How to Back up OST File in Microsoft 365? Here Are 3 Ways!

Every software you use stores files on your drive with a specific extension. Microsoft Outlook is one of the tools that save files with .pst and .ost. What is the OST file? Should you back up OST file? How to back up OST file? Continue to read the following content.

What Is the OST File

The purpose of the OST file is to enable a specific Outlook feature. With the help of OST files, you can continue working in Outlook even if your Internet connection is lost. If your Internet connection is slow or unstable, this Outlook feature allows you to use it effectively. Once the Internet connection is established, the OST file will connect with the Exchange server and synchronize with the inbox.

Why need to back up OST file? The following are the possible reasons:

• To solve the issue of OST file corruption in the future.
• To restore accidentally deleted data.
• To migrate data from one location to another.
• …

How to Back up OST File

Now, here are 3 ways for you to back up OST file and you can choose one of them based on your needs.

Way 1: Via MiniTool ShadowMaker

To back up OST file on Windows PCs, we recommend using the free backup software – MiniTool ShadowMaker. It allows you to automatically back up data and only back up changed files. Here is how to use it:

1. Download and install MiniTool ShadowMaker. Launch it to enter its main interface.

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2. Go to the Backup tab and click the SOURCE part to choose Folders and Files.

3. Click the Computer tab and go to C:\Users\user\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook. Then, check the OST file and click OK.

4. Click the DESTINATION part to choose a destination to store the file. It’s recommended to choose the external hard drive.

5. Click Back Up Now to start the process.

Way 2: Via the Import/Export Button

The second method is to back up OST File manually by exporting it. Therefore, you need to ensure that your account is signed in. Here is how to do that:

1. Open Outlook. Go to File > Open & Export.

2. Click the Import/Export button. Click Export to a file and click Next.

3. Click Comma Separated Values and click Next.

4. Save the file to your desired location.

Way 3: Via the Archive Option

The next step is using the Archive option to secure your OST file or create a backup. This method can be a bit complicated for someone who hasn’t done it before, but it’s not impossible. So, here’s how you can do it:

1. Open Outlook. Go to File > Tools > Clean Up Old Items….

2. Click Browse… to select the desired files and folders you wish to archive.

Final Words

That’s the information on how to back up OST file. Just follow the methods here to do that. Hope they can help you.