How to turn on Out of Office in Outlook
In Outlook for Microsoft 365, open File > Automatic Replies (Windows) or Home > ... > Automatic Replies. Turn on auto-replies, set a date range, and write the message.
On Outlook on the web: Settings > Mail > Automatic replies. Mobile apps vary - some only toggle a reply configured on the server.
Applies to Outlook for Microsoft 365 / Outlook 2021+, Outlook on the web (outlook.office.com), and many Microsoft 365 mailboxes. IMAP/personal accounts may only support client-side rules.
Turn on Automatic Replies
Outlook desktop (Windows)
- Open Outlook and select File.
- Click Automatic Replies (Out of Office).
- Choose Send automatic replies and optionally Only send during this time range.
- Write the Inside my organization message; optionally set Outside my organization.
- Click OK.
Outlook on the web
- Go to outlook.office.com and open Settings (gear).
- Search for Automatic replies or go to Mail > Automatic replies.
- Turn Automatic replies on, set schedule and message, Save.
Turn off later
- Return to the same Automatic Replies page and turn it off, or let the end date expire.
Inside vs outside organization
Inside replies go to coworkers on your Microsoft 365/Exchange tenant. Outside replies go to external senders - enable only if your company allows it.
Not seeing Automatic Replies?
- Personal Gmail connected via IMAP may not support server Out of Office.
- Work accounts sometimes hide the feature via policy - ask IT.
- Classic Outlook vs new Outlook menus differ slightly; search Automatic Replies in the app.
Frequently asked questions
Can I schedule it in advance?
Yes - set a start and end date/time.
Does it reply to every email repeatedly?
Exchange usually replies once per sender per session window.
Mobile only?
Set it on web/desktop for reliability; mobile may only toggle an existing server reply.