How to Split Large Outlook PST File into Smaller Parts Easily

Written By Lovely Baghel
Published on: August 4th, 2014
Updated on: March 24, 2025

Summary: Outlook application stores data in PST and keeps the mailbox organized systematically. Also, one can easily declutter the Outlook mailbox as and when needed. But sometimes there’s a situation when you have multiple large PST files that consume a lot of storage. This makes the mailbox stuffed leaving no room for more emails and thus, interrupted workflow. So, this blog specifies a freeway and a SysInfo PST Split Tool to split large Outlook PST files into smaller files.

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Why Split PST File into Smaller Parts?

Splitting PST into smaller files is a common practice users perform in Outlook. It is mainly done to free up the storage and make space for new incoming emails and data. Well, there can be other reasons for it too, such as:

Perform smooth email exchange and improve Outlook performance.
To avoid the damage of PST file or prevent from corruption.
Small PSTs are easy to backup, manage, and store, unlike large PSTs.
PST files smaller in size can be easily shared across devices.
Better data organization and prevention of data loss risks.

Preferred Methods to Split Large Outlook PST File

Dividing or breaking down large PST files into smaller ones is an easy and simple process. It can be done swiftly using some manual solutions for free. Or, for splitting large PST files in bulk at the same time, you can opt for a professional tool. All the methods are elaborated briefly with complete steps in this section.

Break PST into Smaller Files Manually

We have three manual ways to divide large PST into small files using the native Outlook application. The step-by-step procedure of the methods is given here with further details.

Method 1: Divide Oversized Outlook PST via Import/Export

Open Outlook and from File, move to the Account Settings option in Info.
There, click Account Settings and browse to the Data Files tab.
Further, click Add and create a new Outlook Data File.
Give the new PST file a name and hit OK. Now, move back to the File tab.
Choose Open & Export and select Import/Export from the options.
Afterward, click Export to a file and Next to choose .pst. Tap Next.
Subsequently, choose the folder to export from tree format and click Next.
Specify the destination to save and finally, click the Finish button.

Method 2: Split Large Outlook PST File by Archive

In Outlook’s File menu, under the Info tab, expand Cleanup Tools.
Click Archive and a new dialog appears. There, select the folders.
After that, specify the Date to archive items older than…
Press Browse and provide the destination path to save the archived file.
In the end, click OK to archive large-sized and older PST files.

Method 3: Outlook Split PST File with Move to Folder Option

First, open the Account Settings window from Outlook as in Method 1.
Under the Data File tab, press Add and generate a new PST file. Click OK.
Further, go back to Outlook and select the folder to move into the new file.
Click Move from the Home tab and select Copy to Folder.
Lastly, a dialog opens where you need to select the new PST folder and click OK.

Through these manual methods, you have successfully divided the large PST file. But, the manual methods are lengthy, complex, tiring, and take a lot of time. Also, these methods need technical knowledge and an Outlook profile installed in the system. Moreover, the method does not guarantee the resultant split outlook PST file is as desired. Besides that, these free methods have limited options and minimal risks. So, it is better to find an alternative to these methods that does the task quickly and accurately.

Professional Tool to Split Large Outlook PST File

If the manual method fails to deliver the desired outcomes, then, use the PST Split Tool. It supports both ANSI and UNICODE PST files and breaks them into smaller files without hassle. The tool has a user-friendly interface and no size limitations. Additionally, it provides four different options to divide your large PST files into smaller Outlook PSTs. Moreover, this prominent utility functions well on all operating systems and is highly secure. It maintains data originality and preserves the structure even after breaking the file.

How to Split Large Outlook PST File into Smaller Parts?

The steps to split your large-size PST file into smaller ones are:

Install and run the software and click Add files or folders. Click Next.
Select the PST files and folders from the system and click Open. Tap Next.
Further, select the folders from the tree format that you need to split.
Choose any of the four options: Split PST by Size, Date, Sender, or Folders.
After that, click Next and perform the operations accordingly.
Select other additional filters and click Choose to give the location to save.
At last, click Split to break down your Outlook PST file as selected.

Conclusion

So far, in this blog, we discussed appropriate techniques to split large Outlook PST files into smaller parts. You can perform the given manual methods on any Outlook version without difficulties but there are certain limitations. Whereas, executing the professional tool to split large PST files into smaller parts is a more safe and optimum way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How to split a large PST file into smaller parts?

Ans- Split your Outlook PST file by performing the steps mentioned here:
1. Run PST Splitter and add PST files or folders. Click Next.
2. Select the folders to split and choose a desired split option.
3. Click Next and perform the function as per the selected split method.
4. Apply other filters and specify the saving destination. Finally, press Split.

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About The Author:

Lovely Baghel

As a content writer, I specialize in Email Migration, Data Recovery, Email Backup, and File Management. I have been writing professionally for two years now. There is so much information available in this field that I am intrigued by the newer technologies and techniques.