OneDrive File Issues

Fix OneDrive and Outlook PST Sync Problems on a New Computer

Maira Mehtab Oct 12, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is experiencing document synchronization failures in OneDrive because an active Outlook PST data file is stored in a synchronized folder and accessed across multiple computers.

How to Fix OneDrive and Outlook PST Sync Problems on a New Computer

Product: Microsoft OneDrive and Outlook
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Setting up a new computer and attempting to sync documents via OneDrive while Microsoft Outlook actively accesses a PST file stored in the synced directory.
Observed behavior: OneDrive fails to sync documents correctly because Outlook locks the active PST file, halting active synchronization and causing sync errors across connected devices.

Before you start

Ensure that Microsoft Outlook is completely closed on all computers connected to your OneDrive account before attempting to move any data files, as open files cannot be relocated.

Solution 1Recommended

Move the Outlook PST File to a Local Non-Synchronized Folder

Moving the active PST file out of OneDrive prevents file locking and allows your documents to sync correctly.

PST files are not designed for active synchronization through cloud services like OneDrive. When Outlook is open, it locks the PST file, which halts OneDrive from syncing other documents in that folder. Storing a copy in OneDrive as a static backup is fine, but it should never be opened directly from the cloud folder.

Close Outlook on all devices

Ensure Microsoft Outlook is completely closed on both your old and new computers. Wait for any pending OneDrive syncs to finish.

Locate the PST file

Navigate to your OneDrive folder on your computer, typically located under OneDrive\Documents\Outlook Files, and find your Outlook .pst data file.

Relocate the file to a local folder

Move the PST file to a local folder on your computer that is not synced with OneDrive (for example, C:\Local Outlook Files\).

Transfer to the new computer

If you are setting up a new computer, copy this PST file to a USB drive and paste it into a non-synced local folder on the new machine.

Reconfigure Outlook

Open Outlook, go to File > Account Settings > Data Files, click 'Add', and point to the new local path of your PST file to restore your emails and folders.

Move the Outlook PST File to a Local Non-Synchronized Folder

Creating a Safe Backup: If you want to keep a backup of your PST file in OneDrive, manually copy the file into OneDrive while Outlook is closed. Never configure Outlook to read from that OneDrive backup location.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my PST file prevent OneDrive from syncing?

When Outlook is running, it continuously reads and writes to the PST data file, placing a system lock on it. OneDrive cannot sync a locked file, which often causes the entire synchronization queue to freeze or fail.

Can I use OneDrive to back up my Outlook PST file?

Yes, you can use OneDrive for backups, but only for static copies. You must manually copy the PST file to your OneDrive folder while Outlook is completely closed, and never configure Outlook to open the file directly from the OneDrive folder.

How do I tell Outlook where my new PST file is located?

In Outlook, navigate to File > Account Settings > Account Settings. Click on the Data Files tab, click 'Add' to browse for your newly moved PST file in its local, non-synced folder, and select it to reconnect your data.

Will moving my PST file delete my old emails?

No, moving the PST file simply changes where Outlook reads your data. As long as the file is safely moved and correctly reconnected in the Account Settings menu, all your emails, contacts, and calendar items will remain fully intact.

Document & File Issues