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How to Manage the Exchange Global Address List Without PowerShell

Camila Milosovich Oct 12, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user is looking for a way to manage the Exchange Global Address List (GAL) using a graphical interface instead of PowerShell commands.

How to Manage the Exchange Global Address List Without PowerShell

Product: Microsoft Exchange
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Administering and updating the Global Address List after recent updates to the Exchange admin center.
Observed behavior: The Exchange admin center no longer provides the previous graphical tools for managing the Global Address List, making administration difficult for users who do not work with PowerShell.

Before you start

Before proceeding, confirm that you have Microsoft 365 Exchange Administrator privileges, as you will need access to the Exchange Admin Center to view current settings or submit feedback.

Solution 1Recommended

Submit Feedback to Microsoft Requesting GUI Restoration

Because there is currently no supported workaround that restores the former graphical interface for GAL management, the official recommendation is to submit feedback directly to Microsoft.

Microsoft frequently updates the Exchange Admin Center, and they have transitioned advanced Global Address List management entirely to PowerShell. Since no native graphical workaround exists, user feedback is the primary mechanism to request the return of these features.

Access the Exchange Admin Center

Locate the Feedback button

Look for the 'Feedback' or 'Give Feedback' button, typically located at the bottom right corner of the Exchange Admin Center dashboard.

Submit your feature request

Explain that the removal of graphical tools for managing the Global Address List has made administration difficult, and formally request improved or restored GAL management capabilities without requiring PowerShell.

Submit Feedback to Microsoft Requesting GUI Restoration

Alternative approach: Until Microsoft restores this functionality, administrators who cannot use PowerShell may need to rely on approved third-party Active Directory and Exchange management GUI tools, though these are not officially supported by Microsoft.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Microsoft remove the graphical tools for managing the Global Address List?

Microsoft continuously modernizes the Exchange Admin Center, prioritizing streamlined interfaces and automation. As part of this shift, advanced tasks like GAL management were moved to Exchange Online PowerShell to enhance security and scriptable administration.

Can I use the Microsoft 365 Admin Center to manage GAL instead?

You can edit basic user contact information and hide specific users from the GAL using the standard Microsoft 365 Admin Center. However, creating, updating, or modifying the structural rules of the Global Address Lists requires PowerShell.

Are there any third-party tools available for GAL management?

Yes, there are third-party administrative tools that provide a graphical interface for managing Exchange and Active Directory environments. However, these require separate licensing and are not officially supported by Microsoft as native solutions.

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