This is the most straightforward method for desktop users. It creates a local copy of selected (or all) entries from the directory into your personal Outlook folder.

The Global Address List (GAL) is a master directory containing the contact information for everyone within an organization. While it is easily accessible in Outlook when you are online, it doesn't automatically download to your personal contacts list or mobile devices.

Whether you need to access coworker information offline or want their names to appear when they call your iPhone or Android, this guide explains how to download the Global Address Book to your contacts.

Warning : If the directory is very large (thousands of entries), this process may take several minutes and could cause Outlook to freeze temporarily.

: Click the first contact, hold the Shift key, and scroll down to select the last contact you want to download. To select everyone, use Ctrl+A .

: Ensure the Global Address List is selected in the dropdown menu.

If you need to move the organization's directory to another service like Gmail or a CRM, you must first export it to a file. How to export offline Global Address List from Outlook?

: Right-click on the highlighted names and select Add to Contacts .