How to fix Outlook error 0x8004060C (PST size limit reached)
This means the PST data file has hit its maximum size, so Outlook can no longer write to it and the export or send fails. Reducing the file size resolves it. Jump to your situation below or work through the methods in order.
By Neeraj Singh ~7 min Updated Jun 2026 88% found this helpful
Error message
Task reported error (0x8004060C): the message store has reached its maximum size.
Summary
Outlook error 0x8004060C means the PST data file has reached its maximum size limit (around 20 GB on older Outlook, 50 GB on modern versions), so Outlook can no longer write to it and the export, import or send/receive operation fails. A bloated or, less often, a corrupt PST is the cause. The fix is to reduce the file size, empty the Deleted Items and Junk folders, archive old mail, then compact the PST to reclaim the freed space, and where you are exporting, split the export into smaller PSTs by selecting fewer folders or a date range. If the file is corrupt rather than simply full, repair it with SCANPST. Raising the size limit through a registry change is possible but archiving or splitting is the safer path. Once the file is under its limit, the operation completes.
What this error means
A PST has a hard maximum size. When it fills up, Outlook cannot add more data, so any operation that writes to it, receiving mail, importing, or exporting into it, fails with 0x8004060C. It is the data file saying it is full.
Deleting mail alone does not shrink the file, the space becomes white space inside it, so you also need to compact it to reclaim that room. For exports, splitting the data across smaller PSTs keeps each one under the limit. A corrupt file shows the same code and needs SCANPST instead.
Common causes
The PST has reached its maximum size limit.
Deleted mail left white space that was not reclaimed.
A very large mailbox is being exported into one PST.
The PST file is corrupt.
Large attachments are inflating the file.
Expert insight
“0x8004060C is the data file telling you it is full. The catch most people miss is that deleting emails does not shrink the PST, the space just turns into white space inside it, so you have to compact it afterwards to actually reclaim the room. For a big export, I split it into smaller PSTs by date range so none of them hits the ceiling. And if the file is not really full but corrupt, the same code appears, and then SCANPST is the tool.”
Manager, Tech Support & Operations · 19+ years fixing Windows and system errors
✓ How to fix it
Method 1
Reduce the mailbox or PST size
1Empty the Deleted Items and Junk folders and remove large attachments.
2Use File, Tools, Clean Up Old Items to archive older mail to a separate file.
3This frees space so the operation can complete.
Method 2
Compact the PST to reclaim space
1In Outlook, go to File, Account Settings, Account Settings, Data Files, select the PST and click Settings, then Compact Now.
2Deleting mail leaves white space; compacting reclaims it.
3Then retry.
Method 3
Split the export into smaller PSTs
1When exporting, select fewer folders or a date range so each PST stays well under the limit.
2Create several smaller exports rather than one large one.
3This keeps every file within its maximum size.
Method 4
Repair the PST with SCANPST
1Close Outlook and run the Inbox Repair Tool SCANPST.EXE from your Office installation folder.
2Browse to the PST file, Start the scan, tick to make a backup, then Repair.
3Reopen Outlook and retry the operation.
Method 5
Raise the size limit (advanced)
1Modern Outlook supports up to 50 GB; older versions can be raised via a registry value (MaxLargeFileSize).
2Edit the registry carefully, or prefer archiving and splitting.
3Restart Outlook afterwards.
0x8004060C means the PST is full, so reduce its size by emptying Deleted Items and archiving, then compact it to reclaim the freed space. For exports, split the data into smaller PSTs by folder or date range. If the file is corrupt rather than full, repair it with SCANPST instead.
Frequently asked questions
What does Outlook error 0x8004060C mean?
It means the PST data file has reached its maximum size limit, so Outlook can no longer write to it. The export, import or send/receive operation fails until the file is reduced.
How do I fix it?
Empty Deleted Items and archive old mail to reduce the size, then compact the PST to reclaim the freed space. For exports, split the data into smaller PSTs by folder or date range.
Why didn't deleting emails help?
Deleting mail does not shrink the PST immediately, the freed space becomes white space inside the file. You must compact the PST afterwards to actually reclaim that space.
What is the PST size limit?
Older Outlook versions cap PSTs at around 20 GB, while modern versions allow up to 50 GB. Reaching the limit triggers 0x8004060C.
Can the limit be raised?
Yes, via a registry value on older versions, but archiving or splitting the file is safer. Modern Outlook already supports up to 50 GB.
What if the file is corrupt, not full?
The same code can appear with a corrupt PST. Run SCANPST to repair it, making a backup first, then retry the operation.
Still not working?
If compacting and splitting do not help and SCANPST cannot repair the file, the PST may be too damaged for the free tool; restoring from a backup or using a dedicated PST repair utility is the next step. You can also submit your error to us for a tailored fix.
