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How to Export Your Mailbox in Outlook for Windows 11

Richard
Written by
Richard
Sep 2, 2023 Updated Aug 13, 2026 2 min read
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Exporting your mailbox in Outlook for Windows 11 creates a backup file that saves all your emails, calendar events, and contacts in one safe place. This process puts everything into a PST file, which acts like a digital filing cabinet on your computer hard drive to protect against data loss.

Microsoft 365, Gmail, and Outlook.com accounts all support this backup feature inside the desktop app. Large mailboxes can take up to four days for Microsoft servers to package before you get the download link by email.

⚡ 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 permanent backup of your emails and other data. This guide demonstrates how to use Outlook’s built-in tool on Windows 11 to copy an entire mailbox. Following these steps preserves important records locally.

Launch the new Outlook app on Windows 11 to begin. Access the app through Start - All apps - Outlook app, or search for it directly via the Start menu search box .

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

Click the Settings button (gear icon in the top-right corner) once the app loads.

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

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

Choose the specific account you want to configure from the list if multiple email addresses are linked to Outlook.

This configuration applies exclusively to the chosen account, requiring separate repetition for each profile.

Export your mailbox in Outlook
Export your mailbox in Outlook

Click the Export mailbox button under Export mailbox to package all email, calendar items, and contacts.

Server processing takes up to 4 days to gather all data.

Export your mailbox in Outlook
Export your mailbox in Outlook

A status message appears immediately after clicking the button, confirming the active export operation. Watch the inbox for a confirmation email from Microsoft indicating the data package is ready.

Download the exported mailbox by clicking the link inside that notification email.

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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