how to convert Distribution list to Microsoft 365 group?

Question

I want to convert my Distribution list to Microsoft 365 group in pother to send bulk mail and share calendar with recipients

Answer 1

To convert a Distribution List to a Microsoft 365 Group, you need to follow these steps:

1. Access the Exchange Admin Center: Go to Recipients > Group > Distribution List and select the specific Distribution List you want to upgrade.
2. Send Upgrade Request: If the Distribution List is eligible for an upgrade, you will see an option to Send upgrade request. Select the owners of the Distribution List to send the upgrade email.
3. Confirm the Upgrade: Once the owners receive the email, they need to select the Upgrade option in the email to initiate the conversion. The upgrade process typically takes about 5 to 10 minutes to complete.
4. Check the Upgrade: After the upgrade, both owners and admins can see the upgraded Distribution List in the Microsoft 365 Groups section.

Note that only cloud-managed, simple, non-nested Distribution Lists can be upgraded. Ensure that your Distribution List meets the eligibility criteria before attempting the upgrade.

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References:

• Upgrade Distribution Lists to Microsoft 365 Groups
• Can't upgrade distribution lists to Microsoft 365 Groups

Answer 2

Dear @Onoriode Steve Ejuvbekpokpo,
Thank you for posting your question in the Microsoft Q&A forum.

I understand that You want to change your Distribution List into a Microsoft 365 Group to send bulk emails and share a calendar.

To better assistance, could you please confirm:

• Is your DL cloud‑only or hybrid/on‑premises‑synced?
• Does it contain nested groups or is it dynamic?
• Do you need external senders or guest access?

Not all DLs can be upgraded directly. The Upgrade option only appears for DLs that meet Microsoft’s eligibility requirements as below:

• Eligible: Cloud‑managed DLs that are simple (no nesting, no dynamic membership).
• Not eligible: DLs that are hybrid, dynamic, or have nested groups. These require creating a new Microsoft 365 Group and migrating members.

If eligible (cloud‑only DL), you can follow the steps below:

1. Sign in to Exchange Admin Center > Recipients > Groups.
2. Select your DL > Change Group Type > Send upgrade request
   
3. If the Distribution List is eligible for an upgrade, select the owners to send this email. You can either choose all the owners or specific owners to send this email.
   
4. Select Send Request.
5. The end user gets the email. And once the user selects the Upgrade in the email, the Distribution List gets converted to a Microsoft 365 Group.
   

1. If the Distribution List isn't eligible for an upgrade. You get the following error message for such Distribution Lists.
   
   For more detail: Can't upgrade distribution lists to Microsoft 365 Group

If your distribution list is not eligible, I also recommend workaround creating a new Microsoft 365 Group and move members. This preserves the old DL email address as an alias and gives you a shared calendar and inbox.

Please understand that our initial response does not always resolve the issue immediately. However, with your help and more detailed information, we can work together to find a solution.

I truly appreciate your patience and understanding. If you have any further questions or need further clarification, please feel free to reach out. I'm looking forward to hearing from you. 

Thank you for your cooperation.

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