Outlook 2013 Data File Password Recovery: Full Guide
Outlook 2013 data file (.pst) password recovery is possible in several ways, but the method depends on whether you forgot the password or just want to remove it. If you remember the password, you can simply clear it in Outlook options. If you forgot it, you can try a few built-in workarounds, third-party tools, or a manual edit—though none are guaranteed.
Background: Why Outlook 2013 .pst Files Have Passwords
Outlook 2013 stores your emails, contacts, calendar, and tasks in a Personal Storage Table (.pst) file. The password feature was designed to prevent casual access to the data file when it is opened outside your Outlook profile—for example, if someone copies the file to another computer. It is not a strong encryption layer; it only prompts for a password when the file is opened in a new profile or with an external tool. The password does not encrypt the entire file, which is why recovery is often possible.
How the Password Works (and Its Limits)
When you set a password on a .pst file, Outlook stores a hash of that password in the file header. The hash is a one-way transformation, but the algorithm used in Outlook 2013 is not cryptographically strong. This means that a dedicated password recovery tool can test millions of combinations per second. However, if your password is long and random, brute-force recovery could take years. Also, the password only protects the file from being opened in a different profile—it does not encrypt the content, so advanced tools can sometimes bypass the prompt entirely.
Method 1: Remove the Password If You Know It
If you remember the password, removing it takes less than a minute:
- Open Outlook 2013.
- Go to File > Account Settings > Account Settings.
- Click the Data Files tab.
- Select the .pst file that has the password and click Settings.
- Click Change Password.
- Enter the current password, leave the new password fields blank, and click OK.
This clears the password. If you only want to change it, enter a new one in the fields. Note that the password is case-sensitive.
Method 2: If You Forgot the Password
If you forgot the password, there is no official “reset� button. But several approaches exist:
Try Common Passwords and Variations
Before using any tool, try passwords you commonly use, variations with numbers or symbols, and old passwords. Many people set the same password they use for Windows or email accounts. Also try leaving the password blank—some users accidentally set a blank password and then forget they did.
Use a Third-Party PST Password Recovery Tool
Several commercial tools claim to recover or remove .pst passwords. They generally work by:
- Brute-force: trying every possible combination until the hash matches.
- Dictionary attack: trying words from a wordlist.
- Mask attack: if you remember part of the password (e.g., starts with “abc�, length 8), you can narrow the search.
Popular tools include Kernel for Outlook PST Password, SysTools PST Password Recovery, and Passware Kit. They are not free, but many offer a trial that shows whether the password can be recovered. Always download from the official vendor site to avoid malware.
Manual Edit with a Hex Editor (Advanced)
Some tech-savvy users edit the .pst file directly with a hex editor to remove the password flag. This is risky and can corrupt the file. The process involves locating the password hash bytes and zeroing them out. It only works on older .pst formats and is not recommended unless you have a backup and are comfortable with hex editing.
Common Problems and Misconceptions
Misconception: “The password encrypts my emails.� It does not. The content is stored in plain text within the file. Tools that “remove� the password simply patch the header.
Problem: “I get a password prompt even though I never set one.� This can happen if the .pst was created by an older Outlook version or if a profile was set up with a password. Try leaving the password field blank and clicking OK.
Problem: “The file is from a previous employee.� If you have legitimate access to the file (e.g., IT admin with permission), you can use recovery tools. If not, do not attempt to bypass passwords on files you do not own—that may violate company policy or law.
Costs and Safety Considerations
Third-party tools range from $30 to $100 for a single license. Free trials usually only show a preview or the first few characters of the password. Before purchasing, check if the tool supports Outlook 2013 (most do). Safety tips:
- Always work on a copy of the .pst file, never the original.
- Scan any downloaded tool with antivirus software.
- Do not use tools that claim to “crack� passwords for illegal purposes.
Alternatives to Password Recovery
If recovery fails, you still have options:
- Use a backup: check if you have a recent .pst backup (e.g., from Windows Backup or a cloud sync).
- Recreate the data: if the .pst is from a server (Exchange/Office 365), you can re-download the mailbox.
- Try older versions: Outlook 2010 or 2007 may open the file with a different password prompt behavior, but this is not reliable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I recover a .pst password for free?
There is no official free method. Some open-source tools exist, but they are outdated and may not work with Outlook 2013. The most reliable free approach is to try common passwords or use a trial version of a commercial tool.
Does the password protect my emails from being read?
No. The password only prevents the file from being opened in a new Outlook profile. The data is not encrypted, so a determined person with the file could still extract emails using specialized software.
What if I set the password and then forgot it, but I still have the file open in Outlook?
You can clear the password while the file is open in your current profile. Follow the steps in Method 1—you only need the current password, which you might remember if you are still using the profile.
Will removing the password affect my emails?
No. Removing the password does not alter the data. It only removes the prompt when the file is opened elsewhere.
Can I use a recovery tool on a .pst file that is in use by Outlook?
No. Close Outlook completely before running any recovery tool. Otherwise, the file is locked and the tool may fail or corrupt the file.
Is it legal to recover a .pst password?
It is legal if you own the file or have explicit permission from the owner. Using recovery tools on someone else’s file without permission is not legal and may be considered unauthorized access.
Related
Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.