How to Fix ScanPST.exe Missing in Outlook Installed via Microsoft Store?

Numerous users are surprised when ScanPST.exe can’t be found or won’t start at all when Outlook is installed via the Microsoft Store. This happens because the Microsoft Store version runs in a sandboxed environment, which changes the default file paths and restricts access to certain executable tools—including the Inbox Repair Tool (ScanPST.exe).

If you’re also facing the same issue, look no further. In this guide, you’ll learn why that happens, how to locate ScanPST.exe inside the WindowsApps folder, and the most reliable methods (both manual & automated) to assist you when the repair tool is missing.

User Query on Missing ScanPST.exe

“Yesterday, my Outlook crashed due to a sudden power shutdown. Now, I am having a doubt that my PST file might get corrupted. In order to test and make sure that PST file is not corrupted, I want to scan it using the ScanPST.exe application. But the problem is I am not able to locate ScanPST.exe and start. I think the problem is I installed Outlook via Microsoft Store and the default location of Inbox Repair Tool has changed. If anyone knows how to overcome this issue, please suggest. It will be a great help.”

Reasons Why ScanPST.exe Can’t Be Found or Started

If a user is encountering such an error while running Inbox Repair Tool software, then there must be some valid reason behind it.

• If a user installs the Outlook application from Microsoft Store on any Windows version, then the default location of files is different from the regular installation from the Office website.
• Another possible reason behind this error is that there are various additional security (sandbox) limitations that prevent users from running some particular exe files directly. So, whenever a user tries to start ScanPST.exe, it displays an error message stating:“Windows cannot access the specified device, path, or file. You may not have the appropriate permissions to access the item.”

How to Check If Outlook is Installed from the Microsoft Store?

Before jumping to the solutions, you need to check where you have installed Microsoft Outlook application from. Use either of the provided methods in this section.

Method #1: Check From Your Windows Settings

• Simply, navigate to Start >> Settings >> the Apps option.

If there is a list for Microsoft Office Desktop Application, then it is clear that Outlook is installed via Microsoft Store. However, if there is a list of Microsoft Office 365, Outlook is installed via the Office website.

Method #2: Check From MS Outlook Itself

• 1. First of all, open the Outlook application and click on the File >> Office Account option.
• 2. After that, click on the About Outlook button to find out the version information.
• 3. Here, it will either display Microsoft Store or Click-to-Run. The latter determines that you completed the installation via the Office website.

Open ScanPST.exe Using Another Office App Installed via Microsoft Store

Now, to overcome this issue when ScanPST.exe can’t be found in Outlook 2021, 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, 2007, 2003, one thing that a user can do is try to open this ScanPST.exe with the help of some other Office app, which is installed via Microsoft Store. Here, we have used Microsoft Word. After that, just follow the steps mentioned below:

1. In Microsoft Word application, click on File >> Open

2. After that, click Browse, then select Insert >> Pictures

3. Then, go to C:\Program Files\WindowsApps location

4. Next, you need to open the folder:

Microsoft.Office.Desktop.Outlook_####.####.####.#_x86__8wekyb3d8bbwe

Here, this # generally determines the version of Outlook.

Make sure that you have not selected the Outlook folder containing “neutral” in its name. Moreover, if there is an AppxMetadata folder in it, then you have opened the wrong folder.

5. After that, you need to open the folder named Office16

6. Then, choose the All Files (*.*) option from the drop-down filter in the bottom-right corner of the window

7. Now, simply scroll down and right-click on ScanPST.exe and click on the Open button

It is a bit odd but not impossible to open ScanPST.exe using Microsoft Word. However, when it gets open, works normally.

Alternative: Switch to Office Website (Click-to-Run) Installation

Another possible way to fix this ScanPST.exe can’t be found or started issue is to switch to Office Website or Click-to-Run installation. Now, for the same, follow the steps mentioned below:

1. First of all, navigate to Start >> Settings >> the Apps option

2. After that, simply uninstall: Microsoft Office Desktop Apps

3. Then, navigate to Office.com

4. Next, log in to it and click on the “Install Office” link from the top-right corner and follow the instructions displayed on the screen.

The above-discussed tricks will surely resolve this issue when ScanPST.exe can’t be found in Outlook 2021, 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, 2007, 2003.

Use An Expert Recommendation Instead of ScanPST Tool

Even if you do manage to run the Inbox Repair Tool by using any of the manual solutions discussed above, it still comes with its own limitations. Moreover, it is certainly not an appropriate choice to deal with heavily damaged PST files. Therefore, numerous experts only recommend the SysTools Outlook Recovery Software solution to make the task a hassle-free experience for users.

Conclusion

When ScanPST.exe can’t be found or started due to a Microsoft Store installation of Outlook, restricted file paths and sandbox limitations usually cause the issue. By identifying your MS Outlook installation type, opening ScanPST.exe through another Office application, or switching to the Click-to-Run version of Outlook, you can regain full access to the Inbox Repair Tool. And if the file is severely damaged, using a professional tool like SysTools ensures complete and safe mailbox repair.