Error problems with "message store has reached its maximum size." not able to fix

Question

I have suddenly started receiving this message - just on my Outlook-- (not having any issues on Gmail with the same email. The message store has reached its maximum size. To reduce the amount of data in this message store, select some items that you no longer need, and permanently (SHIFT + DEL) delete them.

If I try to delete even one message using the trash can, I get the same message..

Answer 1

Hi, I'm John! I will help you with this.

The error usually means your Outlook data file (PST or OST) has reached its size limit, so even deleting emails won’t work until some space is freed or the file size limit is adjusted.

---

If you haven't tried it yet, here are other things you can try:

Empty Deleted Items & Junk Folders

• Right-click on the Deleted Items and Junk folders and choose “Empty Folder.” This sometimes frees space right away.

Compact Your Outlook Data File

• Go to File > Account Settings > Account Settings > Data Files tab.
• Select your main data file, click Settings, then under the General tab choose Compact Now.

Archive Old Emails

• You can move older emails into a separate archive file to reduce the size of your main mailbox. Outlook has a built-in Archive feature under File > Tools > Clean Up Old Items.

If issue still persists please try solutions from Microsoft here: https://learn.microsoft.com/troubleshoot/exchange/calendars/store-reached-maximum-size

---

After freeing space (or purchasing additional storage), it can take up to 24 to 48 hours for everything to fully update across your account. I’d recommend waiting that time and then trying again to send your emails.

---

Let me know how it goes or if you have any further questions or concerns.

Click "Add comment" to let me know.

Regards

John J.D .,