If you have used Classic Outlook for years and now see the New Outlook toggle, your contact management interface has changed. The People hub in New Outlook replaces the traditional Contacts folder with a cloud-first design. This article explains how the contact model differs, how to find your existing contacts, and which features from Classic Outlook are missing or relocated.
New Outlook stores contacts in Exchange Online or Microsoft 365, not in local PST files. The People hub syncs across all your devices and apps including Outlook mobile and the web version. Classic Outlook users must understand these differences before toggling between the two versions.
This guide covers the People hub layout, how to add and edit contacts, how to import from Classic Outlook, and which advanced features you lose when switching.
Key Takeaways: New Outlook Contacts vs Classic Outlook Contacts
- People hub in navigation pane: The main contact list replaces the Classic Outlook Contacts folder and shows all synced contacts from Exchange and connected accounts.
- View > Change view > People: Switch between list, card, and photo views in the People hub to see contact details at a glance.
- File > Open & Export > Import/Export: Use this Classic Outlook path to export contacts as a CSV file before switching to New Outlook for a smooth migration.
How the New Outlook People Hub Differs from Classic Outlook Contacts
In Classic Outlook, contacts are stored locally in a PST file or on an Exchange server. You access them through the Contacts folder in the navigation pane. Each contact can have custom fields, categories, and multiple email addresses. The folder supports subfolders and can be shared with other users.
New Outlook uses the People hub, which is a cloud-based contact store powered by Exchange Online or Microsoft 365. Contacts are not stored in a PST file. Instead, they live in your mailbox on the server and sync to all your devices automatically. The People hub shows contacts from your primary Exchange account plus any connected accounts like Gmail or iCloud.
The interface is simpler. There are no subfolders, no custom forms, and no local address books. All contacts appear in a single flat list. You can group contacts with tags instead of folders. The People hub also integrates with LinkedIn profiles if you connect that service.
Classic Outlook users will notice that the menu bar is gone. Instead, actions are in a ribbon at the top. Right-clicking a contact gives fewer options than in Classic Outlook. For example, you cannot create a distribution list from a selection of contacts in New Outlook.
Steps to Access and Use the People Hub in New Outlook
Follow these steps to navigate the People hub, add contacts, and manage your address book in New Outlook.
- Open the People hub
In the left navigation pane, click the People icon. It looks like two silhouettes. The icon is below Mail and Calendar. If you do not see it, click the three dots at the bottom of the navigation pane and select People. - View your contact list
The main pane shows all contacts from your primary account and any connected accounts. Use the search box at the top to find a contact by name or email address. Click any contact to open its detail card on the right side. - Add a new contact
Click the New Contact button in the ribbon at the top. A blank contact form opens. Fill in the fields: First Name, Last Name, Email, Phone, Company, and Notes. When done, click Save & Close. The contact appears in your People hub immediately. - Edit an existing contact
Double-click a contact in the list or click the contact card and then click Edit Contact in the ribbon. Change any field and click Save & Close. Changes sync to all devices within seconds. - Delete a contact
Select the contact and press the Delete key on your keyboard. Alternatively, right-click the contact and choose Delete. The contact moves to the Deleted Items folder in your mailbox. To permanently remove it, empty Deleted Items. - Create a contact group (distribution list)
Click New Contact Group in the ribbon. Give the group a name, then click Add Members and select From Outlook Contacts. Check the contacts you want and click Add. Click Save & Close. The group appears in your People hub as a single entry.
Import Contacts from Classic Outlook to New Outlook
Before you switch to New Outlook permanently, export your Classic Outlook contacts as a CSV file. Then import that file into New Outlook.
- Export from Classic Outlook
Open Classic Outlook. Go to File > Open & Export > Import/Export. Select Export to a file and click Next. Choose Comma Separated Values and click Next. Select the Contacts folder and click Next. Choose a save location and name the file. Click Finish. - Import into New Outlook
In New Outlook, click File > Open & Export > Import from another program or file. Select Comma Separated Values and click Next. Browse to the CSV file you exported. Choose whether to allow duplicates. Click Finish. The contacts appear in your People hub.
Common Issues When Using New Outlook Contacts
Missing Contacts from Classic Outlook
If you toggle to New Outlook and do not see your contacts, they were likely stored in a local PST file or an offline address book. New Outlook does not read PST files. Export your contacts as CSV from Classic Outlook and import them into New Outlook as described above.
Cannot Create Subfolders in the People Hub
New Outlook does not support subfolders for contacts. All contacts are in one flat list. To organize contacts, use tags. Select a contact and click Categorize in the ribbon. Choose an existing category or create a new one. You can filter the contact list by category using the dropdown at the top of the list.
LinkedIn Profiles Not Showing
New Outlook can display LinkedIn profile information on contact cards. To enable this, go to File > Options > People. Under Connected experiences, check the box for Show LinkedIn profiles. Sign in to your LinkedIn account when prompted. Profile data appears on the contact card after a few minutes.
No Offline Address Book (OAB) in New Outlook
Classic Outlook downloads the Offline Address Book for your organization. New Outlook does not use OAB. Instead, it queries the Exchange server directly for the global address list. You must be online to browse the GAL. If you work offline frequently, stay with Classic Outlook.
Classic Outlook Contacts vs New Outlook People Hub: Key Differences
| Item | Classic Outlook | New Outlook |
|---|---|---|
| Storage location | Local PST file or Exchange server | Exchange Online or Microsoft 365 cloud |
| Subfolders | Yes, create unlimited subfolders | No, flat list with tags only |
| Custom fields | Yes, add any custom field | No, limited to standard fields |
| Distribution lists | Create from selection of contacts | Create manually in New Contact Group |
| Offline access | Full offline with OAB | Limited, requires online connection for GAL |
| LinkedIn integration | Not available | Available via connected experiences |
| Share contact folder | Yes, share with permissions | No, use delegated access instead |
| Import from CSV | File > Open & Export | File > Open & Export |
Classic Outlook remains available for users who need subfolders, custom fields, or offline address books. New Outlook is designed for users who want a simplified, cloud-synced contact experience across all devices.
To switch between versions, click the toggle in the top-right corner of the window. Your contacts stay in their original location. Classic Outlook contacts remain in the PST file. New Outlook contacts remain in the cloud. No data is lost when you toggle.
If you decide to stay with New Outlook permanently, consider using Microsoft Lists or Excel to maintain contact data that requires custom fields. You can link to those lists from the People hub using the Add from file option in the ribbon. This workaround gives you the flexibility of custom data without leaving the New Outlook interface.