You will learn what Outlook backup tools are and what to look for when choosing one.AOMEI Backupper stands out as the best software to backup and restore Outlook app data, along with step by step instructions.
An Outlook backup tool creates a secure and restorable copy of Outlook data, including emails, attachments, contacts, calendar items, and entire PST/OST files.
Outlook relies heavily on local data files (PST/OST). When these files become corrupted, unsynced, or damaged, your mailbox can become inaccessible. Also, accidental deletions, server failure, locked accounts, profile corruption, etc., can lead to Outlook data loss or damage unless you have a working backup.
When choosing an Outlook backup tool, look for features that ensure reliable, automated protection.
AOMEI Backupper Professional is one of the most reliable and user-friendly Outlook backup tools available in 2025. It offers a full set of Outlook backup features, enabling you to backup Outlook app data (e.g., Inbox, Draft, Sent, Trash, and Spam) to image files with less time and space consumption, while supporting multiple storage devices.
Step 1. Download and install the Outlook client on your computer. Open it and log in with your account. Then, open AOMEI Backupper. Click Outlook Backup under Backup.
Step 2. You'll be asked to select the emails and destination.
Click Select Source to choose the desired emails.
Then, click the PC icon to select a local drive, external drive, network share, or NAS to save them.
Step 3. Click Schedule to set a backup frequency, such as daily, weekly, monthly, or even triggers. Click Options or Backup Scheme to set up or change the desired items. At last, click Start Backup to back up Outlook data automatically.
💡Tips:
◾ For long-term email protection, it’s suggested to enable automatic backup cleanup in the Backup Scheme to delete old backups automatically.
◾ To avoid unauthorized access, you can choose to enable encryption for backups.
◾ To save more space, change compression from Normal to Higher.
Once the backup completes, it’s time to verify if the Outlook backup is restorable. Here are some overall steps to restore Outlook data:
AOMEI Backupper Professional is one of the best Outlook backup tools in 2025 that can back up Outlook app data to an image file automatically without intervention. It supports a full suite of backup features to make the process simple and smooth.
After selecting desired emails and destination, you can click Schedule, Options, Backup Scheme to set up or change any items as needed. So you can perform Outlook backup automatically and keep multiple backup versions while using less time and space.
1. What does an Outlook backup tool actually back up?
A good Outlook backup tool can protect your emails, attachments, contacts, calendar items, tasks, notes, rules, and your entire PST/OST data files. Some tools also capture Outlook settings, profiles, and folder structure.
2. Can I back up Outlook while the program is still open?
Yes, if the backup tool supports VSS (Volume Shadow Copy Service). VSS lets the tool create a snapshot of your Outlook data while it’s running, preventing corruption and avoiding “file in use” errors.
3. Is exporting to a PST file the same as a real Outlook backup?
Not exactly. Exporting to PST is helpful, but it’s a manual, one-time action. A real Outlook backup tool offers automatic backup, incremental backups, multiple versions, better reliability- features you won’t get from a simple PST export
4. Does Outlook automatically back up my emails to Microsoft 365?
No, Microsoft syncs your mailbox, but it does not provide a guaranteed long-term backup. Deleted items, sync issues, corruption, or account lockouts can still cause data loss. A local Outlook backup tool ensures you always have a copy of Outlook data.
5. Can Windows File History or OneDrive back up PST/OST files safely?
Not reliably. PST and OST files are constantly changing and often locked while Outlook is open. Sync tools like OneDrive may corrupt them, and File History may skip them entirely. An Outlook-aware backup tool is much safer for these file types.