Creating a distribution group (now often called a "Contact List" or "Contact Group") allows you to send an email to a specific team or group of people without having to type their individual email addresses every time.

Note: The steps below differ depending on whether you are using the "New Outlook" or the "Classic Outlook" for Windows.

For "New Outlook" (Windows) & Outlook on the Web

If your Outlook has a simplified ribbon or you use the web version (OWA), follow these steps to create a Contact List:

1. Open Outlook and click the People icon (usually on the left sidebar).
2. Click the arrow next to the "New contact" button and select New contact list.
3. Name the List: Give your group a name (e.g., "Marketing Team").
4. Add Members: Type the names or email addresses of the people you want to add. Outlook will suggest contacts from your directory.
5. Click Create to save.

For Classic Outlook (Windows)

If you are using the traditional desktop application with the full ribbon, follow these steps to create a Contact Group:

1. Open Outlook and switch to the People (Contacts) view (bottom left).
2. From the "Home" tab in the ribbon, click New Contact Group.
3. Name the Group: Enter a name for your group.
4. Add Members: Click "Add Members" in the ribbon and choose:
   • From Address Book: To add colleagues from your company directory.
   • From Outlook Contacts: To add people you have saved personally.
   • New E-mail Contact: To add a new external email address.
5. Select the people you want to add and click Members -> OK.
6. Click Save & Close to finish.

How to Use Your Group

To send an email to your new group, simply compose a new message and type the name of the group (e.g., "Marketing Team") in the To field. Outlook will recognize it and send the email to everyone on the list.