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How to Open PST Archive Files in New Outlook for Windows
Question details
Users want to know if they can open, add, or access locally stored PST archive files in the New Outlook for Windows app.
- Product
- Microsoft Outlook
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Attempting to access historical email archives stored in .pst format after upgrading to the New Outlook application.
- Observed behavior
- The New Outlook for Windows currently does not support .pst data files, preventing users from viewing or importing their old archived emails locally.
Ensure you have your Microsoft 365 account credentials handy, as switching back and forth between Outlook versions may occasionally prompt you to verify your sign-in.
Switch Back to Classic Outlook for Windows
Since New Outlook does not support PST files, toggling back to Classic Outlook is the official way to view and manage your local email archives.
Microsoft's New Outlook for Windows currently lacks support for Outlook Data Files (.pst). To access your historical archives, you must revert to the classic version of the application where PST support remains fully functional.
Launch the New Outlook for Windows application on your computer.
Look for the 'New Outlook' toggle switch located in the upper-right corner of the application window.
Click the toggle to turn it off. A prompt may appear asking for feedback or confirming your decision to switch versions.
Allow the application to close and automatically reopen as Classic Outlook. You can now open your PST archives by navigating to File > Open & Export > Open Outlook Data File.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Will PST support ever be added to the New Outlook for Windows?
Microsoft has stated that support for Outlook Data Files (.pst) is planned for a future update to the New Outlook, but no specific release date has been provided yet.
Where are my PST files typically stored on a Windows PC?
By default, Outlook PST files are usually stored in your Documents folder under 'Outlook Files', or hidden in the AppData folder at C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook.
Does switching back to Classic Outlook delete my New Outlook settings?
No, toggling back to Classic Outlook does not delete your account data or settings. You can switch between the two versions using the toggle button without losing your emails.
Why can't I open .eml files in the New Outlook either?
Similar to PST files, local .eml file support has been limited in early versions of the New Outlook. To open them reliably, you currently need to use Classic Outlook or a dedicated file viewer.
