OST vs PST Files : Clear Out Difference Between Outlook Storage Files

Having many doubts between two Outlook storage files?

If yes then, first of all keep your own concepts aside and now read this blog.

Microsoft Outlook permits users to bring out differences between OST and PST files. According to the Microsoft survey, one thing came in notice that there are more than 60 million users who utilize Outlook. Among all of them, hardly 5% users are known from the real difference in between OST and PST files. In this blog, one is completely going to clear all their doubts associated with both of these well-known file formats.

Difference Parameters	OST File	PST File
Full Name	Offline Storage File	Personal Storage File
Created By	Whenever an Outlook account is configured with the Exchange server, it creates an OST file. The file is considered under the offline copy of the Exchange mailbox.	A PST file is created when an IMAP or a POP3 account gets configured in MS Outlook. The data is stored in the form of account storage mailbox file.
File Location	An OST file is located at C:\Users\User Profile\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook. The location is permanent and cannot be altered by anyway.	The Outlook PST file is located at user-defined location. By default, the file location is same where OST files are saved.
File Importance	The OST file is holding data offline copies, which appears in the MS Exchange server.	It is widely used to take backup of Outlook mailboxes. The file is locally saved on PC itself.
Dependency Factor From Exchange	The Outlook OST file cannot be moved separately from the Exchange server. It is so because primarily this file is generated from the server.	It is possible to separately create an Outlook database file. Users can save a file having .pst extension at any desired location on their PC.
File Portability	These OST files are not at all portable because it is the server dependent file.	A PST file is independent from the server and hence, considered under portable files.
Outlook File Conversion	It is possible to export OST to PST file format.	It is impossible to convert a PST file into OST format. This is because an OST file is a server dependent file.
Mailbox Items Present	Microsoft Outlook email folders, contacts, calendars, notes, etc., are saved in OST files. These mailbox items automatically gets sync when connection is regained.	A PST file includes same items or folders as that of an OST file. However, these data folders can be moved to some other location in form of PST file.
Server Compatibility	An OST file is compatible with all versions of the Exchange server.	Outlook PST files can be utilized to set up the Exchange server but, this method is not recommended by Microsoft experts.
Data Modification	The file permit users to delete, edit, and manipulate existing emails.	This file does not enable users to edit the present messages.
Benefits	An OST file is very much useful when users have to work for domains where internet connection is limited.	A PST file is useful when users have to generate backup of Outlook items. These files are portable therefore, can be used on new environments.

It looks like that your doubts regarding OST and PST files are cleared. In case, you have any confusion then, you can share a comment here. We will be resolving all your confusions associated with OST vs PST file. If your OST file has in inaccessible stage and you want to access OST file then use best OST to PST Converter to access contents of OST data in Outlook or other email platform.