How to Outlook PST File Too Large? Easy Fixes That Work Fast!

An Outlook data file can grow over time, leading to a large Outlook data file due to the collection of thousands of emails, attachments, and calendar items. This issue results in slow performance, syncing issues, or trouble while opening Outlook. If you are dealing with the same problem, then in this blog, we will discuss simple solutions for the Outlook Data File Too Large problem. The approaches given below are simple and secure and help to manage your large Outlook data without any data loss.

Reasons Behind the “Outlook PST File Too Large” Issue

This issue usually occurs when Outlook stores too much data in a single file over time. Below, we have discussed some of the common reasons for this issue:

1.      There are a large number of old emails stored in the mailbox.

2.      When an excessive number of attachments are saved with emails.

3.      If the multiple folders are saved inside one PST file.

4.      Users' deleted emails are still stored in the Deleted Items folder.

5.      When Outlook's auto-archive feature is disabled.

6.      When you have used the same Outlook data file for a long period.

Once you understand these causes, then it is easy to prevent PST size issues and keep Outlook running in a smooth manner.

What Is the Maximum Size of an Outlook PST File?

The maximum size of an Outlook PST file depends on your current version of Outlook. In the older version of Outlook (2002 and earlier), the size of the PST file is 2GB. Now, in the newer Outlook version ( 2007 and later) the default limit of PST file is 50 GB. Always keep the PST file below the maximum limit.

How to Manage If Your Outlook PST Too Big

While using this cost-free approach, users can easily reduce the size of the data file. The given methods are easy and simple for basic file size management. When your Outlook PST File too Large to Open then proceed with the given procedure to split it:

1. Use the Cleanup Tool

In this method, users can remove unwanted emails and attachments.

1.      Firstly, launch Outlook and go to File >> Tools >> Mailbox Cleanup.

2.      Then, click on Delete large emails and unnecessary folders.

3.      Finally, clear the deleted items and junk email folders.

2: Compact Outlook Data File

In this, you can compact the file, which helps to reduce the unused space in the PST file.

1.      Go to File > Account Settings > Account Settings.

2.      Now, select data files & choose the PST file (.pst), and click on Settings.

3.      Finally, click on Compact Now and wait for the process to finish.

3: Archive your Old Emails.

For this, users can fix this problem by archiving old emails to a separate file.

1.      Firstly, navigate to File >> Tools >> Archive

2.      Then, select folders and choose a date accordingly for archiving.

3.      At the end, you need to save archived emails to a new PST file.

Drawbacks of the Manual Method

At first, the manual approach seems very easy, but it has various limitations that might affect time, accuracy, and data safety.

●      This approach takes more time when the Outlook PST File is too large for the destination file system.

●      Users need more effort to clean and manage their emails.

●      It is not suitable for handling very large data files.

●      During cleanup, there is a risk of missing important emails.

●      There are no advanced options to split PST files properly.

●      You should have a good knowledge of Outlook settings.

Because of these drawbacks, users don't prefer manual approaches, as these are not always reliable, especially when dealing with large or important data.

Expert Approach To Fix “Outlook Data File Too Large”

How to fix Outlook PST File is too large for a Destination File System so Users who want to overcome the drawbacks of the manual approach can shift to the automated approach. Outlook PST Splitter is a fast and reliable solution to manage the large Outlook data files. This tool allows users to divide their large PST files into smaller, manageable parts without any data loss. Users can split their file according to size, date, sender, or folder. Also, it works with all versions of Windows and Outlook and even maintains the original folder structure. Now, we will discuss the easy steps to fix this issue:

1.      Download and run the Aryson Outlook PST Splitter Tool on your system.

2.      After that, click on Add Files or Folders and pick the PST files that you want to split.

3.      Now, select the PST file and press the Next button.

4.      4. In this step, choose the files from the tree hierarchy and select the format of splitting (by size, date, sender, or folder). Then click on Next.

5.      5. Now, apply the filters or choose a password as per your requirement. You can also save the destination of the new file.

6.       6. In the final step, press the Split button to start the process.

Exclusive Features of this tool When Outlook PST is too big

This tool helps to break large Outlook PST files into smaller and manageable parts without any data loss. It provides multiple split options and advanced features, which are given below:

1.      This offers to split large PST files quickly and safely into smaller PST files to improve performance.

2.      You will receive multiple splitting methods, including by size, date, folder, or sender email, so that users can choose the best for them.

3.      After the process of splitting, you can keep the original folder structure and all mailbox data intact.

4.      It provides wide compatibility, as it works with both ANSI and UNICODE PST formats.

5.      This helps the users to add a password to the resulting split PST files for better security.

6.      You will get an option to remove duplicate emails during the splitting process.

7.      It provides two modes for saving split files: create all parts in one PST or separate PST files.

8.      This works with all major Windows OS and Outlook versions to ensure smooth operation.

Note: You can use the trial version of the Outlook PST Splitter, which helps the users to split their PST files and preview their mailbox data. But you will face some limitations, so it is advisable to activate the license.

End Note

In the above blog, we discussed the Outlook Data File Too Large issue and came across the reasons behind this issue. There are various approaches, and we talked about automated and free methods. Depending on daily email usage and the size of Outlook data, users can select the approach that best suits them. Always choose a method that keeps Outlook running smoothly and without interruptions.

FAQ:

1. How do I reduce the size of my Outlook data file?

Ans:  You can reduce your Outlook data file size by deleting emails, removing large attachments, and compacting the PST file. For large files, use the Aryson PST Outlook Splitter Tool.

 

2. How to fix Outlook data file has reached the maximum size?

Ans: When the Outlook data file reaches its size limit, you can either archive old emails, split the PST file into smaller parts, or create a new PST file. If you want a quick solution then you should proceed with the automated solution.

 

3. How to outlook data file too large easy fixes that work fast windows

Ans:  On Windows, you can apply quick fixes like mailbox cleanup, PST compaction, and email archiving. If there is a large file size, then choose a professional PST splitter tool.