How to Split Up Large PST File into Smaller Parts? Best Techniques
Are you also struggling with multiple and large Outlook PST files? And don’t have any idea how to handle them. Don’t worry, many users are facing the same issue. Here we will explain how to split up PST file by deleting unwanted emails and folders, archiving old data, and using the built-in Import/Export feature. You will get everything here with complete and proper knowledge.
Most of the users prefer the Outlook email client to send and receive emails, attachments, etc., and manage their professional and personal data. It comes with multiple advanced settings, filters, and features to organize data in a better way.
Outlook stores the complete profile data in PST format, and it becomes large over time as it stores the data. Reducing the Outlook mailbox size is necessary; otherwise, you will have multiple issues due to large PST files, like:
- Your file gets corrupted and damaged easily.
- Outlook will take time to sync and load data.
- Also, your Outlook profile keeps crashing.
- Features like search and categories your emails will not work properly.
- You will not be able to receive and send emails or other data.
If you don’t want to face these issues, then reducing the size is the only way to resolve the issue.
If you are unable to open PST file in Outlook, or have a large file, then simply download the PCVITA PST Splitter Tool. This is the safest and quickest way to split up PST file without Outlook, while maintaining the original folder hierarchy and data. It can split large files without having file size limitations. Download the free demo version to understand how it works.
How to Split Outlook PST File?
Here we have used three different manual methods to help you. All the possible methods are explained below to split up PST file:
- Removing Unwanted Emails & Folders
- Clean Trash and Junk Folders
- Archive Old Data
- Use the Built-in Import/Export Feature
#1: Removing Emails
If your PST file contains unwanted emails and folders, delete them for more storage space in Outlook. Follow the steps to delete them to split up PST file.
- Open your Outlook account.
- Access any unnecessary emails.
- Select it and choose the “Delete” icon.
- And your email will be deleted.
- Same for the folders.
#2: Clean Trash and Junk Folders
After normal deletion, your emails will move into the Trash folder for the next 14 to 30 days. Now delete them from the Trash as well.
Junk Folder: Outlook is capable of categorizing spam emails and moving them into the Junk folder, which is not important for us. So, clean the Junk folder as well, and after that, again delete items from the Trash folder.
#3: Split Up PST File by Archiving Old Data
- Launch your Outlook application.
- Choose the “Info” tab from the “File” menu.
- Select the “Tools” >> “Clean Up Old Items” option.
- Next, check the “Archive this folder and all subfolders” option.
- Now, select any folders that you want to archive.
- After that, choose the “Archive items older than” option.
- Select any location to save your archived output file.
- Finally, choose the “OK” icon to split up PST file.
#4: Break Up Large PST File Using Import/Export
Import/Export is an in-built option, which allows users to export emails from their Outlook account easily to keep data safe and secure. This method is divided into two parts. Simple steps are given below to split up PST file by Year and date:
Step 1: Create a New PST File
- Open your Outlook.
- Head to the “File” menu.
- Choose the “Info” → “Account Settings” → “Account Settings” options.
- Choose the “Add” option under the “Data Files” tab.
- Now select the path and name your PST file.
Step 2: Export Old Data
- Go for the “File” >> “Open & Export” >> “Import/Export” options.
- Select “Export to a File” from the appearing list.
- And then choose the “Outlook Data File (.PST)” option.
- Select the folders that you want to export, like Inbox, Sent, Items, etc.
- You can apply filters as well to split PST by year, date, etc.
- Choose the “OK” and then the Next button.
- Select any destination for your data file.
- Lastly, select the “Finish” icon to split up PST file into smaller parts.
What are the Drawbacks of Manual Methods?
- The first and second method contains a high risk of accidental deletion situations.
- The third and fourth techniques require Outlook installation on your system.
- These methods don’t split up PST file into smaller parts; they just reduce the size.
- Technical knowledge required about Outlook.
FAQs
What Microsoft tool splits PST files?
No, Microsoft doesn’t have its own tool to split up PST file, but the mentioned software is verified by Microsoft. So, you can use it without any hassle.
What happens if my PST file is already corrupted before splitting?
First, you have to repair your PST file, and then you should use the mentioned methods to split it.
What is the default PST file size limit in different Outlook versions?
- Outlook 2002 and earlier: ANSI PST, 2 GB limit
- Outlook 2003–2010: Unicode PST, 20 GB limit
- Outlook 2013 and later: Unicode PST, 50 GB limit (can be increased via registry modification)
Final Words
If you are also one of those who are frustrated with the large PST file, then you have opened the right blog. Here we have explained how to split large PST file into smaller parts using the Import/Export feature, removing unwanted emails, cleaning the Trash and Junk folders, archiving old emails, etc. If you are someone who doesn’t have Outlook installed and has a large Outlook PST file, then you should go for the professional solution to split up PST file. For any query, you can contact us through live chat support.