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How to change offline Outlook Data File (.ost) location in Microsoft Outlook on Windows 10
3 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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If you tried to change the location of the offline Outlook Data File (.ost) inMicrosoft Outlook, you have seen that the browse button is disabled.
This is due to the deprecation of the classicofflinemode in Outlook, which is an online mode connection to MicrosoftExchange Server.
This is what happens when you try to do something offline using a tool designed for online use.
But the good news is that there is a fix for this.
Users have also described this issue onMicrosoft’s forum:
My current default location for my OST file is C:Users…*** Email address is removed for privacy ***I have been trying to change the location to D:Users…*** Email address is removed for privacy ***, but nothing I try seems to work.In Outlook, I go to change the location of the data file, but it doesn’t allow me to edit or change the file. […]How can I change the location in which outlook points to the data file for my email? It is pulling the emails off of the exchange server, but caching them to my OST file on my local C drive, instead of my other local D drive?
Here’s how to change the location of the offline Outlook Data File:
1. Create a new Outlook Profile and change the location of the .ost file
Need to sync your files? Here’s the best software to help you with that!
2. Change the location via the ForceOSTPath registry entry
We suggest you toback up the registrybefore you change the settings. If youmodify the registryincorrectly, you can use the back up torestore the registry.
If you also want to monitor registry changes,this toolcan help you.
If the following solutions were helpful, please let us know in the comment section below.
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Madalina Dinita
Networking & Security Specialist
Madalina has been a Windows fan ever since she got her hands on her first Windows XP computer.
She is interested in all things technology, especially emerging technologies – AI and DNA computing in particular.
Prior to joining the WindowsReport team, she worked in the corporate world for a number of years.
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Madalina Dinita
Networking & Security Specialist
Madalina is a Windows fan since forever, especially interested in AI, emerging technologies, privacy, and security.