Auto-Archive Older Emails in Outlook
AutoArchive helps keep your Outlook inbox and folders organized by automatically moving or deleting older messages, reducing mailbox size and server load. Items are archived in an Outlook Data File (.pst) that gets created the first time AutoArchive runs, typically located at: C:\Users\[first.last]\Documents\Outlook Files\archive.pst.
Configure AutoArchive
- Go to File > Options > Advanced.
- Under AutoArchive, click AutoArchive Settings.
Key options:
- Run AutoArchive every n days – Set how often it runs. Frequent archiving prevents slowdowns.
- Prompt before AutoArchive runs – Shows a reminder before archiving starts.
- Delete expired items (email folders only) – Removes messages past their aging period.
- Archive or delete old items – Turn on to customize archiving/deleting.
- Show archive folder in folder list – Displays the Archive folder in your navigation pane.
- Clean out items older than – Set the age limit (days, weeks, or months).
- Move old items to – Save aged items in the archive file instead of deleting
- Permanently delete items – Automatically delete instead of archiving.
- Apply these settings to all folders now – Applies your settings mailbox-wide.
Customize for a Specific Folder
To customize AutoArchive settings for individual folders:
- Right-click the folder > and select Properties.
- Select the AutoArchive tab.
- Adjust settings for that folder only.
Sources:
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