Microsoft introduces a redesigned People Directory Search Experience in Outlook that allows you to find contacts quickly and easily.
Microsoft is adding a series of new capabilities to contact management within the new version of Outlook. These features make searching, organizing, and managing contacts faster for all Microsoft 365 users. The update is now rolling out in the new Outlook for desktop and will follow soon for Outlook on the web. Microsoft 365 users can get started immediately by selecting the contact icon in the navigation bar.
Will these new features convince you to switch from classic to the new Outlook?
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Quick searches
The new search function in ‘People’ in Outlook makes it possible to find the right contact within seconds. Users can search by name, location, job title, department, or even by personal notes and keywords. Outlook immediately displays the most relevant results based on communication patterns and the user’s organizational context.
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A key benefit is that the search now spans multiple sources. Whether a contact is in the company directory, personal contacts, or a linked account, everything appears in one uniform set of results. This allows users to email, call, or start a Teams chat faster without extra steps.
Updated contact management
In addition to the search function, Outlook introduces a table view. Contacts are clearly displayed in a customizable table, making sorting, filtering, and scanning easier. Users can select multiple contacts at once and perform actions such as categorizing, emailing, or exporting.
Contacts can be organized with colored categories that are available throughout Outlook. Importing and exporting contacts via CSV files is simple. This so-called People Directory Search Experience makes it easier to find and manage contacts in Outlook.