Contact Group in Outlook vs. Exchange Distribution List/Group

Outlook Contact Group

A contact group in Outlook is a grouping of email addresses collected under one name. A message sent to a contact list goes to all recipients listed in the list. You can include contact lists in messages, meeting requests, and in other contact lists.

• For Windows: How to create a contact group or distribution list in Outlook for PC

• For Mac: Create a contact list or distribution list in Outlook for Mac

Exchange Distribution List/Group

An Exchange Distribution List/Group shows up in the Global Address List (GAL) and is usable to anyone that has access. It also appears as a single recipient to everyone instead of a list of contacts.

To request an Exchange Distribution Group (M365), contact the IST Service Desk with the following information:

• Name of the Distribution Group

• Username(s) of the owner(s)

• Usernames of the members

• Whether there should be any restrictions on who can send to the list

Managing Distribution Group (M365) membership

Web browser / Mac OS users

• Log in to Distribution groups - Outlook Web App (office365.com)

  • Under Distribution groups I own, double click on the group you would like to edit

  • Select Membership on the left side of the window. 

  • Add remove members, as needed, using the “+” and “–“ buttons.

  • Click Save.

Outlook for Windows users

• Open the Distribution List/Group

  • In the Outlook Home tab, click on Address Book

    • Under the Address Book drop down, choose Distribution Lists

    • Search for the list you own

    • Double click on it
      
      OR
      
      

    • You can also edit the Distribution List from the To: fields of a message or the Required: field in a calendar event

    • Right click on the name and choose Open Outlook Properties

• Click Modify Members to add/remove members, then click OK

• Click Apply then OK.

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