Exporting contacts from Outlook can be a lifesaver when you need to transfer them to another email service or back them up. Thankfully, it’s a straightforward process. You’ll simply need to access your Outlook account, select the contacts you want to export, and save them in a format that can be imported elsewhere.
Step by Step Tutorial on Outlook How to Export Contacts
Before we dive into the steps, let’s clarify what we’re aiming to achieve. By following this guide, you’ll be able to export a file containing all your Outlook contacts. This file can then be imported to another email client or kept as a backup.
Step 1: Open Outlook and access your contacts
Access your Outlook account and head over to the contacts section.
When you open Outlook, you’ll find the contacts section by clicking on the “People” icon, usually found at the bottom of the page or in the app’s navigation pane. Here, you’ll see a list of all the contacts you’ve saved in your Outlook account.
Step 2: Select the contacts to export
Choose which contacts you want to export by checking the boxes next to their names.
If you want to export all your contacts, you can usually find a “Select All” option. If you only want to export a few, simply click on each contact you want to include in the export.
Step 3: Choose the export option
Find and click on the “Manage” option, then select “Export contacts”.
In the “Manage” dropdown, you’ll find various options for dealing with your contacts. “Export contacts” is what you’re looking for. This option will initiate the export process.
Step 4: Select export format
Decide on the format you want to export your contacts in, usually CSV or PST.
CSV (Comma Separated Values) is a widely accepted format that can be imported into most other email services. PST (Outlook Data File) is specific to Microsoft Outlook and is best used for transferring contacts within Outlook or backing them up.
Step 5: Save the exported file
Click on “Export” and choose where you want to save the file on your computer.
Once you hit “Export,” you’ll be prompted to choose a save location for the file. Pick a spot that’s easy for you to remember, like your desktop or documents folder.
After completing these steps, you’ll have a file containing all your exported contacts.
What Happens After Exporting Contacts from Outlook
After exporting your contacts, you’ll have a file that you can keep as a backup or import into another email client. If you’re moving to a different service, you’ll need to follow their import process, which typically involves selecting the exported file and uploading it.
Tips for Exporting Outlook Contacts
- Make sure to update all your contacts before exporting, so you have the most current information.
- Choose CSV if you’re unsure which format to pick, as it’s more universally accepted.
- Keep the exported file in a secure location, especially if it contains sensitive information.
- Consider labeling the file with the date of export for easier reference in the future.
- Double-check that all your desired contacts are included in the export file by opening it with a spreadsheet program.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I only want to export a specific group of contacts?
Select the specific group within your contacts before choosing the export option to only export those contacts.
Can I export contacts from Outlook on my phone?
The process may vary on mobile devices, but generally, you should be able to export contacts through the Outlook app.
Will exporting contacts delete them from Outlook?
No, exporting contacts simply creates a copy of the contact information; it doesn’t remove them from your account.
Can I export contacts to a file format not listed?
Outlook typically supports CSV and PST. If you need a different format, you may need to convert the file after export.
What should I do if my contacts don’t export correctly?
Double-check that you followed all the steps correctly. If issues persist, consider reaching out to Outlook support for assistance.
Summary
- Access your Outlook contacts.
- Select the contacts you want to export.
- Click on “Manage” and then “Export contacts”.
- Choose the export format.
- Save the exported file to your computer.
Conclusion
Exporting contacts from Outlook is a task that might seem daunting at first, but with the right guide, it’s a breeze. Whether you’re backing up your contacts, transferring to a new email service, or just keeping a copy for safekeeping, knowing how to export your contacts is a valuable skill. Remember, the key is to ensure you’re exporting in a format that suits your intended use – whether that’s CSV for its versatility or PST for Outlook-specific purposes. Keep your contacts updated before exporting, and always save the file in a secure spot. If you ever find yourself stuck or the export doesn’t go as planned, don’t hesitate to reach out to Outlook’s support team for help. With this 2024 guide on how to export contacts from Outlook, you’re well on your way to mastering your digital rolodex!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.