Create distribution groups in the Microsoft 365 admin center

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Use distribution lists (sometimes called distribution groups) when you want to send email to group of people without having to type each individual recipient's name. Distribution lists can be organized by a particular discussion subject (such as "Marketing") or by users who share common work that requires them to communicate frequently. They also provide a way for you to automatically forward email to multiple email addresses.

Create a distribution list (group)

Go to the admin center at https://admin.cloud.microsoft.

1. Select Teams and groups > Active teams and groups > Distribution list. Select Show all if you don't see Teams and groups.

2. Select Add a distribution list.

3. On the Set up the basics page, enter a name, description, and select Next.

4. On the Assign owners page, select Assign owners and select users and choose Add. Select Next.

5. On the Edit settings page, create a group email address for your new group, and choose whether you want people outside your organization to send email to the group. Select Next.

6. On the Add members page, select Add members to add your members and then Next.

7. On the Edit settings page, add a group email address and choose whether to allow external senders email the group.

8. On the Review and finish adding group page, verify your group information and select Create group.

To add users to your distribution list after you've created it, see Add a user or contact to a distribution list.

Check out how to use group in Outlook 2016 and Outlook on the web in Use contact groups (formerly distribution lists) in Outlook.

Check out Distribution list issues for help with distribution list issues.

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