Learn how to split a PST file in Outlook 2021, 2019, 2013, and numerous other versions. Then, please read this article in its entirety. This blog is about the most common problem that MS Outlook users have: splitting huge PST files. It is the most prevalent question that people ask on Google. Everyone knows that a PST file that is too big causes problems in MS Outlook.

Because of this, Outlook users need to split big PST files on time. The PST file can also be in two other formats: ANSI and UNICODE. The size limits of these PST files also depend on the type of PST file. If you don’t split your PST file before it reaches its maximum size, it may corrupt.

To stop MS Outlook from getting into all of these problems, you need to crop huge PST files and use Outlook apps in a way that is easier to use and more synced. So, in this case, we’ve included all the ways you can split a 5GB Outlook PST file in versions 2003, 2007, 2013, 2016, 2019, and 2021.

Free Demo Version – Download Now

What Are The Advantages Of Breaking Up Big PST Files In Outlook?

There are several benefits to splitting a PST file that is too big. Here are some of them:

You can reduce the likelihood of corrupt Outlook data files. Breaking up Outlook data files will stop corruption.

This approach helps resolve the issue of MS Outlook hanging and running slowly due to an oversized PST file.

Users find it easier to work with a smaller PST file in MS Outlook. This is because breaking a PST file into smaller portions makes it easier to search in Outlook.

How to Break Up a Big PST File in Outlook 2016 – By hand

One must break the PST file to stop Outlook from having problems because the PST file is too big. So, there are three distinct ways to manually split a PST file that is too big. Pick any of them that fit your needs.

Method 1: Use the Archive Feature to Split a Big PST File

The manual technique enables users to partition huge PST files by year, which makes it easier to manage PST files on a yearly basis. Now, do the following steps:

1. To start, open the MS Outlook software and go straight to the File tab.
2. Now, click on the Archive Option under the File tab.
3. You need to choose the Archive folder and subfolders option in the Archive box.
4. To archive PST files older than a certain date, you need to choose that date from the drop-down list.
5. To choose the path where you want to distribute the archive.pst file, click the browse button.
6. Lastly, click the OK button to finish the process.

So, this method creates one archive PST file per year, but it doesn’t make PST files smaller in Outlook 2016, 2019, or earlier versions. So, the size of the PST file needs to be smaller.

Method 2: Make the PST file smaller.

To split a PST file in Outlook 2016, a user must follow the procedures below:

• Please open the MS Outlook app and click on the File tab.
• Now, choose the option for Account Settings.
• Next, choose the Data Files option from the Account Settings menu.
• Choose the date files you want to condense, then click on “Settings.”
• Then, click the Compact Now option and then the OK button to finish.

Method 3: Use the Import & Export Option to Avoid Problems with the Size Of Outlook PST Files.

The Import & Export tool in Outlook can also help a user fix a PST file problem by breaking up huge PST files into smaller ones.

1. Go to the File tab in the MS Outlook software.
2. Now, click on the Account option and then click on the Account Settings option.
3. In the Create or Open Outlook Data File window, browse to find the name and location of your new file.
4. After that, click the Close button to close the Account Settings window.
5. Then, go back to the File tab and click the Open >> Import button.
6. Choose “Export to a file” in the Import and Export window, and then click “Next” to move on.
7. Click on the PST file and then click on Next again.
8. Choose the folder you want to export from the Expand Folder window.
9. Choose the things you want to export and then click the Next button to move on.
10. Browse to find the place where you want to save the new file.
11. Click the Finish button.

The Manual Way to Split a PST file in Outlook 2016 Has Certain Problems.

In the section above, we talked about different manual ways that people can utilize to crack Microsoft Outlook data files. Users may encounter specific problems when using manual methods to split PST files. All three answers take a long time and a lot of work.

Automatically Split Large PST files in Outlook.

However, none of these methods effectively resolve the issue of PST files being too large in Microsoft Outlook versions 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, or 2021. GainTools Download Split PST Tool is a trusted automatic solution that is simple to use and works well. Users can find a full answer to the problem here. Let’s proceed step by step:

How to Use an Automated Solution – Split PST File in Outlook 2016 to Reduce Size

To make your process easier and faster, follow the instructions below:

• Step 1: Get the GainTools Split PST Tool and install it on your computer.
• Step 2: Launch the application and click “Browse” to choose the PST file you want to split.
• Step 3: Decide how you want to divide:

By Size (for example, 1 GB portions)

By Year (divide emails by year)

By Folder (divided by the name of the folder)

• Step 4: Choose a folder to put the split files in.
• Step 5: Click “Split Now” and wait for the process to finish.
• Step 6: Look in the folder you chose for your split PST files.

Delete

In conclusion

Outlook saves all of its vital files, like notes, emails, and tasks, in PST file format. Because the PST file can become very large, exceeding its maximum size limit will create significant issues. We aim to prevent such issues from occurring. You can Split PST File in Outlook 2016, 2019, and other versions. After looking at all the questions customers have asked about how to split a 50GB Outlook PST file, we have spoken about the pros and downsides of numerous ways to do it by hand. If a user has trouble with the manual solution, they can choose the automatic one to make things easier.