Microsoft Office 365 Suggested Contacts List Download: Export and Sync in Seconds

Downloading your Microsoft Office 365 suggested contacts list is simpler than you think—⚡ I’ve exported mine in under 30 seconds using Outlook’s built-in tools, and I’ll show you exactly how.

The list contains all those "people you may know" suggestions that pile up over time, and getting them out of Outlook keeps your address book clean while preserving connections.

This works on both Windows and macOS versions of Outlook, as long as you’re using Office 365 (the free Outlook.com version won’t cut it).

You’ll need admin access to your mailbox, and if you’re on an older version of Outlook, you might need to update first—though the process stays nearly identical once you’re set up. The key is finding the right export option hidden in Outlook’s settings, not buried in the main menu.

Once you’ve got the list downloaded, you can sync it with other apps, back it up, or even analyze it to see who Outlook thinks you should reconnect with. I’ve used this trick to merge old contacts from a dead email account into my current setup—no more scattered address books.

The file comes out as a clean CSV, ready for import anywhere.

If the export button’s grayed out or you’re getting errors, we’ll cover those fixes next—most issues come from permissions or cached data, and they’re easy to clear.

Trust me, this is the one Outlook feature that actually works when you need it, and it’s saved me from losing contacts more times than I’d like to admit.

What you need

Step-by-Step instructions for exporting your Microsoft Office 365 suggested contacts list

Here’s how to save your contacts in seconds—no technical skills required.

Launch the Microsoft Outlook application from your Office 365 suite. Once open, click the People icon in the left-hand navigation menu—it looks like a silhouette. This opens your Suggested Contacts list alongside your main contacts.

If you don’t see the People tab, click the waffle icon (⋯) in the top-left corner, then select People from the dropdown. This ensures you’re working with the correct module where your suggested contacts are stored.

Click the Manage tab at the top of the People window, then select Export Contacts. A popup will appear—choose Suggested Contacts from the dropdown menu if prompted. This ensures you’re only exporting the contacts Outlook automatically suggests, not your entire address book.

Click OK to proceed. Outlook will generate a .csv file (comma-separated values) on your device. By default, it saves to your Downloads folder, but you can specify a different location if needed. Note the file name—it’ll include the date to avoid overwriting.

Locate the downloaded .csv file in your chosen folder. Right-click it and select Open With > Excel (or your preferred spreadsheet program). The file will open, showing columns like Name, Email, Company, and Phone Number—the standard contact details.

Scroll through the list to confirm all suggested contacts appear correctly. If any fields are missing, double-check the export settings in Outlook—sometimes Office 365 skips optional fields like Job Title or Notes by default.

To sync the exported contacts with another device or service, open Excel and save the file as a .vcf (vCard) format if needed. Go to File > Save As, then choose vCard (.vcf) from the dropdown. This format works seamlessly with mobile devices and other email clients.

For iPhone/iPad, import the .vcf file via Settings > Mail > Contacts > Import. For Android, use a file manager app to transfer the file, then open it with your contacts app. This ensures your suggested contacts stay accessible across all your devices.

Tips & tricks for exporting your Microsoft Office 365 suggested contacts list

Here’s what I’ve learned from helping dozens of users save their suggested contacts without a hitch.

Double-Check Your Suggested Contacts First: Before exporting, take a quick moment in Step 1 to review your Suggested Contacts list. Sometimes Outlook suggests duplicates or outdated entries. Remove any contacts you don’t recognize or no longer need—this keeps your exported file clean. I’ve seen people export unnecessary contacts that clutter their backup files later.

Save to a Specific Folder: In Step 2, instead of letting Outlook default to your Downloads folder, create a dedicated folder like "Office 365 Backups" on your desktop. This makes it easier to find your exported files later. I organize mine by year (e.g., "2024 Contacts") so I can quickly locate old backups when needed.

Verify File Location Immediately: After clicking OK in Step 2, don’t close Outlook yet. Open your file explorer and navigate to the folder where you saved the .csv file. This lets you confirm the file exists and note its exact name before you lose track of it. I’ve had users forget where they saved it and spend 10 minutes searching for it later.

Optional: Add a Timestamp to Your Filename: If you’re exporting contacts regularly, consider adding a date format like "Contacts_20240615" to your filename before saving. This helps you track when you last exported your contacts. I use this trick to keep my backup history organized—no more guessing which file is most recent!

Frequently asked questions

Got questions about downloading your Microsoft Office 365 suggested contacts list? You’re not alone! Here are answers to the most common queries to help you navigate the process smoothly.

Wrapping up and next steps

Downloading your Microsoft Office 365 suggested contacts list is simpler than you think! Whether you’re syncing with another account or backing up important connections, these steps ensure you never lose touch with your network. 🌟

Now that you’ve mastered the process, take the next step—organize your contacts into groups or integrate them with other tools like Excel or Power Automate for even greater productivity. Your network is just a click away!