account uses an OST file. POP accounts use PST files as their main store.
Can an OST File Replace a PST File?
No. OST files store a mailbox copy for server accounts. Setup of the account downloads a synchronized mailbox copy according to Microsoft.
Can I Find PST Files on a Network Computer?
Yes with finder software. Vendor guide states that it searches a machine on a network domain with credentials.
Which File Format Does the Finder Report Use?
Vendor guide states that the report saves in CSV format.
Author’s Verdict
Check the two default folders first. Use Account Settings next to find the Outlook PST file that Outlook uses now.
Search File Explorer when you moved the file. Choose finder software for many computers.
Save a backup copy of the PST file before you move it.
- Documents is the default PST folder for Outlook 2016 and newer.
- Earlier versions use AppData.
- Account Settings shows the file in use.
- Finder software lists PST files on many computers.
Next Read: Outlook PST File Not Loading
Also Read: Outlook PST Showing 0 KB Error | Outlook Keeps Asking to Repair OST File
