Create, edit, or delete a contact list (or contact group) in Outlook
Applies To
Outlook for Microsoft 365 Outlook 2024 Outlook 2021 Outlook 2019 Outlook 2016 Outlook on the web Outlook.com New Outlook for WindowsA contact list is a collection of email addresses and is useful for sending email to a group of people.
If you want more robust functionality with your contact list, consider creating a Group in Outlook. Check out Learn more about Groups in Outlook to see how you can share an inbox, calendar, and files.
Select a tab option below for the version of Outlook you're using. What version of Outlook do I have?
Note: If the steps under this New Outlook tab don't work, you may not be using new Outlook for Windows yet. Select Classic Outlook and follow those steps instead.
In Outlook, you have the option to:
Create a contact list | Edit a contact list | Delete a contact list
Create a contact list
You can create a contact list or add contacts to an existing list.
-
On the side panel, select
-
Select the contact you would like to add to a new contact list.
-
Select Add to list by either right-clicking the contact or selecting it from the Ribbon, then select New contact list.
Edit a contact list
-
On the side panel, select
-
Select All contact lists, then select Edit by either right-clicking the contact list or selecting it from the Ribbon.
-
You'll have the option to rename the contact list, add additional contacts to the list, or add a Description to the list.
-
When you are finished, select Save.
Delete a contact list
-
On the side panel, select
-
Select All contact lists, then select Delete by either right-clicking the contact list or selecting it from the Ribbon.
-
Select Delete again to confirm. Contacts are not deleted, only the contact list.
In Outlook, you have the option to:
Create a contact group | Edit a contact group | Delete a contact group
Create a contact group
-
On the side panel, select
-
Select New Contact Group from the Ribbon.
-
Enter a Name for your new group, then select Add Members to add contacts to your new group.
-
When you're finished, select Save & Close.
Edit a contact group
-
On the side panel, select
-
Go to the contact group that you want to update in your list of Contacts, and double click the group to open it.
-
From the Ribbon, select Add or Remove Members.
-
When you're finished updating, select Save & Close.
Delete a contact group
-
On the side panel, select
-
Go to the contact group that you want to delete in your list of Contacts.
-
You can right-click the contact group and select Delete from the menu or click the group, then select Delete from the Ribbon. Contacts are not deleted, only the contact list.
In Outlook, you have the option to:
Create a contact list | Edit a contact list | Delete a contact list
Create a contact list
You can create a contact list or add contacts to an existing list.
-
On the side panel, select
-
Select the contact you would like to add to a new contact list.
-
Select Add to list by either right-clicking the contact or selecting it from the Ribbon, then select New contact list.
Edit a contact list
-
On the side panel, select
-
Select All contact lists, then select Edit by either right-clicking the contact list or selecting it from the Ribbon.
-
You'll have the option to rename the contact list, add additional contacts to the list, or add a Description to the list.
-
When you are finished, select Save.
Delete a contact list
-
On the side panel, select
-
Select All contact lists, then select Delete by either right-clicking the contact list or selecting it from the Ribbon.
-
Select Delete again to confirm. Contacts are not deleted, only the contact list.
Related articles
Need more help?
Want more options?
Explore subscription benefits, browse training courses, learn how to secure your device, and more.
Communities help you ask and answer questions, give feedback, and hear from experts with rich knowledge.
Find solutions to common problems or get help from a support agent.
