Outlook Data File Has Reached The Maximum Size – Here’s the Solution

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Written By Ashwani Tiwari
Anuraag Singh
Approved By Anuraag Singh
Published On March 15th, 2024
Reading Time 8 Minutes Reading

Overview: Are you facing the Outlook data file has reached the maximum size error? If yes, this is the major issue which should instantly get resolved. This article provides easy steps to quickly fix the Outlook data file .pst has reached the maximum size though top-notch solutions. Let’s begin!

MS Outlook is a highly popular and professional email client which stores data in a Personal Storage Table (PST). There are two types of PST files supported by Outlook- ANSI and UNICODE. It might shock you that, whenever we send or receive emails, it stores a copy of your mail items with attachments on your system. Due to this, Outlook PST files grow larger with time and usage and exceed the size limit and slower your computer or Outlook application. However, to resolve the Outlook data files has reached the maximum size, it is important to know that Outlook files has a specific limit for storing the items.

Understand Outlook maximum size limit:

  • Outlook 97 to 2002 maximum size limit is 2 GB.
  • Outlook 2003 and 2007 has a maximum 20 GB limit.
  • In Outlook 2010, 2013, and 2016, 2019, 2021, maximum default size limit is 50 GB.

The In order to provide support on this, here we are covering how to fix the Outlook data file .pst has reached the maximum size issue. In other words, we will look at how to deal with an Outlook data file reaching maximum size error. Here, we have described simple techniques to manage large PST files and start using your Outlook smoothly.

Why Outlook Data File Has Reached the Maximum Size?

There are several reasons that can cause the Outlook.pst file has reached the maximum size error. Once you understand the reasons behind them, it will be easy for you to resolve:

  • Large number of emails stored in Outlook over time.
  • Heavy attachments such images, documents, etc.
  • Large mailboxes also tend to reach the maximum size limit more quickly.
  • Archived emails are not in a separate PST file.
  • Besides emails, calendar entries and contacts also occupy space in Outlook data files.
  • Deleted files are not permanently removed from Outlook storage.
  • You might be using an older version of Outlook.
  • Incorrect settings also cause Outlook data file has reached the maximum size.

Quickly Resolve the Outlook Data File .PST has Reached the Maximum Size

To resolve the Outlook data files has reached the maximum size and reduce the large size of PST file, use SysTools Split PST Software which is the best tool to accomplish this task.

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This application break the large size Outlook data file into multiple small PST files without modifying any original data information. It provides 4 unique options, separate PST file by size, date, year and folder. The tool is also able to divide corrupted PST files in a simple manner.

How to Fix Outlook Data File Has Reached the Maximum Size Error?

Below we have mentioned all the possible manual methods to reduce Outlook mailbox size and avoid the Outlook.pst file has reached the maximum file size limit issue.

1st Method. Increase Outlook Maximum Size Limit

Whenever the Outlook PST file has reached the maximum size, a warning message is displayed. But, you can increase the size limit of PST file manually by modifying the registry entries. Follow the mentioned steps to know how to edit a registry setting to increase PST file size.

Outlook Data File has Reached the Maximum Size
  • Go to Start button >> Run.
  • Here, type regedit in the Open box and press OK.
  • Expand My Computer option after expand HKEY_CURRENT_USER.
  • Next, expand Software >> Policies.
  • Expand Microsoft >> Office.
  • Now, expand:

11.0 for Microsoft Outlook 2003

12.0 for Outlook 2007

13.0 for Outlook 2010

14.0 for Outlook 2013

15.0 for Outlook 2016

  • Then, go to MS Outlook, click on PST file and right-click on MaxLargeFileSize.
  • Afterwards, Click on the Modify button and enter value in the Value data box.
  • Finally, click OK button.

This is the way how can you fix the Outlook data file has reached the maximum size office 2016, 2019, etc. issue. It helps you to increase the size limit of PST file.

2nd Method. Delete Unwanted Data Items

In order to resolve the the Outlook data file .pst has reached the maximum size error, delete unwanted data items that are not so important. So, follow the steps given below:

  • Open the PST file and select the items that are not that important for future use.
  • Next, Delete all the items.
  • Empty the Deleted Items Folder and permanently erase them.

3rd Method. Archive Outlook Data File

You can also archive Outlook PST data items and delete the original PST files to troubleshoot the outlook data file has reached the maximum size office 365 error. Follow the mentioned step to perform this task:

  • First of all, Launch MS Outlook and go to File
  • Then, Click on the Clean up Tools >> Archive
  • Afterwards, Choose the date which you want to archive and click OK
  • Finally, all your selected data to archive PST file (separate archive folder)

Limitations of Manual Methods to Reduce Outlook Mailbox Size

Both methods of Manual are completely free, but there are some limitations like-

  • Chances of data loss.
  • Time-consuming process.
  • Required technical skills.
  • Does not reduce the large size of PST file according to your needs.

Expert Solution to Fix Outlook Data File Has Reached The Maximum Size Issue

The Outlook data file .pst has reached the maximum size will appear when you exceed the actual size limit provided by Outlook. So, the best way to reduce PST file size is splitting large size PST file into multiple smaller parts. Certainly, to do this, split PST file software is the best and tested software by the experts.

In fact, it will allow you to break up large PST file into multiple smaller PST files by size, date, year and folder. The software is compatible with all Outlook versions and can also be installed on all Windows OS editions. Besides, it comes with a simple graphical user interface. Above all, any professional and non-technical users can easily use this tool and instantly get rid of Outlook data files has reached the maximum size error.

The Concluding Words

Encountering Outlook data file has reached the maximum size error message is quite frustrating for users. So, to fix this problem, we have discussed the manual tricks on how to increase PST file size by editing the registry setting. In fact, we have explored the manual and automated solution to reduce the size of PST file.

As, the manual solution has some limitations so, to overcome all the errors and limitations, it is recommended to go with the expert solution. Moreover, this automated solution helps to reduce the mailbox sizes and fix the Outlook.pst file has reached the maximum file size limit issue. You can easily test both solutions and then choose whichever is perfect to meet your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions By Users

How Can I Check my Mailbox Size in Outlook?

You can check the size of Outlook mailbox by following the steps.
1. In the Mail view, click on your account
2. Click Folder > Folder Properties
3. Click on Folder Size
4. Now, you will see the size of your mailbox.

How Do I View Mailbox Size Limit in Outlook 2016?

View the size of Outlook Mailbox in Outlook 2010, 2013 and 2016.
1. Click on the File tab, go to the Mailbox cleanup section
2. In the Mailbox cleanup window, click View Mailbox Size.
3. When the Folder Size window will appear, you can view mailbox size limit.

How Can I Split Outlook Archive files?

If you Outlook data file has reached the maximum size, then it can be beneficial to split Outlook archive PST files. For this purpose you can use PST Splitter tool. This software helps you to separate multiple Outlook archive Outlook data files into a single PST file with all data items.

How Do I Archive Outlook items manually?

Follow the below steps to archive items easily:
1. In Outlook 2013, Click File tab >> Info >> Cleanup Tools >> Archive
2. In Outlook 2016, Go the File >> Info >> Tools >> Clean Up Old Items
3. Click Archive this folder and all subfolders option and choose the folder which you want to archive
4. Choose a date under Archive items older than option
5. Check the Include items with “Do not AutoArchive” checked box
6. Click OK.

  author

By Ashwani Tiwari

Being a Chief Technical Analyst, I am aware of the technicalities faced by the user while working with multiple technologies. So, through my blogs and articles, I love to help all the users who face various challenges while dealing with technology.