How to update global address list in outlook

Last Updated: Feb 25, 2024 by

Outlook is a popular email and calendar application used by millions of people around the world. One of its useful features is the Global Address List (GAL), which contains a list of all the email addresses and contact information for everyone in your organization. However, if you have recently added new employees or changed contact information, you may need to update the GAL in Outlook. In this article, we will discuss how to update the global address list in Outlook and ensure that your contact information is always up to date.

What is the Global Address List (GAL)?

The Global Address List (GAL) is a directory of all the email addresses and contact information for everyone in your organization. It is stored on the server and can be accessed by all users in your organization. This makes it easy to find and contact colleagues, even if you do not have their contact information saved in your personal address book.

How to update the Global Address List in Outlook

To update the Global Address List in Outlook, follow these steps:

  1. Open Outlook and click on the “Send/Receive” tab.
  2. Click on “Send/Receive Groups” and then select “Download Address Book.”
  3. In the “Offline Address Book” window, make sure the “Download changes since last Send/Receive” option is checked.
  4. Click “OK” to start the update process.

This will update the Global Address List in Outlook with any changes that have been made since the last time you downloaded it.

How to force an update of the Global Address List in Outlook

If you need to update the Global Address List in Outlook immediately, you can force an update by following these steps:

  1. Open Outlook and click on the “Send/Receive” tab.
  2. Click on “Send/Receive Groups” and then select “Download Address Book.”
  3. In the “Offline Address Book” window, uncheck the “Download changes since last Send/Receive” option.
  4. Click “OK” to start the update process.

This will force Outlook to download the entire Global Address List, ensuring that it is completely up to date.

How to add new employees to the Global Address List in Outlook

If you have recently hired new employees and need to add them to the Global Address List in Outlook, follow these steps:

  1. Open Outlook and click on the “File” tab.
  2. Click on “Account Settings” and then select “Account Settings” again.
  3. In the “Account Settings” window, click on the “Address Books” tab.
  4. Click on “New” and select “Additional Address Books.”
  5. Choose “Outlook Address Book” and click “Next.”
  6. Select the “Global Address List” option and click “OK.”
  7. Click “Close” to save the changes.

This will add the new employees to the Global Address List in Outlook, making it easier for you to find and contact them.

By following these steps, you can easily update the Global Address List in Outlook and ensure that your contact information is always up to date. This will make it easier for you to communicate with your colleagues and stay organized. Have you had any issues updating the Global Address List in Outlook? Let us know in the comments.

Gulrukh Ch

About the Author: Gulrukh Ch

Gulrukh Chaudhary, an accomplished digital marketer and technology writer with a passion for exploring the frontiers of innovation. Armed with a Master's degree in Information Technology, Gulrukh seamlessly blends her technical prowess with her creative flair, resulting in captivating insights into the world of emerging technologies. Discover more about her on her LinkedIn profile.