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How to Export Your Mailbox in Outlook for Windows 11

Richard
Written by
Richard
Sep 2, 2023 Updated Jul 13, 2026 2 min read
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Exporting your mailbox in Outlook for Windows 11 makes a separate file containing all your emails, calendar events, and contacts. This is super helpful for keeping a backup of your important information, especially if you worry about losing data or plan to switch to a new email provider.

Outlook for Windows can now handle exports for Gmail and Outlook.com accounts, plus Microsoft 365 accounts for work or school. The export process itself begins within the settings area of Outlook.

Just know that a full mailbox export might take a few days to complete, sometimes up to four days. Once it’s done, Outlook will send you an email with a link so you can download your exported file.

⚡ Quick Answer

In New Outlook, go to Settings, then General, Privacy and data, select your account, and click Export mailbox. For Classic Outlook, use the Import/Export Wizard via File > Open & Export > Import/Export, choose Export to a file, select Outlook Data File (.pst), and follow the prompts.

Export mailbox in Outlook

Exporting your Outlook mailbox creates a backup of your emails and other data. This guide shows you how to use Outlook’s built-in tool on Windows 11 to make a copy of your entire mailbox. Following these steps helps you save your important information.

Here’s how to do that.

To begin, open the new Outlook app on Windows 11. One way is to click Start -> All apps -> Outlook app. Alternatively, use the Start menu search box to find and open Outlook.

Open the new Outlook app in Windows 11
Open the new Outlook app in Windows 11

When the app opens, click the Settings button (gear icon on the top right) to proceed.

Add Gmail to Outlook app in Windows 11
Add Gmail to Outlook app in Windows 11

On the Settings page, click the General tab on the left sidebar, then select Privacy and data on the right.

If you have multiple email accounts in Outlook, select the specific account you want to configure from the list.

This setting applies only to the chosen account, so repeat this for each account.

Export your mailbox in Outlook
Export your mailbox in Outlook

Next, choose the Export mailbox button under Export mailbox to export all your email, calendar items, and contacts.

This process takes up to 4 days to get all your data ready.

Export your mailbox in Outlook
Export your mailbox in Outlook

When you click the Export mailbox button, you should see a status message indicating the export is in progress. Wait for the email from Microsoft to let you know your data is ready.

Click on the link provided in the email to download the exported mailbox.

Conclusion:

  • Exporting your mailbox in the new Outlook app for Windows 11 is a straightforward process that ensures you have a backup of your essential data.
  • It can safeguard against data loss or corruption, migrating to a new email service, or freeing up space in your email account.
  • Following the simple steps outlined in this article, you can easily export all your email, calendar items, and contacts.
  • Don’t hesitate to utilize the comments section below if you have any feedback to share or additional information to contribute.

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Richard

About the Author

Richard

Tech Writer, IT Professional

Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.

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