OneDrive File Issues

Sharing and Syncing Outlook PST Archives on OneDrive Safely

Rana Garcia Sep 27, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to know if it is safe to store, share, and synchronize an Outlook PST archive using OneDrive across multiple computers.

Can You Share an Outlook PST Archive on OneDrive?

Product: Microsoft Outlook and OneDrive
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Archiving older emails to a PST file stored in a OneDrive sync folder to access them from multiple devices.
Observed behavior: Uncertainty about sync direction and concerns that incomplete synchronization might overwrite newer archived messages or cause data corruption.

Before you start

Before modifying your email storage setup or moving any archive files, ensure Microsoft Outlook is completely closed on all devices to prevent file lock conflicts or immediate sync errors.

Solution 1Recommended

Move the Active PST Archive to a Local Drive

Active PST files should not be stored in synced OneDrive folders due to a high risk of corruption. Move them to a local, non-synced folder instead.

Microsoft strongly advises against storing active, connected Outlook PST files on OneDrive. Because Outlook constantly locks and updates the PST file while open, OneDrive cannot sync it properly.

Opening the same PST on multiple devices simultaneously will inevitably cause file conflicts, data overwrites, or permanent archive corruption.

Close Outlook

Ensure Microsoft Outlook is completely closed on your computer so the PST file is no longer locked.

Locate the PST File in OneDrive

Open File Explorer, navigate to your OneDrive folder, and find your current Outlook PST archive file.

Move to a Local Folder

Cut the PST file from the OneDrive folder and paste it into a local, non-synced directory, such as 'C:\Users\[YourName]\Documents\Outlook Files'.

Reconnect the File in Outlook

Launch Outlook, go to 'File' > 'Open & Export' > 'Open Outlook Data File', and select the PST file from its new local location.

Move the Active PST Archive to a Local Drive

Backup vs. Active Use: You can use OneDrive to store a backup copy of a closed, disconnected PST file, but never link Outlook directly to the file while it resides in the OneDrive sync folder.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my PST file on OneDrive say it is in use or locked?

Outlook places a read/write lock on the PST file as soon as the application opens. OneDrive attempts to sync the file but cannot access it while it is locked by Outlook, resulting in sync errors or 'file in use' warnings.

Can I use OneDrive to back up my Outlook PST archive safely?

Yes, you can use OneDrive for backups. However, you must completely close Outlook, copy the PST file, and paste the static copy into your OneDrive folder. Never open or connect to this backup copy directly from Outlook.

What happens if I open a OneDrive-synced PST file on two computers at the same time?

Opening the same synced PST file simultaneously on different devices will create conflicting copies (sync conflicts). This often leads to corrupted archives, lost emails, and unrecoverable data overwrites.

Document & File Issues