How to Compact an OST File in Outlook?

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If your Outlook mailbox becomes slow or the OST file size grows too large, compacting the OST file can help reduce unused space and improve performance. Over time, deleted emails and items still occupy space inside the OST file until it is compacted.

Steps to Compact an OST File in Outlook

Follow these simple steps:

1. Open Microsoft Outlook on your system.
2. Click on File and select Account Settings.
3. From the dropdown, choose Account Settings again.
4. Go to the Data Files tab.
5. Select your OST file and click Settings.
6. In the new window, click Compact Now.

Outlook will start compacting the OST file and removing unused space. This process may take some time depending on the file size.

Alternative Solution for Large OST Files

Sometimes, compacting does not reduce the OST file size significantly, especially when the file is extremely large. In such cases, splitting the OST file into smaller parts is a more effective solution.

You can use a professional utility like the Cigati OST Splitter Tool. This tool helps users split large OST files into smaller PST files based on size, date, folder, or email ID. It also prevents Outlook performance issues caused by oversized OST files.

Compacting an OST file is a useful way to optimize Outlook performance and reclaim unused space. However, if the OST file is too large, using a specialized solution like the Cigati OST Splitter Tool can help manage and organize your Outlook data more efficiently.