Can I use email distribution lists in my SharePoint Online permissions groups?
- No, you cannot add traditional email distribution lists (also known as distribution groups) to SharePoint Online permission groups or grant them permissions directly on a SharePoint site.
Why Not?
- Distribution lists are designed primarily for email distribution in Exchange Online/Microsoft 365. They lack the security identifier required for Azure AD/Entra ID to use in access control lists (ACLs) for resources like SharePoint Online. This means SharePoint cannot evaluate membership for permissions when the principal is a plain distribution group.
- Distribution lists aren't supported for assigning SharePoint permissions.
Recommended Alternatives
Use one of these group types instead, as they fully support SharePoint permissions:
- Microsoft 365 Groups
- Preferred for new setups; integrates across M365.
- Security Groups (Azure AD)
- Permissions only (no mailbox needed) Classic option; can be mail-enabled if you also need email distribution.
- Mail-enabled Security Groups - Acts like a distribution list but security-enabled.
Add the new group to your SharePoint site's Owners/Members/Visitors groups (or grant direct permissions).
This approach keeps membership centralized and avoids manually adding individual users to SharePoint.