Contact Problems

How to Open iCloud Contacts First in Outlook 2021

Aamir Naveed Akram Oct 1, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user wants the iCloud contacts folder to open by default instead of the local Outlook Data File when clicking the People icon in Outlook.

How to Open iCloud Contacts First in Outlook 2021

Product: Outlook 2021
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Navigating to the contacts view by clicking the People icon in Outlook 2021.
Observed behavior: Clicking the People icon opens the Outlook Data File contacts by default. Outlook does not provide a native setting to retain the iCloud contacts folder as the default view after restarting.

Before you start

Ensure your iCloud for Windows app is fully synced with Outlook 2021. If you plan to use the VBA macro workaround, check your organization's security policies to ensure macros are allowed to run.

Solution 1Recommended

Use a VBA Macro to Open iCloud Contacts on Startup

Since Outlook 2021 does not natively allow an iCloud folder to be set as the default Data File for the People view, using a startup macro is the most reliable workaround.

Outlook may remember the selected contacts folder during a single session, but it will revert to the default Outlook Data File upon restarting. A VBA script forces Outlook to display your iCloud contacts every time it opens.

Open the VBA Editor

Launch Outlook 2021 and press 'Alt + F11' on your keyboard to open the Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications window.

Access ThisOutlookSession

In the left-hand 'Project1' pane, expand the 'Microsoft Outlook Objects' folder and double-click on 'ThisOutlookSession'.

Insert the Startup Script

Write or paste a VBA script that uses the 'Application_Startup' event to set the 'ActiveExplorer.CurrentFolder' to your specific iCloud Contacts folder path.

Save and Enable Macros

Save your code and close the editor. Go to File > Options > Trust Center > Trust Center Settings > Macro Settings to ensure macros are allowed, then restart Outlook.

Use a VBA Macro to Open iCloud Contacts on Startup

Reliable Startup View: Once enabled, the macro will automatically direct you to your iCloud contacts folder whenever you switch to the People view after launching Outlook.

Solution 2

Set iCloud as the Default Address Book for New Emails

While this does not change the behavior of the People icon, it solves the common issue of needing iCloud contacts to appear first when composing a message.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why can't I set the iCloud Data File as the default in Outlook 2021?

Microsoft Outlook 2021 restricts iCloud data files from being set as the default data file. The default data file must be a standard PST or OST file, which is why clicking the People icon will always default to the local contacts folder natively.

Will Outlook remember my selected iCloud folder without a macro?

Outlook may remember that you navigated to the iCloud contacts folder during your current active session. However, once you close and restart the application, it will not retain this preference and will revert to the default Outlook Data File.

Is it safe to use VBA macros in Outlook?

VBA macros are safe to use if you write them yourself or source them from a trusted IT professional. To maintain security, it is highly recommended to set your Outlook Macro Settings to 'Notifications for digitally signed macros' to prevent malicious scripts from running automatically.

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