How to import Windows Contacts into Microsoft Outlook

Description: This article will show you how to import contacts from the Windows Contacts folder to Microsoft Outlook. This is especially helpful after a data migration is done if the contacts are not imported properly into Outlook but show up in the Contacts folder in File Explorer.

  1. Using File Explorer, browse to the Windows Contacts folder for your user account - It is normally found using the path: C:/Users/Username/Contacts, but could be in a different location if your computer was set up differently. In this example, our username is Test.
  2. Choose the contacts that you want to import or hold down + A to select all of the contacts.
  3. Choose Export in the File Explorer toolbar.
    File Explorer, Contacts, Toolbar, Export
  4. In the popup window select CSV (Comma Separated Values) and then Export.
    export choice window
  5. Next, browse and specify the name of the file and where to save it. In this example, we chose to name our file Windows Contacts and saved it to the Desktop. Choose Save, then choose Next.
    Save As Window, File Name, Save
  6. The next screen asks about what fields you want to import. We recommend checking everything so everything is brought over, but you can check which fields you want for your contacts if you prefer something different. Choose Finish.
    CSV export popup, List of fields, Finish
  7. The CSV file will save to the location you choose.
  8. Open Outlook and select File.
    Outlook Ribbon, File
  9. Select Open & Export, then Import / Export.
    File, Import/export
  10. Choose Import from another program or file and then select Next.
    Import and Export Wizard, Import from another program or file
  11. Choose Comma Separated Values and then Next.
    File Type, comma separated values
  12. In File Explorer, Browse then navigate to the place where you saved your contacts folder in step 5 and choose Next.
    Import a file, Browse
  13. Under the Select a destination folder box, select the Contacts folder. If you have multiple email accounts, choose the Contacts folder that is under the email account you want to be associated with the contacts. Select Next.
    Import a file, contacts folder
  14. Select Finish. To see your contacts, choose the People icon in Outlook.

Technical Support Community

Free technical support is available for your desktops, laptops, printers, software usage and more, via our new community forum, where our tech support staff, or the Micro Center Community will be happy to answer your questions online.

Forums

Ask questions and get answers from our technical support team or our community.
PC Builds
Help in Choosing Parts
Troubleshooting

Knowledge Base

Helpful articles written by Micro Center Experts.
ESET
Windows

Sign in for the best experience

Access helpful features and personalize your experience - Sign in or create an account now

Sign In
Don't have an account? Create Account