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How to Password-Protect Outlook PST Files

Keep your Outlook email archives private

By Heinz Tschabitscher Heinz Tschabitscher Writer University of Vienna A former freelance contributor who has reviewed hundreds of email programs and services since 1997. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on February 4, 2022 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email MS Office Outlook Word Excel Powerpoint

What to Know

In Outlook Account Settings, go to Data Files > Outlook Data File (.pst) > Settings > Change Password > enter new password.PST file passwords don't protect your system against intentional malicious attempts to access your information.
This article explains what a PST file is and how to password-protect Outlook PST files. Instructions apply to Outlook for Microsoft 365, Outlook 2019, Outlook 2016, Outlook 2013, and Outlook 2010.

Password-Protect Access to an Outlook PST File

To apply a password to an Outlook PST file: Open Outlook. On the File tab, choose Account Settings > Account Settings. Select the Data Files tab. Choose the Outlook Data File (.pst) for which you want to create or change a password, and then choose Settings. Select Change Password. If you have an Exchange account, the Change Password button won't appear. Your network password is your .pst password. In the New password and Verify password boxes, type a password of 15 characters or less. Remember your password! Microsoft can't retrieve it for you if you lose it. Write it down and keep it in a secure location. Select OK to save the new password. You've successfully password-protected the PST file.

What is a PST File

The Microsoft Outlook email program stores your messages and other Outlook files on your computer in the form of Outlook Data Files with the extension .pst. These files are commonly referred to as PST files. Outlook lets you password-protect PST files to prevent other users from unintentionally altering, deleting, or otherwise accessing these potentially sensitive files on a shared computer. PST file passwords don't protect your system against intentional malicious attempts to access your information. To restrict access to your data, create a password-protected Windows user account for any person who uses the computer. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Export Emails From Outlook How to Fix Outlook Search When It's Not Working How to Access Archived Emails in Outlook How to Password Protect a Folder Archive Old Mail in Outlook and Keep the PST File Small How to Change Another User's Password in Windows How to Back up or Copy Your Outlook Information How to Password Protect an Excel File How to Fix It When Outlook Folders Are Missing How to Recall an Email in Outlook How to Sync Google, Outlook, and iPhone Calendars How to Remove Paragraph Symbols in Outlook How to Access Yahoo Mail With Outlook How to Create a Password in Windows How to Add Your Outlook.com Email to Outlook for Windows How to Set the Default Account in Outlook Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies