create an Outlook email Distribution group

Question

just need to know how to create a contct / distribution list on outlook

Answer 1

Dear @Kevin Brownlee,

According to your query, I understand that you want to create a contact / distribution list in outlook.

In this case, you can create a contact list directly in Outlook for your own use. In Outlook (desktop or web): Open new Outlook, on the side panel, select People button icon People > Select the contact you would like to add to a new contact list > Add to list by either right-clicking the contact or selecting it from the Ribbon, then select New contact list.

After that, you can simply type the contact list name in the To field when composing an email and Outlook will expand it automatically

For more information, please refer to Microsoft Official Guide here: Create, edit, or delete a contact list (or contact group) in Outlook

Please note this type of list is a personal contact list and is only available to you. It won’t appear in the company address book and can’t be used by other users.

Moreover, if you need a shared or company‑wide distribution group, that would need to be created by a Microsoft 365 administrator in the Admin Center. For more information, please refer to Create distribution groups in the Microsoft 365 admin center

Note: If you are user, please kindly reach out to your IT admin to help you

I hope the information shared helps point you in the right direction. Please try the steps above and let me know if they work. If not, we can continue working together to narrow this down.

The first response may not always resolve the issue right away, but with your help and more details, we can work toward a solution.

Thank you for your patience and understanding. I'm looking forward for your reply.

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Answer 2

To create a contact/distribution list (contact group) in Outlook on Windows, use a contact group in Outlook or a contact list in Outlook on the web.

Create a contact group in Outlook for Windows (classic Outlook)

1. Go to People on the Navigation bar.
2. Select Home > New Contact Group.
3. In the Contact Group window, type a name for the group.
4. Select Contact Group > Add Members, then choose one of:
   • From Outlook Contacts
   • From Address Book
   • New E-mail Contact
5. Add the people you want and choose OK.
6. Select Save & Close.

To send mail to this group:

1. Select Home > New Email.
2. Select To.
3. Search for the contact group name, double-click it, then select OK.

Create a contact list in Outlook on the web (classic Outlook experience)

1. Go to the People page.
2. On the toolbar, select the arrow next to New contact, then select New contact list.
3. Enter a name for the list and add names or email addresses.
4. Select Create.

You can later edit the list from Your contact lists to add or remove members.

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References:

• Create a contact group in Outlook
• Create, view, and edit contacts and contact lists in Outlook