Backing up your Outlook data ensures that your emails, contacts, and calendar events are safe if you switch computers, upgrade Outlook, or encounter issues. Below are step-by-step instructions on how to back up and restore Outlook data across different versions.
Upgrade Microsoft Office
Get a product key instantly and start using Office today.
Backing Up Outlook Data
For Outlook 2003, 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021, 2024
Open Outlook on your computer.
Click on File > Open & Export.
Select Import/Export.
Choose Export to a file and click Next.
Select Outlook Data File (.pst) and click Next.
Choose the folders you want to back up:
Inbox, Sent Items, Contacts, Calendar, and more.
To back up everything, select your email account at the top.
Click Next, then choose where to save the file:
Recommended: Save it in Documents or a backup folder on your Desktop.
Give the backup file a recognizable name and click Finish.
(Optional) Set a password for extra security.
Restoring Outlook Data
For Outlook 2003, 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021, 2024
Open Outlook after installing it on your new computer or upgrading.
Click on File > Open & Export.
Select Open Outlook Data File (.pst).
Browse to the location where you saved the backup file.
Select the file and click OK.
Your emails, contacts, and calendar events will now be imported into Outlook.
Notes:
Ensure you have enough storage space to save and restore your backup file.
You can repeat the export process periodically to keep an updated backup.
If you are using Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365), Outlook automatically backs up your emails to the cloud.