How to Resolve Outlook PST Files Not Synchronizing on OneDrive?

If you are experiencing Outlook PST files not synchronizing on OneDrive, the error can usually be resolved with a few practical troubleshooting steps. This problem often occurs due to file locking, sync conflicts, or corruption within the PST file. By applying the right solutions, you can restore proper synchronization and prevent further errors.

You can fix the issue by closing Outlook and all related background processes, moving the PST file out of the OneDrive folder to a local directory, or repairing the PST file using the built-in repair tool. In this blog, we’ll explain each of these solutions in detail to help you effectively resolve the synchronization problem.

Why Outlook PST Files Not Synchronizing on OneDrive?

MS Outlook stores mailbox data in a PST (Outlook Data File) when you configure an account using POP3. This PST file is constantly accessed and updated while Outlook is running. Because of this continuous activity, Outlook keeps the file locked and prevents other applications from accessing it simultaneously.

At the same time, Microsoft OneDrive attempts to sync the same PST file in the background. Since the file is locked by Outlook, OneDrive cannot access it, which often results in synchronization failures.

Additionally, synchronization issues may also occur after installing recent Windows or Outlook updates. For example, some users have reported problems with PST files after installing the Windows 11 update (KB5074109). In such cases, Microsoft recommends moving the PST file out of the OneDrive folder to a local drive and, if necessary, uninstalling the latest update to resolve the issue.

Common Reasons for Outlook PST Files Not Synchronizing with OneDrive

Before applying the solutions, it is important to understand the possible causes behind this issue. The Outlook PST files not synchronizing with OneDrive problem can occur due to the following reasons:

• The PST file is locked while being used by Microsoft Outlook
• The file is being modified simultaneously on multiple devices
• Microsoft OneDrive sync restrictions
• The PST file remains open even after closing Outlook
• Background processes are still accessing the PST file
• Corruption in the PST file
• OneDrive storage limits or quota issues

Steps to Move Outlook PST Files Out of OneDrive

If your Outlook PST file is not synchronizing with OneDrive, moving the file to a local drive can help resolve the issue. Follow these steps:

Solution 1: Completely Close Outlook and All Background Processes

PST files become locked while being used by Microsoft Outlook. When the PST file is active and locked, Microsoft OneDrive cannot access it, which may result in synchronization failures. To resolve this issue, you need to completely close Outlook along with any background processes that might still be using the PST file.

• Tick Ctrl + Shift + Esc at once to open Task Manager.
• Click on the Processes tab.
• Look for processes named Microsoft Outlook or OUTLOOK.EXE.
• Select the process, right-click on it, and choose End Task.
• Click End Process to confirm if prompted.
• Repeat the same steps to close any other related Outlook processes.

After ensuring that all Outlook-related processes are closed, check whether the synchronization issue is resolved. If the problem persists, proceed to the next way.

Solution 2: Relocate the PST File Using a Symbolic Link

When you store your PST file in Microsoft OneDrive, both OneDrive and Microsoft Outlook try to access the file at the same time. Outlook locks the PST file while reading and writing emails. As a result, OneDrive cannot access it, which leads to synchronization failure.

To resolve this issue, you can use a symbolic link. This method moves the PST file to a local folder on your computer while making Outlook believe that the file is still stored in OneDrive. A symbolic link works as a pointer that redirects Outlook to the actual file location on your local drive, thereby reducing synchronization conflicts.

• Close Outlook.
• Create a new local folder, such as: C:\OutlookPST\
• Move your PST file from the OneDrive folder to the newly created local folder.
• Now, open Command Prompt as Administrator.
• Then run the following command: mklink “C:\Users\jyoti.singh\Documents\Outlook Files\TestFile_01.pst” “D:\New PST location\TestFile_01.PST”
• After executing the command, a symbolic link file with the same name will appear in the original OneDrive folder.
• You can now start and continue using Outlook normally.

Solution 3: Move Your PST File to a Local Folder to Prevent OneDrive Sync Issues

If your Microsoft Outlook PST files are not synchronizing on OneDrive, moving the PST file to a local folder on your system can help resolve sync conflicts. Follow these steps carefully:

• Close Outlook.
• Open OneDrive and navigate to the folder where your PST file is stored.
• Right-click the PST file and select Copy.
• Create a new folder on your local drive and open it.
• Paste the PST file into this folder.

Next, reconfigure Outlook to use the PST file in its new location:

• Open Outlook. Tick File > Info > Account Settings > Account Settings.
• Click the Data File tab.
• Select your email account from the list.
• Click Add.
• Browse to the new folder where you moved the PST file.
• Select the file and click OK.
• Click Next, then Finish.

After this, remove the old PST file reference by doing the following:

• Go to Account Settings in Outlook.
• Click the Data Files tab.
• Locate the entry that points to the PST file in OneDrive.
• Select it and click Remove.
• When prompted, click Yes.

Note: This only disconnects the file from Outlook and does not delete it.

• Click Close.

Once you confirm that Outlook is working correctly with the new PST file, you can remove the old file from OneDrive:

• Close Outlook completely and navigate to the OneDrive folder containing the PST file.
• Delete the PST file from OneDrive.
• Allow OneDrive to complete the synchronization.

Solution 4: Repair a Corrupted PST File

Corruption in a PST file can also cause synchronization issues, as OneDrive may fail to read a damaged file. You can repair a corrupted PST file using ScanPST, a utility that comes pre-installed with Outlook. Here’s how to repair your PST file using ScanPST:

1: Locate ScanPST.exe on Your System

ScanPST is available in the Outlook installation folder. The exact location may vary depending on your MS Outlook version.

2: Run ScanPST.exe

• Navigate to the ScanPST.exe folder.
• Double-click SCANPST.EXE to launch the utility.
• Click the Browse button.
• Navigate to the location of your PST file.
• Select the PST file and click Open.
• Click Start to begin scanning the file.

3: Repair the PST File

• After scanning, if errors are found, ScanPST will display the message “Errors were found in this file.”
• Click Repair.
• Check the box Make a backup of the scanned file before repairing.
• Click OK to start the repair process.
• Once the repair is complete, ScanPST will display “Repair complete.”

ScanPST works well for minor corruption issues. However, if your PST file is large or severely corrupted, ScanPST may freeze, crash, or fail to fix the file.

In such cases, you can use BitData Migration PST Converter, a professional PST repair tool. This tool efficiently repairs highly corrupted PST files of any size and restores recovered items into a new PST file while maintaining the original structure.

The tool also provides multiple options for saving repaired PST items. You can save them in HTML, RTF, EML, MSG, MBOX, PDF, HTML, MHT, JPG, PNG, Thunderbird, Gmail, IMAP, Yahoo, Zimbra, Office 365, Exchange Server, and many more. It supports Microsoft Outlook 2021, 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, and earlier versions.

Final Verdict

As discussed above, there are several reasons that can cause the “Outlook PST files not synchronizing on OneDrive” issue. You can follow the solutions provided earlier to resolve the problem.

If the issue is caused by corruption in the PST file, you can first use ScanPST.exe to repair it. However, if ScanPST fails to fix the problem, you can use BitData Migration Outlook Converter, a more powerful PST repair software. This professional tool thoroughly scans the corrupted file, repairs it, and restores all mailbox items into a new PST file. It can recover emails, contacts, attachments, calendar entries, and other items while maintaining complete data integrity. You can also download the free demo version to evaluate its functionality before performing a full repair.