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How to add and change passwords for folders/pst/data files in Outlook?

Author Kelly Last modified

If you're using a shared or public computer, securing your Outlook data is crucial. Setting a password for your individual folders or PST data files prevents unauthorized access to your messages and personal items. This article provides a step-by-step tutorial on how to add and change passwords for personal folders or PST/data files in Microsoft Outlook, ensuring your information remains protected.

Step 1: Open the Account Setting dialog box:

In Outlook, click File > Info > Account Settings > Account Settings.

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Step 2: Go to the Data Files tab in the Account Settings dialog box.

Step 3: Select and highlight the data file name you will add a password for, and click the Settings button.

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Step 4: In the Outlook Data File dialog box, click the Change Password button.

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Step 5: In the Change Password dialog box,

  1. Enter the old password in the Old password: box if you have it; if no, just leave the box blank;
  2. Enter the new password in the New password: box and Verify password: box.
  3. It is optional. To check the Save this password in your password list option will relieve you of entering the password whenever you open Microsoft Outlook.

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Step 6: Click the OK button.

By now, the selected file data has been protected with a password.

Note: If you did not check the Save this password in your password list option in Step 5, an Outlook Data File Password dialog box will pop up every time asking for password entry, when you open Microsoft Outlook.

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For no entering password in the future, just check the Save this password in your password list option in the dialog box.

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