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Note:You're using Outlook on the web if you use a work or school account to sign in to Microsoft 365. To get instructions for importing or subscribing to a calendar in an Outlook.com, Hotmail, Live, or MSN account, see Import or subscribe to a calendar in Outlook.com.

In Outlook on the web, you can import events from an .ics file to your existing calendar or subscribe to a calendar online and receive automatic updates (known as an ICS subscription or an iCal subscription). You can import calendars from websites or calendar programs that support the .ics file format, such as Apple iCal, Google Calendar, and Mozilla Lightning.

You can search the internet for lists of iCals. Websites for theaters, sports teams, and schools often have an "Add to calendar" link that you can use to download an iCal. Bing also has suggestions for calendars.

For more information about adding calendars, see Add a calendar in Outlook.com or Outlook on the web.

Note:Microsoft isn't responsible for the accuracy or content of any third-party calendars. We recommend that you review the terms and conditions before importing or subscribing to any third-party calendars.

Note:If the instructions don't match what you see, you might be using an older version of Outlook on the web. Try the Instructions for classic Outlook on the web.

  1. Locate the calendar you want to add and save it to a folder on your computer as an .ics file.

  2. Sign in to Outlook on the web.

  3. At the bottom of the page, select to go to Calendar.

  4. In the navigation pane, select Import calendar.

    A screenshot of Import Calendar

  5. Under Import calendar, select From file.

  6. Under Import from file, select Browse, choose an .ics file, and then select Open.

  7. Under Import to, select the calendar that you want the file imported to, and then select Import.

  1. Sign in to Outlook on the web.

  2. At the bottom of the page, select to go to Calendar.

  3. In the navigation pane, select Import calendar.

    A screenshot of Import Calendar

  4. Under Import calendar, select From web.

  5. Under Link to the calendar, type the URL for the linked calendar.

  6. Under Calendar name, type the name you want to use for the calendar.

  7. Select Import.

Note:Whenever events change on an iCal, it can take more than 24 hours for Outlook on the web to update your calendar.

  1. Sign in to Outlook on the web.

  2. At the bottom of the page, select to go to Calendar.

  3. In the calendar navigation pane, select Import calendar.

    A screenshot of Import Calendar

  4. Under Import calendar, select From directory.

  5. Enter the name or email address of the calendar you want to add. Outlook on the web will automatically find matching entries from the organization's directory.

  6. Select Add.

Note:You can add only one calendar at a time. Repeat the instructions for each calendar you want to add.

Instructions for classic Outlook on the web

  1. Locate the calendar you want to add and save it to a folder on your computer as an .ics file.

  2. Sign in to Outlook on the web.

  3. At the bottom of the navigation pane, click the Calendar icon.

  4. On the toolbar, click Add calendar.

  5. Click From file, click Browse, choose an .ics file, and click Open.

  6. Click the down arrow next to Calendar, and choose a calendar from the list.

  7. Click Save.

  1. Sign in to Outlook on the web.

  2. At the bottom of the navigation pane, click the Calendar icon.

  3. On the toolbar, click Add calendar.

  4. Click From Internet, and in the Link to the calendar box, type or copy and paste the web address of the calendar.

  5. In the Calendar name box, enter a name for the linked calendar.

  6. Click Save.

Note:Whenever events change on an iCal, it can take more than 24 hours for Outlook on the web to update your calendar.

  1. In the calendar, go to the toolbar and select Add calendar > From directory.

  2. In the From directory box, type the name of the calendar you want to add. Outlook on the web will automatically find matching entries from the organization's directory.

  3. Choose the calendar you want to add, then select Open.

The difference between importing and subscribing

When you import an .ics file, you get a snapshot of the events in the calendar at the time of import. Your calendar doesn't refresh the imported events automatically -- even if the calendar's owner makes an update. This is a good way to add events that aren't going to change to your existing calendar, like tide tables, or phases of the moon.

Subscribing to an iCal online calendar connects it to your calendar. Whenever the owner of an iCal you've subscribed to makes changes to the events, Outlook on the web updates your calendar. This is a good way to track events that change frequently, like movie times or a school calendar.

Note:This update can take more than 24 hours, although updates should happen approximately every 6 hours.

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