How to Find and Open the Address Book in Outlook

The new Outlook interface streamlines contact management but changes how users access their address book, especially the Global Address List (GAL). This guide explains how to find contacts in the new Outlook, highlights limitations compared to the classic version, and offers workarounds.

Method 1: Accessing the Address Book While Composing an Email

This is the primary method for accessing contacts in the new Outlook.

Step 1: Open New Email: Open Outlook and select “New mail” from the Home tab.

Step 2: Select Recipient Field: Click any recipient field (“To,” “Cc,” or “Bcc”). A directory window will appear.

Step 3: Search for Contacts: Use the search bar to find contacts by name, email address, or distribution list. Results include your personal contacts and, if connected to Exchange/Microsoft 365, organization-wide contacts.

Step 4: Add Recipients: Select the “Add” button next to the desired contact’s name.

Method 2: Using the People (Contacts) Tab

The “People” tab provides another way to search for contacts.

Step 1: Access the People Tab: Click the “People” icon in the left-side navigation bar.

Step 2: Search for Contacts: Use the search bar to find users, groups, or rooms. Results include your personal contacts and, if applicable, organization-wide contacts.

Step 3: Search by Keyword: Search using keywords (department, partial name, etc.). Note that browsing is limited to search results; there’s no option to browse the entire GAL alphabetically. On Mac, click the contact card icon for full details.

Limitations of the New Outlook Address Book

The new Outlook removes some features from the classic version:

• No Standalone Address Book Window: The address book is not accessible as a separate window.
• Limited GAL Browsing: Browsing the GAL without searching is not supported. Advanced browsing (by department, job title) is not currently available.

Workarounds for Global Address List (GAL) Access:

For users needing broader GAL access:

Use the Search Function: Utilize the search bar in the “People” tab or email recipient fields to find contacts by name or keyword.

Consider Classic Outlook (Temporary): If you need advanced GAL browsing, temporarily switch back to the classic Outlook interface or use Outlook on the web, which offers more browsing options. (Note that switching back to classic is a temporary fix and the new interface is the default moving forward).

Mac Users: Ensure you have the latest Outlook version for Mac, as updates might improve search capabilities. Outlook on the web remains an alternative for Mac users.

Conclusion: While the new Outlook interface simplifies some aspects of contact management, it introduces limitations regarding GAL access compared to the classic version. The primary methods for finding contacts are through the search function in email recipient fields and the “People” tab. Workarounds, such as using Outlook on the web, are available for users who require broader GAL browsing capabilities not currently offered in the new interface.