Last updated on October 14th, 2025 at 07:04 pm
Are you using Microsoft Outlook application for email account management from desktop? If yes, then you must be aware of the data file PST. It is a file that stores data related to the user’s email profile, which they have configured in Outlook. Users generate these PST files in many ways.
The problem arises when users are unable to locate these files in their machine. Therefore, for users who are in such a situation, we have come up with this article. Here we will tell you some practical ways to find/locate Outlook PST file in Windows 11/10 or earlier versions. Let’s start learning.
MS Outlook is an application that users use to manage email accounts on their desktops. It helps users to configure and use different email accounts from a single place. Outlook allows users to connect their email accounts with different settings, such as POP/IMAP and Exchange.
Moreover, this email program works on the process of saving the email account data locally. It supports various file types in which the user’s data is stored, such as – PST, OST, MSG, NST, etc.
These files serve as backup files, allowing users to access data locally in Outlook and also allowing users to recover data items in case Outlook becomes unavailable.
Also Read: – How to Open Outlook Email in Web Browser? Best Strategies
Outlook’s PST file – Overview
PST (Personal Storage Table) is a file type that MS Outlook uses to store user profile data. This file serves as a medium for saving data locally, transferring data, and importing data from other sources.
A single PST file contains an entire user profile, including emails, contacts, calendar events, journals, and other elements. It is available in two formats: ANSI (Outlook 2002 and earlier versions) and Unicode (2003 and later versions).
It is primarily created by default in Outlook when a user configures his email profile with POP3 settings. There are also a few other ways to create a PST file in Outlook – archive method, manual creation with import/export wizard, the use of third-party tools, and others.
Why do users need to locate PST files?
- Transferring Outlook data to another PC – Easily move your emails, contacts, and other mailbox items to a new computer.
- Repairing corrupt PST files – Locate the file for fixing errors or restoring inaccessible Outlook data.
- Freeing up storage space – Find and manage large PST files to optimize space on your system.
What are default storage locations of Outlook PST file on Windows?
By default, Outlook stores PST files in your user profile folder on Windows. The location may vary depending on your Outlook and Windows version.
Default PST File Locations:
Windows 11/10/8/7
- C:\Users\<username>\Documents\Outlook Files\
Windows XP (earlier versions)
- C:\Documents and Settings\<username>\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook\
Manual Methods to Locate Outlook PST file in Windows 11/10 or earlier
If your file doesn’t appear on the default file path shown above, you should try the techniques below to find the exact location of your Outlook PST file.
Method 1: – Using MS Outlook Application
The easiest way to find your PST file is directly from Outlook. If your email profile is available in Outlook and the PST file is linked to it, this method is especially for you.
- Open Microsoft Outlook application in your machine.
- Go to File > Account Settings > Account Settings.
- In the Data Files tab, you’ll see all Outlook data files.
- Select your account and click Open File Location.
This will open the folder where the PST file is available.
Method 2: – Manually via File Explorer
This method is based on two scenarios: one is when the default location is known, and the other is when the user does not know where the file is.
Case 1: – Visiting default location
- Press Win + E to open File Explorer.
- Navigate to the paths:
- Windows 11/10/8/7
- C:\Users\<username>\Documents\Outlook Files\
- Windows XP (earlier versions)
- C:\Documents and Settings\<username>\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook\
- Windows 11/10/8/7
- Get all the Outlook’s associated files and check files with .pst extension.
Case 2: – Searching Outlook PST file
If you don’t know the exact location, you can search for PST files from an entire drive or folder (with sub-folders).
- Open File Explorer manually or press Win + E to open directly.
- Open the drive partition or folder that you think contains your PST file.
- Type .pst in search area and hit on Enter and start PST file searching process.
It will take some time to find your PST file, and if found, it will give you the result.
Method 3: – Using Windows Search
Search for the PST files available in your machine from the search function in Windows machine.
- Click on the search bar or press Windows + S key.
- Type .pst and the files with .pst extension will appear on your screen.
- Find and select the PST file you are looking for to easily access it.
Smart Approach to Locate PST file in Windows PC (PST Reader)
Try the newly designed software named eSoftTools PST File Viewer Software. It helps users to directly open PST files and read Outlook data from them without the need for any additional software.
This smart program also makes it easy for users to find PST file from their Windows PC. Users can easily select drive partitions and folders and it shows all available Outlook files quickly.
How to Find PST file location using PST Viewer Tool for Windows?
- Download exe file of this windows-based PST File Reader software of eSoftTools.
- Install the software and launch it on your machine, then press Select PST button.
- Chose a file sélection mode : Single PST file conversion or bulk PST file conversion.
- Locate PST file with single file conversion mode:
- Select PST file: – Auto open the default location of Outlook PST file.
- Search PST file: – Select a folder and the software will scan it and show all available PST files.
- Locate PST file with Bulk File Conversion mode:
- Add PST Folder: – add a folder from your drive and you will see all available PST files from them.
- Click on Start Scanning and load PST files to view their inner data directly inside the software.
Benefits of Using PST Viewer Software
Although manual methods work in most cases, sometimes they can be time-consuming and limiting. This is where a professional tool like eSoftTools PST Viewer software comes in handy.
Here are some key benefits:
- Automatic PST File Detection – No need to search manually, the software can scan drives and folders to find all PST files quickly.
- Opens PST Without Outlook – The software allows you to open and view PST files even if Outlook is not available or is not working.
- Supports Corrupt/Damaged PST Files – Unlike manual methods, this tool can also help in accessing data from corrupt or inaccessible PST files.
- User-Friendly Interface – The simple and easy-to-use design makes it suitable for both technical and non-technical users.
- Free PST Viewing – Users can view PST file’s content for free without even requiring a full Outlook installation.
Conclusion
Locating Outlook PST files in Windows 11, 10, or earlier versions is important for tasks like backup, migration, repair, or data recovery. You can use manual methods like Outlook Settings, File Explorer, or Windows Search. But these may not always be convenient—especially if you are dealing with multiple or hidden PST files.
For a fast and smart solution, using a reliable tool like eSoftTools PST Viewer is a better option. You can quickly find, open and access PST files even without Outlook. This not only saves time but also offers additional features like fixing corrupt PST files.
