Why can't I modify a distribution group that I own?

Owned by Sandro Munoz (Unlicensed)
Last updated: May 31, 2018
2 min read

If you get an error when you try to modify a distribution group that you own, it's likely the distribution group has not been migrated to Office365.  Only migrated groups can be modified by the group owners.  Groups that have not been migrated can only be modified the by Helpdesk.


On this page:


Modifying distribution groups you own

Normally, owners can modify membership and ownership information for all distribution groups they own.  Groups can be modified through Outlook or through OWA.

Error message when trying to modify a group

If you get the following error when you're trying to modify a distribution group you own:

It means that the group has not been migrated to Office365 and it can only be modified by the helpdesk.

If you get a blank window when trying to add members to a distribution group

Sometimes if you try to add a member to a distribution group you own, you may get a blank window in Internet Explorer.  To get the people-picker window:

  1. Navigate to the Distribution Groups you own section.
  2. Click the Internet Explorer settings button (gear icon) and click Compatibility View settings.
  3. In the compatibility view settings, you should see office365.com in the Add this Web site field.
  4. Click add to add the website to compatibility view.  Then click Close.
  5. Close Internet Explorer then re-open it and then try to modify the distribution group members again. 

Migrating a distribution group to Office365

Groups can be migrated to Office365, while retaining all members, owners, alias, and email addresses.  To have a group migrated, please submit a helpdesk request and let us know what groups need to be migrated and if any changes should be made to the membership or ownership.  Once the group has been migrated, you will be notified and then you'll be able to modify the group via Outlook or OWA.  

Distribution groups should have at least two owners, so one owner can make changes to the group in the other's absence.