How Do I Delete an Outlook Data File?

Okay, here is the exact answer to your question based on the provided reference.

To remove or disconnect an Outlook data file from your Outlook profile, follow these steps. This action disconnects the file from Outlook but does not delete the file from your computer or the email data it contains.

Here's how to perform this action within Outlook:

1. Navigate to the File tab in Outlook.
2. Select Account Settings, then choose Account Settings again from the dropdown menu.
3. In the Account Settings window, switch to the Data Files tab. This tab lists all the data files (like .pst or .ost files) currently associated with your Outlook profile.
4. On the Data Files tab, you will see a list of data files and their locations.
5. Choose the data file you wish to remove. The reference specifically notes that this includes finding the data file location which includes OneDrive.
6. With the desired data file selected, click the Remove button.
7. A confirmation prompt will appear. Select Yes to proceed and disconnect the file from your Outlook profile.

Important Notes:

• As stated in the reference, selecting Remove does not mean your email data will be lost. It is simply disconnected from your Outlook account or profile.
• The actual data file (.pst or .ost) remains on your computer in its original location after you remove it from Outlook.
• You can re-add the data file to your Outlook profile later if necessary.
• If your goal is to physically delete the data file from your computer, you must first remove it from Outlook using the steps above. Then, close Outlook and navigate to the file's location using File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac) and delete the file manually.

In summary, removing a data file from the Outlook Data Files tab disconnects it from your active profile, making it inaccessible within Outlook, but it does not erase the file or its contents from your storage.