If you use Outlook, you can make a local copy of your email so you have your own backup outside the mail server.
The best method depends on whether you want to save a few messages or a full mailbox.
Save selected emails
To save a small number of emails, select the messages in Outlook and drag them into a folder on your computer.
On Windows, Outlook usually saves these as .msg files. These can normally be opened again in Outlook, but they may not open cleanly in every other email app.
Export a full mailbox
For a fuller backup, use Outlook’s export option:
- Open Outlook.
- Go to File.
- Choose Open & Export.
- Select Import/Export.
- Choose Export to a file.
- Select Outlook Data File (.pst).
- Choose the mailbox or folders you want to export.
- Save the
.pstfile somewhere safe.
A .pst file can be opened or imported into Outlook later. If the mailbox is large, the export may take some time.
Keep the backup safe
Store the exported file somewhere reliable, such as an external drive or a secure backup location. Do not leave your only email backup inside the same computer or account you are trying to protect.
If you are making a backup because you are moving email services, keep the backup until you have checked that the new mailbox contains everything you need.