# How to Create an Email Distribution List in Microsoft 365

https://hostcarts.qa/knowledgebase/article/how-to-create-an-email-distribution-list-in-microsoft-365

**What You Need**

Before creating a distribution list, ensure:

- You have **Microsoft 365 Admin** permissions
- Your domain is verified in Microsoft 365
- You know which users should receive emails

1. **Create a Distribution List**

Follow these steps in the Microsoft 365 Admin Center.

1. **Allow External Senders (Optional but Common)**

If you want customers to email the distribution list (e.g., support@domain.com), you must enable external senders.

**Steps:**

1. Go to **Teams & Groups → Active Teams & Groups**
2. Select your distribution list
3. Open **Settings**
4. Enable **Allow people outside the organization to send email to this group**

1. **Manage Who Can Send to the Group**

You can restrict who is allowed to send emails to the distribution list.

**Options:**

- **Anyone** (default)
- **Only internal users**
- **Only specific users**

To configure:

1. Open the group in Admin Center
2. Go to **Settings**
3. Under **Delivery Management**, choose your preferred option

1. **Add or Remove Members**

To update members:

1. Go to **Teams & Groups → Active Teams & Groups**
2. Select the distribution list
3. Open **Members**
4. Add or remove users as needed

Changes apply instantly.

1. **Test the Distribution List**

Send a test email to the group address (example: support@domain.com).
Verify that all members receive the message.

1. **Convert to Microsoft 365 Group (Optional)**

If you need:

- Shared mailbox
- Shared calendar
- Shared SharePoint site
- Microsoft Teams integration

You can convert the distribution list to a **Microsoft 365 Group**.

**Summary**

| **Feature** | **Distribution List** |
| --- | --- |
| Email forwarding to multiple users | ✔️ |
| Shared mailbox | ❌ |
| Shared calendar | ❌ |
| Best for | Simple email routing |