Contact Problems

How to Find the Outlook Contacts Folder and Data File

Huda Qurayshi Oct 16, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to locate where Microsoft Outlook stores contact information and data files for backup or export purposes.

How to Find the Outlook Contacts Folder and PST Data File

Product: Microsoft Outlook
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Finding and securing contact directories or data files before making account changes or for general backup.
Observed behavior: Outlook contacts are not stored in a separate directory but are kept within a single PST or OST data file depending on whether the account is POP, IMAP, or Exchange.

Before you start

Verify your email account type in Outlook (POP, IMAP, or Exchange) by navigating to File > Account Settings, as this determines exactly how and where your contacts are saved locally.

Solution 1Recommended

Locate and Back Up the PST Data File for POP Accounts

Find the default PST file on your computer where Outlook stores all emails, calendar items, and contacts for POP accounts.

For traditional POP accounts, Microsoft Outlook bundles all your data, including the Contacts folder, into a single Personal Storage Table (PST) file.

To back up your contacts without exporting them, you can simply copy this PST file to a secure location.

Close the Outlook Application

Ensure that Microsoft Outlook is completely closed so the data file is not locked by the system.

Open File Explorer

Press Windows Key + E to open File Explorer on your computer.

Navigate to the Outlook Folder

In the address bar, type or paste the path: C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook\ (replace <username> with your actual Windows username) and press Enter.

Locate the PST File

Find the file named Outlook.pst in this directory. Copy this file to an external drive or cloud storage to back up your contacts and emails.

Locate and Back Up the PST Data File for POP Accounts

Hidden Folders: The AppData folder is hidden by default in Windows. You may need to click on the View tab in File Explorer and check the 'Hidden items' box to see it.

Solution 2

Export Contacts to a CSV File

Extract your contacts into a Comma Separated Values (CSV) format, which can be easily opened in spreadsheet applications like Excel or WPS Spreadsheet.

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Manage Exported Outlook Contacts with WPS Office

If you have exported your Outlook contacts as a CSV file, you need a reliable spreadsheet program to view, edit, or organize them. WPS Office is a highly compatible, free, and lightweight alternative to Microsoft Office, providing familiar spreadsheet tools without the hefty subscription fees.

Seamlessly open, edit, and save exported CSV contact files.Complete format compatibility with Microsoft Excel (.xlsx and .xls).Free, lightweight suite that includes Writer, Spreadsheet, Presentation, and PDF tools.Familiar user interface ensuring a zero learning curve for Office users.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open an Outlook PST file outside of the Outlook application?

No, PST files are proprietary to Microsoft Outlook and can only be opened, viewed, or imported directly within the Outlook application. If you need to view data outside of Outlook, you must export it to formats like CSV.

Why are my IMAP contacts labeled as 'This PC only'?

IMAP protocols are designed to sync emails across devices, but they do not naturally sync contacts or calendars. Outlook stores these items locally in an OST file marked 'This PC only.' If you remove the IMAP account or the OST file is deleted, these contacts will be permanently lost unless exported first.

Where are my contacts stored if I am using a Microsoft Exchange account?

For Exchange accounts, your contacts, calendars, and emails are synced and stored directly on the Exchange server. Outlook also creates a local cache in an OST file so you can access the data offline.

Outlook & Email Problems