Office Settings & Configuration

How to Change the Outlook 2021 Data File Location (Move from OneDrive)

WPS Editor Oct 12, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to change the default location of their Outlook 2021 data file to store it in a local directory rather than a OneDrive folder.

How to Change the Outlook 2021 Data File Location

Product: Microsoft Outlook 2021
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Setting up or reconfiguring an Outlook email account where data files are automatically saved to OneDrive without prompting the user for a custom location.
Observed behavior: Outlook 2021 automatically creates data files in a OneDrive folder during the initial setup, requiring the user to manually change the file path in the account settings afterward.

Before you start

Ensure Microsoft Outlook is completely closed before you begin. You should also create and prepare the new local folder (e.g., C:\OutlookData) where you intend to store the data files moving forward.

Solution 1Recommended

Change Data File Path via Account Settings

Use the built-in Outlook Account Settings to browse for a new local directory and update the data file path away from OneDrive.

Since Outlook 2021 no longer provides an option to select a custom data file directory during the initial setup, you must reconfigure the path manually after the account has been added.

Access Account Settings

Launch Outlook 2021. Click on the File tab in the top-left corner, select Account Settings, and then click Account Settings again from the drop-down menu.

Open the Data Files Tab

In the Account Settings window, switch to the Data Files tab. Click on the email account whose data file location you want to change.

Navigate to Advanced Settings

Click the Settings button above the account list. In the new dialog box, click on the Advanced tab, and then select Outlook Data File Settings.

Browse for the New Location

Click the Browse button. Navigate to the new local folder you created outside of OneDrive, select it, and click OK to confirm.

Restart Outlook

Close all the settings dialog boxes and completely exit Outlook. Restart the application for the new data file location to take effect.

Change Data File Path via Account Settings

Missing Advanced Tab?: If you do not see an Advanced tab, your account type (such as Exchange or IMAP) might not support changing the offline folder file (.ost) location directly through this menu. These account types typically require registry modifications to force a new default path.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Outlook 2021 save my data files to OneDrive automatically?

By default, Windows often configures the Documents folder to sync automatically with OneDrive. Since Outlook typically saves its default .pst files in the Documents folder during setup, those files are inadvertently pushed to your OneDrive cloud storage.

What happens if my Outlook data file remains in OneDrive?

Storing actively used Outlook data files (PST or OST) in OneDrive can cause sync errors, file corruption, and slow performance. This happens because the file is constantly being modified by Outlook while OneDrive simultaneously tries to upload the changes.

Can I choose the data file location during the initial Outlook 2021 setup?

No, the newer automated account setup process in Outlook 2021 bypasses the prompt to select a custom data directory. The data file location must be changed manually in the Account Settings after the initial configuration is complete.

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