“This Outlook PST file is already in use with the Current Profile” Error | How to Fix This Outlook Error

Outlook is a widely used email client that heavily relies on the Personal Storage Table (PST) file to store user’s emails, calendar events, contacts, tasks, appointments, and other Outlook data. Sometimes, users face the error message “Outlook PST is in use and cannot be accessed” or “Outlook data file already in use.” This can be a frustrating experience for any Outlook user.

This error mainly occurs for various reasons, including Multiple instances of Outlook, conflict between Outlook and other applications, and conflict between various Outlook add-ins, which can also trigger the error. Inadequate file permission and, in extreme cases, a damaged or corrupt PST file can also trigger the “Outlook PST file usage error.”

When Outlook users encounter this error, they will experience issues like the inability to access emails and other Outlook data stored in the PST file. Disrupt workflow, increased downtime, and data loss and corruption in extreme cases.

Now that we have understood the issue, its causes, and its consequences, it’s time to explore various solutions to help Outlook users fix it.

Fix Outlook Error “The PST file is Already in use in Current Profile”

To fix minor issues or glitches, you should try preliminary solutions, such as restarting the Outlook application and your computer. Then, try closing unnecessary background applications.

Once these basic troubleshooting solutions are completed, other solutions can be tried depending on what triggered the error.

• Run Outlook as Administrator
• Relocate the Outlook PST File
• Disable Add-ins
• Update Outlook
• Repair PST File to Fix Outlook PST Cannot be Accessed Problem

Solution 1: Run Outlook as Administrator

Running Outlook as an administrator can help resolve the PST file-in-use error by giving the application the necessary file access permissions that might prevent Outlook from correctly accessing the PST file.

Steps to Run Outlook as an Administrator:

• Completely close the Outlook application.
• Search for Outlook on Windows search right-click on it and choose the Run as administrator option.

• If prompted by User Account Control (UAC), click Yes to allow Outlook to run with administrative privileges.
• Outlook will now open with the elevated permissions needed to access all the system resources and PST files.

This can bypass any restrictions preventing Outlook from properly accessing the PST file.

Solution 2: Relocate the Outlook PST File

Relocating Outlook PST files can help fix the PST file current profile error by addressing issues related to file access, corruption, or network problems. Moving the PST file to a new location can often resolve conflicts and improve Outlook’s access and management ability.

• Close the Outlook application.
• Open the File Explorer and navigate to the current location of your PST file. Usually it is saved in “C:\Users[YourUsername]\Documents\Outlook Files\” or “C:\Users[YourUsername]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook\” location.
• Copy the PST file to a new location where you want to save it.
• Launch Outlook and go to File > Account Settings > Account Settings. In the Account Settings window, click on the Data Files tab.

• Select the PST file you moved and click the Remove button. (Note that this doesn’t delete the file; it simply removes the reference from Outlook.)

• Set the copy file as the default Outlook PST file.
• Exit Outlook and restart it again.
• Ensure that Outlook functions correctly, and you can access your emails, contacts, and other Outlook data from the relocated Outlook PST file.

Solution 3: Disable Add-ins

Add-ins might conflict with Outlook’s core functions, triggering various issues and errors, including the “PST file in use with the current profile.”
In this case, the best solution is to disable the Outlook add-ins.

1. Launch the Outlook application. Go to File > Option > Add-ins.

1. At the bottom of the Add-ins window, ensure COM Add-ins are selected in the Manage dropdown, then click Go.
2. In the Add-ins window. Uncheck all the add-ins listed and click on the OK option.
3. Close and restart the Outlook application and see if the error persists.
4. If the error is resolved, go back to the Add-ins menu and enable one add-in at a time, restarting Outlook after each one. This process helps identify which add-in is causing the issue.
5. Once you find the add-in causing the error. You can either remove it permanently or try updating it.

Solution 4: Update Outlook

Updating the Outlook application can help users troubleshoot PST files in use issues by optimizing Outlook’s performance, making it more stable and efficient. It also fixes any bugs and glitches that might be causing various issues.

1: Launch the Outlook.
2: Go to File > Office Account > Update Options button

3: Click on the Update Now option from the drop-down menu. Outlook will check for any pending or latest updates and download any available ones.
4: Follow the prompts to install the updates—Restart Outlook to complete the installation process.
5: After the update, open Outlook and check if the “The PST file is already in use in the current profile” error persists.

If the “PST file in use issue in Outlook” still pops up. Then, there might be an issue with your Outlook PST file or your Outlook profile.

You can repair the problematic PST file, create a new Outlook profile, and import the existing Outlook data.

Solution 5: Repair PST File to Fix Outlook PST Cannot be Accessed Problem

A problematic, damaged, or corrupt PST (Personal Storage Table) file can trigger various PST file error messages in Outlook. One of them is the Outlook can’t open PST file in use error.

This can be due to various reasons, such as indexing problems, locked file issues, damaged PST file structure, or synchronization issues between the file and the email server.

Suppose you suspect that your Outlook PST file has gotten corrupted. Try to repair the problematic PST file.

You can use a backup file, an in-built inbox repair tool scanpst.exe, or specialized PST repair tools like Rikvr Repair for Outlook.

Steps to Repair PST File Using Rikvr

Step 1: Download and set up the tool on your Windows system. Launch the tool, and from the main screen, choose any of the following options: Open Default PST File, Select PST File Manually, or Find All Your PST Files, choose the PST file and click on Next.

Step 2: Choose between Normal Scan or Smart Scan options, and select a destination location to save the repaired file. Click on the Repair button to start the PST file repair process.

Step 3: Once the repair process is completed, save the repaired PST file.

I am sure you have resolved the error preventing you from accessing and using the Outlook PST file.

Conclusion

The “The PST file is already in use in the current profile” error in Outlook can be frustrating. Fortunately, it can be resolved using a few solutions, such as running Outlook as an administrator, relocating the PST file, disabling add-ins, updating the Outlook application, and repairing the problematic PST files.

These solutions effectively fix PST file conflict in Outlook on all older and newer versions of Outlook. By understanding and implementing these solutions, you can restore full functionality to your Outlook and ensure smooth access to your important emails and data.

Regularly updating add-ins, Outlook applications, and your system can help prevent minor and severe Outlook-related problems.

You should regularly back up your Outlook data and save it in multiple locations. These tips can help prevent future occurrences of this error and other error messages, ensuring a reliable and efficient email experience.