How to Create OST File in Outlook 2016?

Outlook creates an Outlook Data Files (. ost) when you have an Exchange account and want to work offline or use or use the default Cached Exchange Mode. Many users use OST files because it enables them to access the files in offline mode as well. In this article, we will learn how to Create OST files in easy steps. Read this blog till the end and learn easy steps to perform the procedure. But before moving to the procedure steps, let’s find out what an OST file is.

What is an OST File?

Upon registration with the Exchange Server, the OST file represents the user’s data in offline mode. The file is created on the first use of Microsoft Outlook. It allows the user to save the data in an offline mode. And then synchronizes it with the server as soon as the computer gets internet connectivity. Now let’s move forward to the native methods to create the file.

Methods to Create OST File in Outlook

Fortunately, there are native methods according to different versions of Microsoft Outlook. Let’s see each technique to create OST file Outlook 365. Moreover, you can also learn how to recover deleted drafts in outlook in case of emails got deleted in Outlook.

Method1: Create an OST file in Outlook 2007/2010/2013/2016 

Use this method to create an OST file if you are using any of the mentioned outlook versions. 

In MS Outlook 2007

1. Go to the Tools menu and select the Account Settings option.

In MS Outlook 2010 & 2013

1. Go to File  
2. Click on Info and select Account Settings.

Now, the following steps are the same for 2007/2010/2013/2016 versions.

1. Go to Account Settings and double-click on Microsoft Exchange.
2. Now, hit on More Settings.
3. Click on the Advanced tab and  then select Offline Folder File Settings 
4. In Outlook 2013, click Outlook Data File Settings.
5. Now, type the path in the File box of the file, you want to use for the .ost file
6. Click Ok.
7. If the file previously exists, you will be required to enter a new name.

Using these above methods a user can create or recreate OST file in the mentioned versions.

Method 2: Create OST file in MS-Outlook 2002 & 2003

Use this method to create an OST file in MS-Outlook 2002&2003 versions.

1. Click on Email Accounts on the tool menu.
2. Select “View or change existing mail accounts” and click Next.
3. Outlook processes email for these accounts in the following orderbox.
4. Now go to Microsoft Exchange Server and then click on the Change button.
5. Select More Settings.
6. Hit the Advanced Tab option
7. Now, click on the Offline Folder File Settings.
8. In the Filebox, type the file path which you want to use as the .ost file 
9. Finally, click on OK.

Note:  Outlook should be connected to the Exchange server for the creation and synchronization of an OST.

Professional Method to Convert OST to PST

After trying all the methods, if you are still unable to find the answer to the query about how to create an OST file in Office 365 or facing difficulties with an OST file, one can prefer converting OST to PST files using Sysinfo OST to PST Converter. The tool is a great way to convert OST to PST securely. The software can convert OST into different file formats like PST, MBOX, EML, etc. It converts the files accurately and maintains the folder hierarchy while converting. The process is speedy and without any hassle.

To Wrap Up

Users can find the answer to the query about how to use the OST file in Outlook 2016 by reading the above blog. We discussed various native methods and a professional solution in this write-up. You can also use the professional solution in case you face difficulty to Create an OST file and then converting the OST file into PST format.