How to Easily Import Contacts into Outlook (2026 Guide)

Importing contacts into Outlook can be done for various reasons, including updating address books, moving from another mail server, or centralizing your data. Whatever the reason, MS Outlook offers a straightforward method for bulk contact import in 2026.

In this post, learn how to use CSV, VCF, and PST files to import contacts into Outlook. Additionally, we’ll discover how to add contacts to Outlook from Gmail, Yahoo, AOL, and other major services.

Import Contacts from PST into Outlook

Open MS Outlook and select File from the menu.
Select the Open & Export option, then click Import/Export.
Choose "Import from another program or File" and click Next.
Select Outlook Data File (.pst) from the list.
Click Browse to choose the PST file you wish to import.
Choose options for handling duplicates (e.g., "Do not import duplicates") and press Next.
Select the specific Folder to import from (choose top level to include everything) and ensure "Include subfolders" is checked.
Select Finish.

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Import Contacts from CSV

If your contacts are stored in a spreadsheet or exported from another service:

Choose File > Open & Export > Import/Export.
Select "Import from another program or File" and click Next.
Select Comma Separated Values (CSV) and click Next.
Click Browse to locate your .csv file.
Select your duplicate handling preference and click Next.
Select the Contacts folder as the destination.
Click "Map Custom Fields" if you need to ensure columns match correctly (e.g., matching "Last Name" to "Surname").
Click Finish when ready.

How to Import Contacts to Outlook.com

Log in to Outlook.com.
Click the People icon (usually in the sidebar).
Click Manage, then choose "Import Contacts".
Click Browse to upload your CSV file.
Click Import.

How to Import Contacts from Gmail to Outlook

Migration from Gmail requires a two-step process: Exporting from Google, then Importing to Outlook.

Step 1: Export from Gmail

Log in to your Gmail account.
Go to Google Contacts.
Select the contacts you want to export (or Export all).
Click the Export button (often in the sidebar or under 'More').
Choose Outlook CSV as the format.
Click Export to save the file.

Step 2: Import to Outlook

Follow the "Import Contacts from CSV" steps listed above:

Open Outlook and go to File > Import/Export.
Choose "Import from another program or file" > Comma Separated Values.
Select the Gmail CSV file you just downloaded.
Choose your Contacts folder and click Finish.

Note: If you encounter weird characters or empty fields, try opening the CSV in Excel and saving it as a "CSV (Comma delimited)" file before importing again.