This guide helps users manually update the Offline Global Address List (GAL) in Classic Outlook when recent changes (e.g., new employees, updated contact info) are not appearing.

Environment: Classic Outlook 2016, 2019, and Microsoft 365 with Windows 10 or Windows 11.

1. Launch Classic Outlook.
   
   
2. Click the Send/Receive ribbon.
   
   
   
3. Click the Send/Receive Groups dropdown, then click Download Address Book...
   
   
   
4. In the Offline Address Book window:
   1. Uncheck Download changes since last Send/Receive.
      1. Unchecking the box forces a full refresh.
   2. Ensure Offline Global Address List is selected under Choose address book.
   3. Click OK.
      
      
      
5. Outlook will begin downloading the latest GAL, which may take a few minutes depending on your connection and mailbox size.
   1. You should see a new window with a progress bar.
      
      
      
6. Once complete, open the Address Book (New email > Message ribbon > Address Book) and search for a name or contact that you noticed was incorrect before the GAL refresh.
   1. If you see the new information, you are done.
   2. If you do not see the new information, close Outlook and try again.

If you have restarted Outlook and still do not see the new information, contact the HITS Service Desk.