If you’re going to be away from work on vacation, a leave of absence, or something similar, you may want to set up out-of-office in Microsoft Outlook. This is an automatic reply that lets others know that you’re away and won’t be responding for a particular time period.
The nice thing about automatic replies like this in Outlook is that you’re able to schedule them for the timeframe you need. If you prefer, you can also turn the feature on and off manually.
Here’s how to set up out of office messages in Outlook on Windows, Mac, and the web.
Difficulty
What You Need
Microsoft Outlook application
Microsoft Outlook account
How to setup an automatic out of office reply in Outlook on Windows
you’re able to create and schedule an out of office reply in the Outlook desktop app on Windows in just minutes.
Step 1:Open Outlook on Windows and select theFiletab.
Step 2:Confirm thatInfois selected on the top-left. Then, clickAutomatic replieson the right.
Step 3:At the top of the pop-up window, mark the option forSend automatic repliesand then type your message in the text box at the bottom.
Step 4:To schedule the reply, check the box forOnly send during this time frameand choose the start and end dates and times.
If you don’t select a timeframe, return to this spot to turn off the automatic reply manually.
Step 5:ClickOKwhen you finish.
How to setup an automatic out of office reply in Outlook on Mac
If you’re using the new Outlook on Mac, you’re able to set up and schedule your out of office reply using the following steps:
Step 1:Open Outlook on Mac and selectTools>Automatic repliesfrom the menu bar.
Step 2:When the Automatic Replies window appears, check the box at the top to enable automatic replies, and enter your message into the box directly below.
Step 3:To schedule the reply, check the box forSend replies only during this time period. Then, pick the start and end dates and times.
If you don’t use the schedule feature, return to this area to turn off the automatic reply manually.
Step 4:To send the out of office reply to those outside your organization, check that box next. You can chooseSend only to my contactsorSend to All External Senders.
Then, enter the automatic reply you’d like to send in that text box.
How to setup an automatic out of office reply in Outlook on the web
If youuse Outlook on the web, it’s just as easy to create and schedule your automatic reply.
Step 1:VisitOutlook on the weband sign in.
Step 2:Click theGearicon on the top-right and pickView all Outlook settingsat the bottom of the sidebar.
Step 3:In the pop-up window, chooseMailon the far left andAutomatic repliesto the right.
Step 4:Turn on the toggle at the top and enter your out-of-office message.
Step 5:To schedule your automatic reply, check the box forSend replies during a time period. Then, pick the start and end dates and times. Optionally, check the boxes that appear for additional settings that apply toOutlook Calendarduring the timeframe.
If you don’t schedule your out-of-office reply, you can return to this location in the settings to turn it off manually.
Step 6:To send this automatic reply only toyour Outlook contacts, check the box at the bottom.
Step 7:When you finish, clickSaveand theXon the top-right to close these settings.
Now that you know how to set up an automatic reply in Outlook, take a look at theapplication’s updated featuresor learn morethings you can do in Microsoft Outlook.
