Outlook Contact Deduplication Techniques to Dedupe Outlook Contacts

Why Deduping Outlook Contacts is Necessary?

Deduplication is the process of identifying and eliminating redundant contacts. It is necessary for the following reasons.

• Firstly, it optimizes the performance of your Outlook Account.
• Secondly, the storage space is freed of clutter.
• Thirdly, the efficiency of your Outlook Account increases.

After going through this section, readers are expected to develop better data management practices to maintain their data effectively. Just as a disciplined lifestyle contributes to a successful life, organizing data files enhances efficiency and work productivity.

Methods to Eliminate Identical Outlook Contacts

This section will be a step-by-step guide for Outlook Contact Deduplication. In this discussion, we will explore three methods: the first and second one involves a manual approach, while the second utilizes Sysinfo Outlook Duplicate Killer. Before proceeding with the steps, it’s important to emphasize that the primary advantage of the manual method is its cost-effectiveness, as it doesn’t require any additional expenses.

However, we will also discuss its limitations, enabling you to make an informed decision on whether to proceed with the manual approach or opt for the automated one.

• The process is tedious and time-consuming,
• Users are required to have sound technical knowledge to implement the steps.
• If the steps are implemented wrongly it can cause permanent loss of data.

Without any further delay let’s explore the methods.

Method 1: Dedupe Outlook Contacts Sequentially

1. Firstly, open your Outlook application.
2. Now, click on the People icon.
3. The easiest way to view your contacts and locate the redundant contacts is by clicking on the Phone icon in the Current View.
4. Press Ctrl and select the contacts individually.
5. To delete similar contacts press Delete or Ctrl+D.

By following these steps you can delete the contacts sequentially. This process is effective when dealing with a manageable number of similar contacts, but it demands significant patience and time when handling a large dataset.

Method 2: Using the Import/Export feature in Outlook

The import/Export feature is one of the best features in Outlook. It can be used to migrate files to different folders/Email clients. It is useful even to remove identical Contacts. However, when it comes to Outlook Contact deduplication, utilizing the Import/Export feature can become both cumbersome and technically involved. The steps are as follows:

1. Firstly, launch the Outlook application and click People.
2. Right-click on the contacts folder and select New Folder.
3. Give the Folder a name Example “Identical”.
4. Go back to the main contacts folder, and select all the contacts by pressing Ctrl+A.
5. Press Ctrl+Shift+V and select the newly created folder i.e. “Identical”.
6. Now, click File > Open&Export > Import/Export.
7. In the pop-up window select Export to a File.
8. Now, select Comma Separated values and select the recently created file “Identical”.
9. Finally, click on Finish.

Even after diligently following these numerous steps, you have only completed half of the Outlook Contact deduplication process. To fully accomplish the task, let’s proceed with the additional steps to bring it to completion.

Import Contacts Back to Outlook

1. Launch the Outlook application, and click Next.
2. Click Open&Export > Import/Export.
3. Select Import from another program or file, and select Comma Separated values.
4. Browse the newly created file and select Do not import duplicate items.
5. Finally, click Finish.

After following all the steps with perfection you will be able to remove the identical contacts from Outlook. Any wrong step in this method can cause permanent loss or corruption of data, use PST File Recovery software to recover the damaged files. If you prefer a more straightforward and user-friendly approach to Outlook Contact Deduplication, the next method is the most suitable option for you.

Method 3: Remove Similar Contacts in Outlook with Ease

Sysinfo Outlook Duplicate Killer is an IT Expert IT-recommended tool that is capable of handling all the issues related to Online PST and OST files. This tool is cost-effective software that will be worth every penny spent. The steps are minimal and easy. Even a non-technical user can perform Outlook Contact Deduplication by following the steps.

1. Install and Run Outlook Duplicate Killer as an administrator.
2. Select Multiple Files and click Next. 
3. Now, click on Select File Browse the PST file, and click Next.
4. In the Tree-structure format select Folders having Contacts and click Next.
5. Mark the Contacts option in the Duplicate Items Filter.
6. Finally, click Convert to initiate the process.

By adhering to these concise steps, you will effectively eliminate duplicate contacts in Outlook 2010 as well.

Take Away

In this article, we have discussed the needs, advantages, and methods of Outlook Contact Deduplication. The manual methods are tedious and they take time to dedupe Outlook cotncats. However, the automated solution Outlook Duplicate Killer is swift and reliable.

About The Author:

Simran Bhatia

Simran Bhatia is a technical content writer engaged in writing clear, concise, and SEO-optimized content. With a background in computer science and a passion for writing, I thrive to deliver complex technical content in simple layman terms.