Definition
An OST file is a digital copy of email messages, calendar items, and contacts from your email account stored on your device. It enables you to compose emails even offline. When you’re back online, the email account updates your changes locally in the OST file.
How OST Files Work
- When creating an email account, the client makes an OST file on your computer.
- As emails arrive, the client copies and stores them in the OST file from the email server.
- The OST file is local storage for your emails, folders, calendar items, and contacts, which you can access even without the Internet.
- When back online, the email client syncs and updates the OST file changes.
- It acts as a backup storage for your email data. In case of data loss or server issues, the OST file can restore all the data on the OST file.
- OST files are highly secure to prevent unauthorized access to your email account.