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

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. Let’s understand the meaning of this error, reasons for better understanding of methods.

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.

After knowing this, let’s understand how to fix the Outlook data file has reached the maximum size error? Yes, it is possible by reducing the data within it by increasing the Outlook Maximum size limit, by removing unwanted data files, archiving the emails and splitting PST files into smaller parts which is the best way.

Here we have explained the all-possible methods with proper reasons for better understanding. And also provide an alternate and direct solution of “Outlook PST file has reached its maximum size” issue.

1. Why Outlook Data File Has Reached the Maximum Size?
2. Quickly Resolve the Outlook PST Has Reached the Maximum Size
3. How to Fix Outlook Data File Has Reached the Maximum Size Error?
   • Limitations of All Manual Methods
4. Why Expert Tool Over Manual Methods?
5. The Concluding Words
6. FAQs

Why Outlook Data File Has Reached the Maximum Size?

Before knowing the solution, it is important to know the route cause of any problem and error. 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.

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

Here we have explained 4 manual tricks to reduce Outlook mailbox size reduce Outlook mailbox size for preventing from the error. We have fix it by removing the unwanted data files, using Regedit to increase the size limit, by Archiving the data files, and compact your files. If these methods doesn’t work for you, then go for the expert solution.

1^st Method: Deleted Unwanted Data and Emails

Deleting unwanted data and emails with attachments is the basic and simple method to resolve this issue.

1. Openthe PST file and select the items that are not that important for future use.
2. Next, Delete all the items.
3. Emptythe Deleted Items Folder and permanently erase

2^nd Method: Use Regedit to Fix “Outlook Data File Has Reached the Maximum Size” Error

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.

1. Firstly, go to Start button >> 
2. Here, type regedit in the Open box and press 
3. Expand My Computeroption after expand 
4. Next, expand Software >> Policies.
5. Expand Microsoft >> Office.
6. 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
7. Then, go to MS Outlook, click on PST file and right-click on MaxLargeFileSize.
8. Afterwards, click on the Modify button and enter value in the Value data box.
9. 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.

3^rd 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:

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

4^th Method: Compact Outlook Data Files

1. Open Outlook account.
2. Select the “Account Settings” >> “Account Settings…” from “File” tab.
3. Go to the “Data Files” tab.
4. And select the required data file.
5. And then choose the “Settings” and then Advanced >> Outlook Data File settings.
6. Select the “Compact Now” and hit on the “OK” icon.
7. And your data file will be compact to fix “Outlook data file has reached the maximum size” error.

Limitations of All Manual Methods

All 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.

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, removing unwanted data, compacting data files etc. In fact, we have explored the manual and automated solution to reduce PST file size.

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