What is a Distribution List?

Distribution lists (now called "Distribution Groups" in Microsoft 365) allow you to send emails to multiple recipients using a single email address.

Connect to Exchange Online

Install-Module -Name ExchangeOnlineManagement
Connect-ExchangeOnline -UserPrincipalName admin@domain.com

Create a Basic Distribution List

New-DistributionGroup -Name "IT Department" -DisplayName "IT Department" -PrimarySmtpAddress "it@domain.com" -Type "Security"

Add Members to the List

Add-DistributionGroupMember -Identity "it@domain.com" -Member "john@domain.com"
Add-DistributionGroupMember -Identity "it@domain.com" -Member "jane@domain.com"

Bulk Add Members from CSV

If you have many members, use a CSV file:

$Members = Import-Csv -Path "C:\it-team.csv"

foreach ($Member in $Members) {
    Add-DistributionGroupMember -Identity "it@domain.com" -Member $Member.Email
}

Set Who Can Send to the List

Restrict who can send emails to the distribution list:

Set-DistributionGroup -Identity "it@domain.com" -AcceptMessagesOnlyFromSendersOrMembers "managers@domain.com"

Useful Commands

  • View all distribution groups: Get-DistributionGroup
  • View members: Get-DistributionGroupMember -Identity "it@domain.com"
  • Remove member: Remove-DistributionGroupMember -Identity "it@domain.com" -Member "user@domain.com"