I can't create an Outlook Contact List

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I can't create an Outlook Contact List

Ernie Fedak 5

I can't create a contact list. When I start, the window doesn't recognize any of my contacts to build the list from.

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Rez 12,680 Independent Advisor

Hi Ernie, thanks for letting me know what’s happening. When Outlook doesn’t recognize your contacts while creating a list, it usually means the contacts aren’t stored in the default Contacts folder or they’re linked to another account that Outlook isn’t pulling from. First, can you check if your contacts are saved under the same account you’re using to create the list? Also, open the People view in Outlook and confirm the contacts are visible there. If they are, try restarting Outlook and creating the list again. If not, you might need to import or move them into the main Contacts folder. Are you using Outlook on the web or the desktop app?

Ernie Fedak 5 Reputation points

2025-12-09T22:27:56.2933333+00:00

Thanks for your reply Rez. My New Outlook app on my Desktop PC (running Windows 11), has just one email account. My contacts are all listed under that email. I have restarted my Outlook many times and tried creating the Contact List to no avail. The new contact list screen won't recognize any of my contacts. The contacts are all listed in the People view.
Rez 12,680 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2025-12-09T22:30:43.66+00:00

I appreciate the clarification. Since you are on the New Outlook app with Windows 11, and your contacts appear in People view, the problem is probably that Contact Lists aren't fully supported yet. Microsoft is releasing that feature later.

When you select “New Contact List,” can you switch to the classic Outlook or open Outlook on the web? If so, try creating the list there since those versions support it. If not, use Outlook on the web or the classic desktop app for now.
Ernie Fedak 5 Reputation points

2025-12-09T22:31:54.8166667+00:00

This is what I see when I click on the People icon. All my contacts are listed to the right
Ernie Fedak 5 Reputation points

2025-12-09T22:35:34.0766667+00:00

Thanks again Rez. Very frustrating that this new version doesn't do the basic things I had in my old Outlook. I don't understand why they have the Contact List feature as a drop down option if it doesn't work. Heavy sigh. Thanks again.
Rez 12,680 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2025-12-10T15:49:55.77+00:00

I completely get why that feels disappointing, Ernie. The new Outlook looks polished, but some core features like Contact Lists aren’t fully functional yet, even though the option is there. Microsoft is gradually adding these back, but for now, the best way to create and use lists is through Outlook on the web or by switching back to the classic desktop version.

Best,

Rez
Pam V 0 Reputation points

2025-12-12T01:58:33.9966667+00:00

I am having the same issue. This is basic functionality, and should have been addressed before releasing an update.

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I can't create an Outlook Contact List

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