How to import Gmail, iCloud, Exchange contacts to People app on Windows 10

Windows 10 lets you sync contacts from Gmail, iCloud, and other services using the People app, and here you'll learn how the process work.

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@Pureinfotech
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Import Gmail contacts to People app

On Windows 10, the People app is what you use to sync all of your contacts to your computer. However, just because you use a Microsoft account on your device, it doesn’t mean you’re stuck importing contacts from your Outlook account. You can actually import contacts from various services, including Gmail, iCloud, and Exchange.

The only thing you need to do is to add the proper account information on the People app and the rest is automatic.

In this guide, you’ll learn the steps to sync your Gmail, iCloud, and Exchange contacts to the People app on Windows 10.

How to import contacts to People app

  1. Open People.

  2. Click the Settings (gear) button on the bottom-left corner.

  3. Click Add an account.

  4. Choose the service, including: Outlook.com, Exchange, Google (Gmail), or iCloud.

    Add an account to People app on Windows 10
    People app settings page

  5. Enter your account credentials and follow the on-screen directions.

    Connecting new service to People app on Windows 10
    Gmail login information on People app

  6. Enter a name that account should use when sending a message.

  7. Click Sign in.

    Account name
    Account name

  8. Click Done to complete the process.

Make sure after completing the steps to check the list of accounts to see if your Gmail, iCloud, or Exchange account is syncing. Sometimes, you may need to redo the process for the People app to properly sync your contacts.

Syncing only contacts, not emails or calendar

This process will not only import your contacts to your computer, but it will also setup your email account with the Mail app. If you don’t want that to happen, you need to do the following.

  1. Open Settings.

  2. Click on Accounts.

  3. Click on Email & app accounts.

  4. Select the email account.

  5. Click Manage.

  6. Click Change mailbox sync settings.

    Manage mailbox sync settings on Windows 10
    Manage mailbox sync settings on Windows 10

  7. Scroll down and turn off the toggle switch for Email and/or Calendar, and leave Contacts enabled.

  8. Click Done to complete the task.

    Email account sync options on Windows 10
    Email account sync options on Windows 10

Keep in mind that importing your contacts to the People app is a process you’ll do per computer — these settings do not roam between devices.

Finally, if you don’t use the People app, you should consider start using it, as syncing your contacts to Windows 10 will make easier to send SMS text messages using Cortana without having to reach for your phone.

About the author
Avatar for Mauro Huculak

Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].