How to Compact OST File Size – Step-by-Step-Guide

Summary: User issue: “A few days back, my MS Outlook account had problems in functioning. So, I backed up all my data into OST file format. But now, it occupies a large space of my system. Besides, I cannot delete them as they contain confidential data. Therefore, I was looking for a solution to compact OST files. However, it is difficult to do it on my own. Please help me out!”

Similarly, we found many users who are looking for the same. To solve this problem, we will discuss different methods including native and automated PST Compress Tool. Once you understand both procedures, choose the best approach that fits your requirements. 

Requirements to Compress Outlook OST Files

It’s necessary to understand the reasons for compressing OST files. So, you can freely compress them without any difficulty.

• If you have a large OST file, it will affect Outlook performance like slow processing which can delay opening emails, searching, or accessing your Outlook mailbox. 
• Compacting OST files creates more space on your system and improves its performance.
• When you have big OST files, it is more likely to be corrupted. To prevent it, you must regularly compress or keep the file size in check. 
• It helps you backup or synchronize the OST files easily and quickly if it is small in size. 

Simple Methods to Compact OST File

Now, we have already discussed some common reasons to proceed with this process. Let’s take a look at the ways to do this process quickly and smoothly. 

# Use Native Technique to Reduce OST file Size

Here, we will describe multiple manual solutions in detail. 

Method 1. With Outlook Compact Now Feature

1. Open MS Outlook desktop-based email application > File. 
2. After that, pick Account Settings > opt Account Settings again.
3. Then, tap Data Files to see all the OST files in Outlook.
4. Later, opt for OST that you want to compress. Hit Settings.
5. Thereafter, open Advanced > Outlook Data File Settings.
6. Now, select OST file > Compact Now > OK.

 Method 2. Cleanup Mailbox Feature

1. To use this feature, tap File >  Tools and then choose Mailbox Cleanup.
2. Now, hit the View Mailbox Size to know the file size. 
3. Further, choose either option: Find items older than or Find items larger than.
4. Next, remove the unnecessary emails according to your requirements. 

Method 3. Compact OST Using Archive

1. Run the latest version of Outlook, click File and then Tools.
2. Later, opt for Clean Up Old Items. Then, the Archive will be open. 
3. Thereafter, choose the folder with OST files and then mention the date in the Archive items older than the dialogue box. 
4. Further, set the path to save the archive file in your system. 
5. Lastly, tap OK to archive old or unwanted OST files.

All the above methods are effective but it comes with many restrictions. It includes good technical expertise. Also, you can use it at your own risk as these solutions don’t provide a guarantee of data protection. Therefore, you can go for an alternative technique. 

#2 Shrink Outlook OST File – With Automated Approach

MacSonik PST Compress Tool is an incredible utility, unlike the native procedure. With this solution, you can easily compact OST files even large or multiple OST files. Other than this, all users can use it without requiring additional assistance. Apart from this, it provides numerous advanced features to simplify the process. It includes compressing attachments in separate folders or removing them from compression, and other features. In addition, you can choose to eliminate duplicates from the process. Regardless of these features, it provides risk-free output in no time without putting in extra effort. 

Steps to Compress Outlook OST

Now, we will provide a step-by-step guide to complete the process. 

1. To begin, download and open the PST Compress Wizard.
2. Next, select the OST as the file type. 
3. Then, choose the mode of the file. Hit Next.
4. Later, browse and choose the OST files for compression. Press Open to upload > Next.
5. Further, preview and choose files for compression. Click Next.
6. After that, assign the path to store the output file at the desired location. 
7. In the end, press Start Compression to begin the compression process to reduce OST file Size

Ending Thought

Here, this blog provides multiple solutions to compact OST files. From the different methods, you can go for the most effective and reliable procedure which is a  professional PST Compressor Tool. With this utility, you can easily compress multiple OST or PST files, unlike the manual techniques. Additionally, it preserves the original folder hierarchy throughout the process. 

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