Import csv contact list directly into a "Contact List"

Question

Import csv contact list directly into a "Contact List"

Anonymous

My colleague has a list of contacts and I have a list of contacts that we are trying to merge for an event invite. Both lists are 100+ people so we are hoping to avoid manual entry. We need to get all of the contacts into one contact list so that we can send the invite out and keep it all in one chain of communication. Can I import his list directly into outlook from CSV and create it's own contact list? Is there another way to do so?

Thanks!

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5 answers

Answer 1

Anonymous

If you are using the new Outlook, you need to be in the "People" screen and click the drop down box on the far right of the toolbar that says "Manage Contacts".

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Answer 2

Anonymous

When I select [File - Import] in Outlook the only option is for .pst file types.

The header says that .csv files support will be added in the future?

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Answer 3

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Answer 4

I can get all my contacts from one eMail address in Outlook (I have 3 eMails in Outlook) via a CSV file.

However, I have about 7 CONTACT LISTS with 250 eMail addresses each.

Can I import the lists themself or do I need to create a new list from scratch for the other eMail.

I upgraded to Win11 and I used to be able to access my one contact list from all 3 eMail accounts, but I guess that's changed?

Answer 5

Hi Brittany, Thank you for reaching out to the Microsoft Community. To streamline your communication and avoid manual entry, Outlook allows you to import contacts directly from a CSV file and organize them into a contact list (also known as a distribution list). Here’s how you can proceed:Option 1: Import CSV Contacts into Outlook and Create a Contact List

Prepare the CSV File
- Ensure your CSV has headers like: First Name, Last Name, Email Address.
- Combine both your and your colleague’s lists into one CSV if needed.
Import Contacts into Outlook
- Open Outlook (desktop app).
- Go to File > Open & Export > Import/Export.
- Choose Import from another program or file > Comma Separated Values.
- Select your CSV file and import it into the Contacts folder.
Create a Contact List (Distribution List)
- Go to People view in Outlook.
- Click New Contact Group.
- Click Add Members > From Outlook Contacts.
- Select all the imported contacts and add them to the group.
- Save the group with a name like “Event Invitees”.

**Option 2: Use Microsoft 365 Contact List (Shared List)**If you're using Microsoft 365 and want to collaborate:

Use Outlook on the Web.
Go to People > New Contact List.
Add emails directly or import via CSV using Power Automate or Excel Online.

Alternative: Use Excel + Power Automate (Advanced)If you want to automate this or do it regularly, I can help you set up a Power Automate flow that reads a CSV and creates a contact list in Outlook or Microsoft 365.I hope this information will help you well. Please let us know if you require any further assistance. Thank you very much for your understanding and your cooperation. Best Regards,Hoang-D - MSFT | Microsoft Community Support Specialist.

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Import csv contact list directly into a "Contact List"

5 answers