Best Way to Unlock PST Password: Step-by-Step Guide

Written By Amit Chandel
Updated on November 7th, 2025

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User Query: “I have around 50+ PST files that I need to cross-verify before sending them over to the client. But among them, some are password-encrypted. How can I decrypt PST password without any corruption or data loss issues?”

There are few things more frustrating for an Outlook user than to open an important PST file and find a password prompt you simply can’t remember. This includes an archived mailbox, an old company backup, or even a legacy PST passed down from the retirement of an admin. Password-protected PST files will instantly halt your productivity and ability to access critical emails. This is a data accessibility problem that impacts audits, follow-ups, and other tasks. In this guide, you will learn how to unlock PST password without any issues via the free and professional Outlook PST Password Remover.

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Note: Make sure your protected PST file is not damaged; If you have got your file corrupted then you can recover your PST file by Outlook PST Recovery

Crack PST File Password Protection

Outlook PST (Personal Storage Table) files contain your emails, contacts, calendar, and attachments. The file becomes password-protected, requiring authentication before it can be opened. This was built originally for suitable security when saved locally. However, older PST encryption (prior to Outlook 2013) used weak schemes, and passwords could often be “cracked”. Newer Unicode PSTs utilize stronger algorithms, but can still be restored through controlled means.

What does this mean?

>> It means you can unlock password protected Outlook PST files without losing data if you use the right means.

What are the right means?

>> There are two different right ways: a ‘Manual’ and a ‘Professional’.

The former provides complete control but can be risky. The latter automates the process and is trusted and verified by experts, thus highly secure.

But What is The Need to ‘Unlock PST Password’?

>> The following pointers explain why it is important to perform a PST Password Recovery:

To acces old company archives from an employee who left
Restore old Outlook backups for audit and data migration
To recover mailbox data from legacy or orphaned Outlook profiles
Fix inaccessible PSTs due to lost or forgotten passwords
To retrieve PST data without any structure or data damage

This makes sense. Isn’t it? So, what’s stopping you? Go ahead and explore the step-by-step guide for the right means specified above.

Unlock Outlook PST Password the Free Ways

There are a few manual methods that you can follow for the PST password removal. These are:

Method 01: The Obvious Solution

Simply, try the following checks to ensure you restore the password in general:

If this doesn’t work for you, then try another way to unlock PST password.

Method 02: Microsoft Built-In Option

Note that this method will only work if you already know the existing password or the cache credentials still exist in your user profile. It is suited for the older versions of Outlook (2007-2010). The steps are:

In your MS Outlook, from the File tab, access the Account Settings.
Then, within the Data Files tab, select your PST file and press Settings.
Next, press the Change Password button in the General settings section.
In the dialog box that opens, enter your old password and new password.
Finally, verify it, choose to save it, and press OK to change.

It will break PST Password and create a new one in its place at the same time. But if you find this method inefficient, then take a look at the last free solution.

Method 03: The Legacy Microsoft Tool

PST19UPG.EXE is a well-known old MS Tool that helps remove PST passwords from old ANSI files as follows:

First, create a copy of your password-protected PST file.
Then, find the SCANPST.EXE (Inbox Repair Tool) on your system to fix it before you unlock PST password.
You can locate it at the following locations for different Outlook versions:
First, load your PST into it, click Start, and then Repair to fix it.
Further, launch Command Prompt (cmd).
Now, run pst19upg -x oldfile.pst temp.pst for your old file.
Afterward, run pst19upg -i temp.pst newfile.pst to create the copy.
Lastly, launch Outlook and open this new PST with it to find that it is now decrypted.

That’s it, and you are done with all the free methods to unlock password protected Outlook PST files.

Loopholes of the Traditional Methods

You may not necessarily find the password in the general locations.
The Change Password option is only available for older versions.
The PST19UPG tool only works with ANSI PST files and not UNICODE.
A high level of technical expertise and Outlook knowledge is required.
Outlook installation is mandatory for the implementation.
There are chances of PST file corruption and data loss with these methods.

So, what is it the end? Of course not! You still haven’t explored the best solution yet. Take a look below for the ideal way to break PST password in a few clicks.

Unlock PST Password the Pro Way

When the manual method fails, seems troublesome, time-consuming, or lengthy, it’s time to automate. Download the MailConveterTools PST Password Remover for advanced and secure decryption. This software is very user-friendly and works on both Windows and Mac OS with ease. It has various key advantages and a simple working process.

03 Easy Steps to Unlock Outlook PST Password

Download, install, and run Outlook PST Unlocker as an admin.
Then, click Select Files to browse your PSTs and press Open to add them.
At last, click Remove Password to decrypt your password-protected PST.

Top-Notch Benefits of PST Password Remover Tool

Unlocks multiple protected PST files in minimal time.
Supports both ANSI and UNICODE PST files of any size.
Does not require MS Outlook installation to crack PST file password.
Preserves the folder hierarchy and metadata in the PST.
Compatible with all MS Outlook versions.
Has a Demo Version to analyze the versatile tool performance.

Real Scenario:

An HR department required access to a PST archive, containing resignation letters and internal reports, that was created 4 years ago. The individual who created this archive had left the company, and nobody remembered the password. However, using a professional PST Password Recovery Software, the IT team accessed the password in a few minutes, without altering emails or attachments. The PST was then placed back under company credentials.

Conclusion

Recovering your PST file does not need to be a digital nightmare. If you have a plan in place, backup, verification, and a trusted software, you can unlock PST Password and recover Outlook data safely. However, during this, data integrity and assurance are top priorities. If the PST file contains sensitive information about your business, please consult your IT or compliance team before any attempts to recover the file yourself. Also, use the Outlook PST Unlocker Tool for a safe and quick recovery in place of going hit and trial with the manual methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How do I unlock Password Protected Outlook PST Files?

Ans. You can unlock them using a professional PST Password Unlock Tool that removes or retrieves forgotten passwords. Always backup before recovery.

Q2. Is there a free way to unlock PST password?

Ans. You can try to remember older passwords or check a password manager. Use the PST19UPG utility or the Outlook built-in option. But a dependable PST Unlocker is the most feasible route.

Q3. How long does PST password recovery take?

Ans. A simple recovery will take seconds. A more complicated or heavily encrypted PST may take a few minutes to a couple of hours to recover, depending on the recovery method and size of the PST file itself. So, for quick decryption, the optimal way is the Outlook PST Unlock Software.

Q4. Which is the best tool to unlock Outlook PST password?

Ans. The best PST Unlock Tool supports both ANSI and Unicode PSTs, works offline, and provides a zero data modification guarantee. Like the one provided above by MailConverterTools.

About The Author:

Amit Chandel

Meet Amit, an experienced SEO expert and content planner. He uses his creativity and strategy to create content that grabs attention and helps brands reach their goals. With solid skills in digital marketing and content planning, Amit helps businesses succeed online.