How to Move OST file to Another Drive? Step-by-Step Instruction
Published: June 19th, 2025 • 6 Min Read
Summary: Do you want to know how to move OST file to another drive? Read the article to get the best ways to easily move OST file to different drive without making an effort. We have provided a detailed instruction, so let’s begin reading.
OST stands for Offline Storage Table of Outlook data file that stores synchronized copies of an entire user’s mailbox information which is connected to the Exchange server. There is no doubt how important an OST file is for Outlook users.
However, for various purposes an Outlook user wants to move OST file to another drive. These purposes vary depending on their situations.. In this article, we will show the complete step-by-step procedure to move OST files to different drive effortlessly using OST to PST Converter without getting frustrated.
Reasons to Move OST file to Another Drive
There are a set of reasons because of which a user may want to move outlook OST files to another drive. Let’s explore:
- Shifting work from one organization to another.
- Users might be facing storage issues with the specific hard drive.
- Exchange server crashed or not working properly.
- Corrupt OST file needs to change location to prevent data loss.
- Users want to backup the OST file by moving it to another drive.
- Moving OST file to different drive also helps in Offline access.
- Shifting from Windows device to Mac OS.
How to Move OST file to Different Drive?
Users can employ 4 different possible methods to move OST file to another drive in all the new and legacy versions of Outlook, as shown below:
#1 Move Outlook OST files to Another Drive with Registry Key Entry
One method to move OST files to a different drive is by specifying the ForcePSTPath registry key entry. ForcePSTPath is the key which is specially for changing OST file location. But before we initiate this method, it is important to understand the key navigation path of an OST files and move OST files to another drive in different Outlook versions.
OST File Key Navigation Path in Different Outlook Versions:
- Outlook 2007- Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\12.0\Outlook
- Outlook 2010- Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\14.0\Outlook
- Outlook 2013- Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\15.0\Outlook
- Outlook 2016- Computer\ HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Outlook
Now follow the steps mentioned below to move OST file to another drive:
- Press Windows + R to launch the Run program.
- Type “regedit” and click the Ok button to start Windows Registry editor.
- Now, enter the appropriate registry path corresponding to your Outlook version as listed above.
- Once you navigate to the specified location, right-click in the right pane.
- Select New then click on Expandable String Value.
- Now you have successfully created a new value, add “ForceOSTPath” name for it.
- Set the desired location in the Value data field to move the OST file to a different drive.
#2 Create New Outlook Profile to Move OST file to Another Drive
- Search the existing Outlook PST file on your PC.
- Copy the OST file and Paste it to another location.
- Now open Control Panel and search “Mail”.
- Click on “Show Profiles” and select the “Add” button.
- Enter a profile name and click Ok to move OST file to another drive.
- Enter the email account credentials for the new Outlook profile.
- Once done, click “Next” and then click on “Change account settings”.
- Click on “More Settings” and open the “Accounts” tab.
- Select “Outlook Data File Settings.”
- Now, click the “Browse” button, select the desired path, and click “OK”
#3 Disable Cached Exchange Mode to Move OST to Different Drive
- Launch Outlook> File> Info> “Account Settings”> “Account Settings.”
- Open Data File tab and click on “Settings”.
- Go to “Advanced” tab and uncheck the “Use Cached Exchange Mode” option to disable it.
- Now select “Disable Offline Use” and then browse the OST file path then click Ok.
- Lastly, enable the “Use Cached Exchange Mode” by checking the box.
Move OST file from C to D Drive via PowerShell Using Symbolic Links or Junction Points
This approach requires lots of technical expertise so must be followed carefully and take backup of OST file before performing any manual approach:
- Locate OST default location: C:\Users\\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook\yourprofile.ost.
- Now, open PowerShell to move OST file from C to D Drive.
- Move-Item -Path “C:\Users\\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook\yourprofile.ost” `
- -Destination “D:\OutlookData\yourprofile.ost”
- Use mklink to point from the original location.
- mklink “C:\Users\\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook\yourprofile.ost” “D:\OutlookData\yourprofile.ost”
- For use Junctions robocopy “C:\Users\\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook” “D:\OutlookData” /E /MOVE
- rmdir “C:\Users\\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook”
- mklink /J “C:\Users\\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook” “D:\OutlookData”
#5 Reliable Solution to Move OST to Another Drive
Manual methods seems lengthy, challenging and too frustrating. Why not switch to the solution that is easy to use and can effortlessly move OST file from C to D Drive?
Try out OST File Converter Software that needs just a few mouse clicks to save an OST file at a desired path. Whether you want to move OST file to new computer, any location, any format or any email client.
The software has a simple and easy to use interface which can be used by anyone. Apart from providing a simple and fast running interface, the tool is capable for all levels of businesses.
It enhances productivity, saves time and seamlessly move OST files to another drive without facing any challenge. To know how the software works, follow the steps shown below.
How to Move OST files to Different Drive in Bulk?
- Download and launch the tool on your computer to move outlook OST files to another drive.
- Choose an option to add OST file, Folder or the entire mailbox.
- Check the folders to move OST file to another drive as per your choice.
- Tab on Select saving option and pick any of them you want.
- Go to Destination path and browse the location where you want to save OST file.
- You can also select a name for your OST file from file naming option.
- At the end, click on Convert button to move Outlook OST data files to another drive.
Conclusion
If you wanted to move OST file to another drive and did not know how to do it, then the above article might have definitely helped you. We provided you multiple different methods including manual and advanced solutions to move OST files to different drive. Now it’s up to you which seems fine to you. As compared to the manual methods, the tool offers direct, quick and instant solution to move outlook OST files to another drive.
