---
title: "Outlook: What is a PST file and where can I find it?"
url: https://lookeen.com/blog/outlook-what-is-a-pst-file-and-where-can-i-find-it
lang: en
description: "Where does Outlook store my data? What is a PST file and what is its purpose? Click here for the right answer!"
author: "Froher Yosofy"
published: 2021-08-11T13:37:13+00:00
modified: 2026-11-11T04:36:59+00:00
---

# Outlook: What is a PST file and where can I find it?

If you have one or more Outlook accounts, you have likely accumulated a significant amount of data over time. This includes emails, calendar entries, out-of-office notifications, etc. These are recorded and stored in Outlook in a PST file. Outlook data should be backed up at regular intervals. [Click here for the relevant guide.](https://lookeen.com/blog/outlook-back-up-data-and-create-a-backup-here-s-how) But what is a PST file? Where can you find it? What does PST stand for and, above all, what benefit does it offer to Outlook users? You will find out in this blog post!

Outlook: What is a PST file and where can I find it?

## Outlook: PST Data File – Definition

An Outlook PST data file (“Personal Folder Storage”) contains backups of emails, messages, contacts, tasks, notes, and calendar entries. The PST data file is used by the most commonly used email account type, the POP3 account. Emails from a POP3 account are downloaded from the mail server and stored on the computer along with the other Outlook data.

[Want to search your Outlook PST file? With Lookeen, that’s done in seconds!](https://lookeen.com/solutions/outlook-search/search-pst-files)

## Where does Outlook store my PST file? – How to find it out

**Step 1:** Start Outlook.

**Step 2:** Click on *File* and then open *Account Settings*.

**Step 3:** Look for the *Data Files* tab. Outlook will now display the storage path of your PST data file.

![Find Outlook PST File](https://lookeen.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Speicherort-PST-Outlook-Datei.jpg)

## Outlook: What is the benefit of the PST file?

The PST file consolidates all important data into a single format. This links separate sections such as mailboxes, calendars, and contact lists, etc. The PST file serves as a backup copy of this data, thereby protecting it against potential data loss. Additionally, Outlook allows users to structure their personal storage. You can create and save multiple PST files that encompass different areas.

## Outlook: OST Offline Data File – Definition

In addition to the POP3 account, most accounts, including Microsoft Exchange, Outlook.com, Hotmail, Gmail, or IMAP, use an OST offline data file (“Offline Folder Storage”). If you have integrated these accounts into Outlook, a synchronized copy of your emails, tasks, and other data is downloaded and stored in an OST offline data file on the computer. By storing your data in an OST offline data file, you can continue to write emails and work in Outlook even if the connection to the server is interrupted. As soon as a connection is re-established, Outlook automatically synchronizes all changes, so that your Outlook data and folders on the server and your computer are identical again.

I hope this article has helped you find your PST file again.

[With Lookeen, you can search all PST files in Outlook in real time!](https://lookeen.com/solutions/outlook-search/search-pst-files)