Why PST Files Get Corrupted? Detailed 2025 Updated Guide
Published: July 2nd, 2025 • 5 Min Read
If you are dealing with the recurring issue for your Outlook data file keeps getting corrupted, you are reading the right content. In recent years, many Outlook users have been asking the question for why PST files get corrupted.
PST (Personal Storage Table) files are used by Microsoft Outlook Classic to store emails, contacts, calendars, and more on your local system. While continent, these files are, they are more sensitive to corruption due to oversized Outlook data files, sudden shutdown, repetitive antivirus scans, etc.
If you are also looking for the answer to the same question. Then this comprehensive guide will help you to know the causes and preventive measures for your problem. Let us start by understanding the common signs for the issue of Outlook data file corruption.
Common Signs for Outlook Data File Keeps Getting Corrupted
- Regular Outlook Crashes or Freezes: Frequent freezing or crashes are one of the most notable signs of Outlook data file corruption. Generally, this sign of Outlook data file corruption. The Outlook attempts to read or write data to a file. Since, PST file is corrupted, Outlook throws this error.
- Outlook Throwing Error Message on Start: When running Outlook, users several times see the very infamous error Problems were detected with your Outlook data files. This is a sign of PST files get corrupted. Basically, Outlook finds the data files with inconsistencies or segmented corruption.
- Slow Performance and Lag in Outlook Working: Another major sign that the Outlook PST file keeps getting corrupted is slow Outlook performance. Users may face a delay in opening folders and performing search operations using filters. It reflects that your PST files are corrupted.
- Repeated Prompts to Repair Data File: In many instances, it is seen that Outlook repeatedly throws a repair PST file notice even after users have fixed it. It indicates that the core corruption is ongoing. Secondly, the main cause of corruption of the Outlook data file is still unresolved.
Why do PST Files Get Corrupted? Top 5 Causes
- Oversized Outlook Data Files: The Classic Outlook only allows users to keep a PST file for a maximum of 50 GB in size. Oversized Outlook data files can be the main cause of why your PST files get corrupted. Since, during the write operation in oversized Outlook data files, it may get corrupted.
- Improper Shutdown of Outlook: When Outlook is not closed properly. Either due to forced shutdown, or Outlook is running in the background. Your Outlook data file may remain in an active write state. This may be the cause of your question about why PST files get corrupted.
- Virus or Malware Attacks: A Malicious program on your system might infect your PST files. It may either inject malicious code into your Outlook data file or damage your file structure. All these in combination can be the major cause of the Outlook data file keeps getting corrupted.
- Storage on Network Drives or Cloud Folders: If you are using your Outlook data file from a network or Cloudflare storage. In such instances, the read/write operations done over the PST file may go through network delay, leading to synchronization issues or can be the cause of PST file corruption.
- Hard Drive Failure or Bad Sectors: If your computer’s hard disk is physically damaged or has bad sectors. If your PST file is stored in these bad sectors, then it is prone to corruption. Moreover, if you are experiencing irritating noise from the hard drive or having access delays. In such cases hard drive issue can be the cause of Outlook data file corruption.
Best Preventive Measures for Outlook PST File Keeps Getting Corrupted
- Keep PST File Under 50 GB: One preventive measure to avoid PST file corruption is to keep your Outlook data file under 50 GB. Use a reliable PST splitter to divide the Outlook data file into smaller parts.
- Avoid Saving PST on Network Drives: Never use network or Cloudflare storage to store a PST file. Classic Outlook is built to work with a PST file that is stored locally on your system. Therefore, it is suggested to store the PST file locally on your PC to prevent Outlook PST corruption.
- Close Outlook Properly Before Shutting Your System: Another preventive measure for Outlook data file corruption is to use the standard close option. Since improper read-write operations might lead to damage to the PST file.
- Backup PST File Regularly: Another preventive measure one can take is to regularly back up the important email communication data. You may use a reliable PST Conversion solution to complete this task.
Concluding Words
In answering the question of your query, why do PST files get corrupted? By understanding the key causes right prevention techniques, we can prevent it. Oversized PST files, improper shutdown of Outlook, a hard disk having bad sectors or damage, virus, or malware attacks, etc., are the key causes of PST file corruption. Following the best practices can help from the Outlook data file keeps getting corrupted.