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Outlook: cannot create contact list nor add contacts to list

Gene Hudson 45 Reputation points
2025-11-20T18:41:57.9+00:00

In Outlook, I cannot create a contact list; it requires at least one contact, and it does not recognize any names even though they are in my contacts

Outlook | Windows | Classic Outlook for Windows | For home

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  1. Edward Schlobohm01 9,240 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-11-20T19:16:32.33+00:00

    Hi,

    Thanks for reaching out to the Microsoft Community and for sharing the details. I just want to clarify something first: when you try to create the contact list, are you picking contacts from the People (Contacts) folder, or are you using the names that pop up from AutoComplete in the email field?

    This issue often happens when Outlook relies on AutoComplete suggestions instead of actual contacts, or when the list is being created in the wrong folder. To fix it, make sure your contacts are in the main Contacts folder and not in Suggested Contacts or another location. If they’re in a different folder, move them to Contacts.

    When creating a contact group, try adding members from Outlook Contacts instead of the Address Book, and search by email address if names don’t resolve. You can also clear the AutoComplete cache under File > Options > Mail > Send Messages by clicking “Empty Auto-Complete List.

    If none of these steps work, try creating the list in Outlook Web at outlook.com or your organization’s webmail. If it works there, the problem is likely with your local Outlook profile, and creating a new profile through Control Panel > Mail > Profiles should help.

    Hope this helps! Let me know how it goes.

    Kind regards,

    Edward

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  1. Ernie Fedak 5 Reputation points
    2025-12-09T21:49:22.3666667+00:00

    I am using the New Outlook app on my PC with Windows 11. I cannot create a new Contact List. It doen't recognize any of my contacts even though they are all listed under 'Your Contacts'

  2. c hubbard 0 Reputation points
    2025-12-11T22:16:31.1133333+00:00

    New Outlook on Windows 10. After update found nothing in Contact Lists - though can click on email and send to the List that was there! Contacts come up every time sorted on first name. Will sort on last name but return to first name sort next time. On creating a new contact list says all contacts 'not recognised' . Contact list is empty BUT click on email as above provides addresses. Cannot find any way of clearing AutoComplete cache.