You need one reusable Outlook mailing list, but Microsoft uses different names depending on the version in front of you. New Outlook, Outlook on the web, Outlook.com, and Outlook for Mac use contact lists, while classic Outlook for Windows uses contact groups. Pick the section that matches your Outlook version and create the list through Microsoft’s current supported path.
1. Create one in new Outlook for Windows
This fixes the standard new Outlook case where you want one personal list for repeated emails. Open new Outlook for Windows, then select People from the side panel.
Select the contact you want to add. Then choose Add to list from the Ribbon, or right-click the contact and choose Add to list. Select New contact list.
2. Build a list in Outlook.com from scratch
Sign in to Outlook.com, then open the People page. On the toolbar, select the arrow next to New contact and choose New contact list.
Enter the list name in Name. Add names or email addresses in the member field, then select Create.
3. Start from an existing contact on the web
In Outlook on the web or Outlook.com, use People > contact > Add to list > New contact list. The Add to list command is available from the Ribbon or by right-clicking the contact. Use this route when the first person for the list is already saved in your contacts.
4. Make a contact group in classic Outlook for Windows
This fixes the classic desktop Outlook case where Microsoft still uses the contact group name. Open classic Outlook for Windows, then select People from the side panel.
On the Ribbon, choose New Contact Group. Enter the group name in Name, then select Add Members. Add the contacts you want in the group, then select Save & Close.
5. Set up a contact list on Outlook for Mac
Open Outlook for Mac, then select People on the side navigation bar. Under the account where the list belongs, select the Contacts folder.
Hover over New Contact and choose New Contact List. Type the list name. Under Add members, type an email address, then select Add and select Save.
For POP or IMAP accounts, create the list under On My Computer; server sync for contact lists is available only for Microsoft 365 and Outlook.com accounts. On a Microsoft Exchange account, the lists you create are not saved to the Exchange server; they stay on your computer and are available only in Outlook for Mac.
6. Save a shared list someone sent you
- 1.Open classic Outlook.
- 2.Find the message with the distribution list attachment in the Reading Pane or message list.
- 3.Drag the distribution list attachment to the Navigation Pane.
- 4.Drop it on Contacts or People.
7. Choose the right option for work accounts
Use a personal contact list or contact group when you only need a reusable email list. Use a Microsoft 365 Group when a work or school team needs group email and shared collaboration resources.
In new Outlook, select Groups in the App bar, or select Go to Groups in the mailbox folder list. Then choose New Group on the Ribbon and New Group from the dropdown.
Enter the Name and Description, set Privacy, select Create, then add members with Add or choose Not now. The New Group option depends on your work or school account, Microsoft 365 subscription, and organization settings.
8. Avoid retired mobile and older web paths
Older classic Outlook on the web instructions used People > Your contacts > folder > New > Contact list > Save, but that path belongs to the older Exchange Server 2016 and 2019 web surface, and support for both of those server versions ended on October 14, 2025. Outlook.com Groups access in Outlook for iOS and Outlook for Android was deprecated for Outlook.com users in early September 2024.
For a personal distribution list, create the list in Outlook.com, Outlook on the web, new Outlook, classic Outlook for Windows, or Outlook for Mac.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a distribution list the same as a contact list in Outlook?
For a simple personal email list, yes. Microsoft’s current wording uses contact list in new Outlook, Outlook on the web, Outlook.com, and Mac, while classic Outlook for Windows uses contact group.
Can I create an Outlook distribution list without saving every person as a contact first?
Yes. In Outlook.com, open the People page, choose the arrow next to New contact, select New contact list, then add names or email addresses before choosing Create.
Can new Outlook share contact lists as attachments?
No. Microsoft says new Outlook currently does not support sharing contact lists via attachment. Saving a shared distribution list attachment is supported in classic Outlook.
What is the difference between a contact list and a Microsoft 365 Group?
A contact list is a personal mailing list for sending one email to multiple addresses. A Microsoft 365 Group is a work or school collaboration feature with group email and shared resources, depending on the account and organization.