How to Add Members to a Distribution List in Outlook

Use a new address or existing contact to update Outlook contact groups

By
Heinz Tschabitscher
Heinz Tschabitscher
Heinz Tschabitscher
Writer
  • University of Vienna
A former freelance contributor who has reviewed hundreds of email programs and services since 1997.
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Updated on September 24, 2022
Reviewed by
Jessica Kormos
Jessica Kormos
Reviewed by Jessica Kormos
  • Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College
Jessica Kormos is a writer and editor with 15 years' experience writing articles, copy, and UX content for Tecca.com, Rosenfeld Media, and many others.
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What to Know

  • Desktop version: Go to Home > Address Book, select the list, go to the Contact Group tab, then select Add Members.
  • Outlook Online: Select the People icon, go to the All Contacts tab, choose the contact, then select Add to list.
  • You can import contacts that are in your address book, or add members to the list by their email addresses.

This article explains how to add members to a distribution list in Outlook 2019, Outlook 2016, Outlook 2013, Outlook.com, and Outlook for Microsoft 365.

How to Add Emails to a Distribution List in Outlook

To add members to a distribution list (also called a contact group) in Outlook:

  1. Open the Outlook desktop app and select the Home tab, then select Address Book.

    Open the Outlook desktop app and select the Home tab, then select Address Book.

  2. In the Address Book window, select the distribution list.

    In the Address Book window, double-click the distribution list.

  3. In the Contact Group window, go to the Contact Group tab, select Add Members, then choose the location where the contact is stored. If the contact is in your address book, choose From Outlook Contacts. If the contact isn't in your address book, select New E-Mail Contact.

    In the Contact Group window, go to the Contact Group tab, select Add Members, then choose the location where the contact is stored.

  4. To add existing contacts from your Outlook Contact list, choose the contacts you want to add to the distribution list (hold Ctrl to select more than one contact), then select Members. Select OK to return to the distribution list.

    Choose the contacts you want to add to the distribution list, then select Members. and OK.

  5. To add a new contact, enter a Display name and E-mail address. Select OK to return to the distribution list.

    To add a new contact, enter a Display name and E-mail address, then select OK

  6. In the Contact Group window, go to the Contact Group tab and select Save & Close.

    In the Contact Group window, go to the Contact Group tab and select Save & Close.

The group is now updated with the new contact, and you can send an email to the distribution list.

How to Add Emails to a List in Outlook.com

The process for adding members to a mailing list is a little different when using Outlook.com:

  1. Select the People icon in the lower-left corner of Outlook.com

    Select the People icon in the lower-left corner of Outlook.com

  2. Select the All Contacts tab, then select the contact you want to add.

    Select the All Contacts tab, then select the contact you want to add.

  3. Select Add to list, then select the plus (+) next to the distribution list.

    Select Add to list, then select the plus (+) next to the distribution list.
FAQ
  • How do you schedule an email in Outlook?

    To schedule an email in Outlook, compose your message and select Options. Under More Options, select Delay Delivery. Under Properties, select Do not deliver before and pick a time and date. Go back to your email and select Send.

  • How do you recall an email in Outlook?

    To recall an email, open Outlook and go to the Sent Items folder. Double-click the message you want to recall. Go to the Message tab, select the Actions drop-down arrow, and choose Recall This Message.

  • How do you add a signature in Outlook?

    To create a signature, open Outlook and go to Settings > View all Outlook settings. In the Settings window, select Mail > Compose and reply. In the Email signature section, compose and format your signature.

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