Best Ways to Remove Password From Outlook PST

Written By Shivam Rathore
Updated on July 26th, 2025

Summary: Password-protecting a PST file in Outlook can be helpful when it comes to privacy, but it can quickly become a hassle if you forget the password. You find yourself unable to access your emails when you need them the most. This blog covers the most trustworthy ways to remove password from Outlook PST. By using simple manual methods to a trusted PST Password Removal Tool that can help if you forget or lose the password. Through this process, you can get your data back without any risk of loss.

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Why We Need to Remove Password From PST?

Setting a password on a PST file is a good idea at first, but it can turn into a headache later. If you’re stuck trying to open the file or just annoyed with entering the password every single time. Removing the password can help:

Some real-world reasons people do this:

You’ve lost the password and now can’t reach your emails.
The file was shared or created by someone else, and you have no idea what the password is.
Outlook keeps asking for the password, even though you are sure it’s right.
You want to open the file on another computer without going through the password prompt every time.

Different Methods to Remove Password From Outlook PST

If you’re handling a locked PST file, there are some ways to unlock it. Some methods work only if you still remember the password, while others help even when it’s completely forgotten. We have explained both a manual and an easy tool-based method to get back your file safely.

Manual Methods to Remove Password from Encrypted PST File

If you don’t want to use any third-party software, there are different manual ways you can use to remove the password from your Outlook PST file. These methods are helpful if you still remember the password or are working with an older version of Outlook. Follow each step carefully:

Method 1: Recover PST File Password Using MS Outlook

This method only works if you remember the current password. It is the safest and simplest way to remove the PST file password directly through Outlook. Let’s see how it can be done:

Firstly, start Microsoft Outlook on your computer.
After that, select the File tab, then choose Account Settings, and from the dropdown, select Account Settings again.
To proceed, navigate to the Data Files tab.
Further, select the PST file you want to unlock and press the Settings button.
Later, in the pop-up window, select Change Password.
Meanwhile, enter your current password in the first field.
Then, leave the New Password and Verify Password fields empty.
Finally, select OK to apply the changes and remove the password from the PST file.

Method 2: Remove Password From Outlook PST Using Commands

Some users ask, Microsoft has a built-in way to unlock PST files. Technically, yes, but it is not as simple as you think. There is a trick using two older tools: ScanPST.exe and pst19upg.exe. This method is not for regular use, and it only works with old Outlook files, like from 2002 or earlier. Let’s see the steps:

Firstly, close Outlook completely if it’s open.
Afterward, make a copy of your PST file and save it somewhere safe (just in case something goes wrong).
Further, open File Explorer and go to:

C:\Program Files

Then, look for and open SCANPST.exe (Inbox Repair Tool).
Now, upload the copied PST file in ScanPST, select Start, then press Repair if it finds any issues.
To proceed, Press Windows + R, type cmd, and hit Enter to open Command Prompt.
Later, run this command (adjust the path to match your file location):

C:\Users\YourUserName\Desktop\pst19\pst19upg.exe -x outlookcopy.pst

(This extracts data and creates a new PST file.)

Lastly, type this command and press Enter:

C:\Users\YourUserName\Desktop\pst19\pst19upg.exe -i outlookcopy.pst

(This finalizes the password removal process.)

Limitations of Manual Methods

Manual methods can sometimes help, but they’re not always the best choice. Here’s why:

If you don’t remember the password, Outlook will not let you remove it manually.
Some of the methods only work with old PST files, like from Outlook 2002 or earlier.
One small mistake during the steps could corrupt the file.
In one of these methods, you need to deal with the command prompt or system tools.
Sometimes, even after following the steps correctly, there is still no guarantee the password will be removed.

Quick And Effective Way to Remove Password From Outlook PST

Manual methods are difficult to implement and require a lot of time. So, using a professional tool is the fastest and most trustworthy solution. One such tool is PST Password Remover. This tool helps you open a PST file without needing the original password and without risking your data. It is simple, safe, and does not require any technical skills. Let’s follow the steps to remove forgotten password from PST file:

Initially, start the PST File Password Remover Tool on your computer.
After that, press the Select Files button to upload the locked PST file.
Further, you’ll see two options: Set Password and Unlock PST.
Later, select Unlock PST if you want to remove the password. If you want to reset it, go with Set Password.
Lastly, select OK to complete the process.

Conclusion

Forgetting the password to a PST file can be a real headache when you need access to important emails. Manual methods help in some cases, but they are not easy and don’t work with new Outlook files. If you want an easy way to remove password from Outlook PST file, a dedicated tool is the best option. It saves time, no risk of data loss, and it does the job without any technical difficulty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How can I remove the password from PST file?

Ans. If you remember the current password, you can remove it through Outlook by going to the Data File Settings and leaving the new password fields blank. But if the password is forgotten, the easiest and safest way is to use a professional PST Password Remover Tool. It helps unlock the file without risking your data.

Q2. Where is the PST password stored in Windows?

Ans. Outlook doesn’t store PST passwords in plain text anywhere in Windows. The password is saved as part of the PST file itself in an encrypted format. That’s why you can’t recover it easily once lost; you either need to remember it or use a tool to remove it.

About The Author:

Shivam Rathore

Meet Shivam, an experienced SEO executive and content strategist. He combines creativity with strategy to craft engaging content that connects with audiences and supports brand goals. With strong expertise in digital marketing and content planning, Shivam helps businesses thrive online.