How to create a new contact group in Outlook 2019 classic

My issue has not been resolved. If anyone can assist me, I'd appreciate your help.

Thank you.

-Barry

Hi Tamara-

Thank you for replying to my question. I think I had a misconception of what a "Contact Group" was. Here's a screen shot of what I got.

The "Old Contacts" was created in my CompanionLink contract group. What I had wanted, was an Old Contacts group as a separate listing under the "My Contacts" heading in the far left column since these will very rarely be used. I already have long syncing issues and I'd like to pare down my contacts as much as possible. So... is it possible to create a 4th contract group that would be totally separate from the 3 existing groups? If so, please tell me how I would go about doing it.

Thank you again for your assistance.

-Barry

Dear user,

Welcome to Microsoft Community.

I understand the confusion you encounter when creating a new contact group in Outlook 2019 Classic. It is really confusing that when you click "New Group", you are directly prompted to add members. You want to create a brand-new group to organize old contacts that you don't use often but still want to keep.

Don't worry, there is a way to create a traditional contact group (usually called "New Contact Group" or "Distribution List" in Outlook 2019), and it is independent of your other existing groups.

To create a new Contact Group (formerly called a Distribution List) in Outlook 2019 Classic, follow these steps. This is separate from email folder groups and focuses on organizing contacts:

1. Open Contacts:
   • Launch Outlook.
   • Go to the People view (bottom-left navigation pane, or press Ctrl + 3).
2. Create a New Contact Group:
   • In the Home tab (top ribbon), click New Contact Group.
     • If you see "New Group" instead: Ensure you're in the Contacts section (Step 1). The correct button is labeled New Contact Group in the "New" section of the ribbon.
3. Name the Group:
   • A new window titled "Contact Group" opens.
   • In the Name field, enter your group title (e.g., "Old Contacts").
4. Add Members (Optional):
   • To add contacts later, skip this step and proceed to Step 5.
   • To add now: Click Add Members > From Outlook Contacts, select contacts, and click Members > OK.
5. Save the Group:
   • Click Save & Close (top-left of the Contact Group window).
   • The new group now appears under My Contacts in the navigation pane.

Key Tips:

1.Avoid Accidental Member Creation: If clicking "New Group" opens a member screen, you’re likely in the wrong view (e.g., Mail/Calendar). Always start in the "People" (Contacts) view.

2.Access Existing Groups: Saved Contact Groups appear under the Contact Groups heading in your Contacts list. Double-click a group to edit/add/remove members later.

3.Organize Old Contacts: Drag-and-drop existing contacts into your new group from the main Contacts list.

This creates a standalone group for your infrequently used contacts, separate from your other groups. For duplicate cleanup, use Outlook’s Clean Up Contacts tool (Home tab > Clean Up).

Best Regards

Tamara-Hu | Microsoft Community Support Specialist