How to Split PST File into Smaller Parts? – Everything You Need to Know
We all are well aware of the issues when the size of the PST file exceeds its maximum limit. The more the size, it becomes difficult to manage it. So, there are some methods that can be adapted to split Outlook PST file and also deteriorate the performance of Outlook. In this article, you will get the best techniques to split PST file into smaller parts using the manual method and an automated tool i.e.
Why is it Necessary to Split PST File into Smaller Parts?
- The most important reason to truncate a PST file is that it starts running out of space.
- If the permissible limit exceeds then the data of the PST files becomes inaccessible to the users.
Solutions to Split Outlook PST File into Smaller Parts
There are two ways through which you can fix Outlook large PST file problem:
Manual Methods to Split Oversized PST File
There is no inbuilt feature provided by MS Outlook that helps to reduce Outlook mailbox size in 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, 2007, and other below versions.
Let’s have a look and learn about the techniques.
Method 1: Reduce the PST File with Import/Export Process
Step-1. Open MS Outlook. From the menu bar, click “File.”
Step-2. Go to “Account Settings” and click to “Add files.” Enter the name like abc.pst and then click “OK.”
Step-3. Now, you can view your PST file.
Step-4. Click “File” and then select “Open & Export” and after that select “Import/Export.”
Step-5. Select “Export to a file” from the wizard and click “Next.”
Step-6. Select “Outlook Data File(.PST)” and after that select “Next”
Step-7. Choose the folder where you want to export the file and check the “Include Sub-folders” if you want them to be included.
Step-8. Lastly, select the saving location of the exported file and apply the password if you want to, otherwise, click “Cancel.”
Method 2: Use the Move to Folder option to Truncate PST File
Step-1. Launch Outlook. From the file menu go to “Account Settings”.
Step-2. Select “Data Files” and then click on the “Add button” to add a new PST file.
Step-3. Open the default PST file of your MS Outlook profile and select the items that you want to move. Now, from the ribbon, click the “Move” button and select “Copy to Folder.”
Step-4. Choose a file so that all your selected data will move to your default PST file.
Step-5. Now, you can delete the duplicate items from the default file in order to split PST file into smaller parts.
Method 3: Use Archive File to Reduce the Size of PST File
Step-1. Open MS Outlook. “Select Info” and then go to “Tools” and lastly to “Clean Up Old Items”
Step-2. Select a folder that you want to Archive. After this select the date and click “Browse.”
Step-3. After this click “OK” and save your file at the desired location.
Drawbacks of Manual Method to Split Outlook PST File Into Smaller Parts
This method is a lot time-consuming and requires technical expertise to perform it. There is no guarantee of data security and data integrity. The chance of data loss is high with the manual method. The user can not completely rely on this blindly to reduce the size of the PST file.
Best Method to Split PST File into Smaller Parts
The manual method to truncate PST files is a bit tricky and requires professionalism. But, if you are looking for a better and quick solution then, switch to the PCVITA Outlook Split PST File Tool. This tool is trusted by experts and has a user-friendly interface. This utility can be used to reduce Outlook mailbox size with 100% accuracy and without worrying about data loss.
Steps to Reduce the Size of PST File
Step-1. Launch the Software and Click on Add File(s), Add Folder, or Search Files options.

Step-2. Now, select the Split Option such as Split by Date, Size, Year, Folder, Email ID, and Category as per your need.

Step-3. After Option Selection (e.g. Split by Size), Specify the Size.

Step-4. Select the Destination path to begin the process.

After completing the process of splitting PST files into smaller parts, check the final PST files from the selected location.
Conclusion
In this article, we have discussed the manual and a third-party solution to split PST file into smaller parts. Although, the manual solution has its own limitations that we have already discussed. If you are looking for a better, more reliable, and quick solution to reduce Outlook mailbox size, then use the automated technique. It is a cost-effective and efficient tool with the guarantee of no data loss.