Users receive an error while trying to share contacts through classic Outlook

Last Updated: November 4, 2026

ISSUE

Some users may receive an error when attempting to share their default Contacts folder in classic Outlook for Windows. This issue can occur as Exchange Web Services is disabled in Exchange Online because the standard contact-sharing invitation workflow in classic Outlook previously relied on EWS functionality.

The issue affects the following sharing-invitation workflow:

1. Open People or Contacts.
2. Right-click the default Contacts folder.
3. Select Share, and then Share Contacts.
4. Add the recipient, and then select Send.

STATUS: FIX ROLLING OUT

The Outlook Team has implemented an updated contact-folder sharing solution that does not rely on the affected EWS functionality. The change is rolling out to users.

WORKAROUND

Until the fix reaches all affected users, assign permissions directly to the default Contacts folder:

1. Right-click the Contacts folder, and then select Properties.
2. Select the Permissions tab.
3. Add the recipient and assign the appropriate permission level.
4. Select OK, and then let the recipient know that access has been granted.

The recipient can then open the shared Contacts folder in Classic Outlook:

1. Select File > Open & Export > Other User’s Folder.
2. Select Name, and then locate the person who shared the Contacts folder.
3. For Folder type, select Contacts.
4. Select OK.

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See Also

Fixes or workarounds for recent issues in classic Outlook for Windows