Occasionally you'll need to export data from Microsoft Outlook. Export is appropriate for moving calendar or contacts to another computer or backing up your calendar and contacts apart from your email, but should not be used to backup the entire pst. (Note Backup your contacts regularly if you sync with a mobile device.)

To export data from Outlook:

1. In Outlook 2013 and newer Select File, Open & Export to open the Import/Export dialog. In Outlook 2010, go to File, Open, Import. (In Outlook 2007 and older, Select the File menu, Import and Export command.)
   
2. Choose Export to a File
   
3. Select the Export file type
   
4. Choose the folder you want to export. To export the entire data file, select the top level folder and check the option to include subfolders.
   
5. Next, select the data file you are exporting to
   
6. Click Finish to complete the export.

Depending on the number of items being exported, the export process can take a few seconds to a few minutes.

Always export in an appropriate format. For example, if you are exporting contacts to use with another copy of Outlook (or as a backup), export to Outlook data file (pst).

Video Tutorial

If you are exporting IMAP folders, the messages might be hidden. Change the view or see "Outlook Folders Appear Empty after Exporting an IMAP Account" for a macro to fix the folder type.