Setup Automatic Replies in Microsoft 365 Outlook

Overview 

This article explains how to set up automatic replies (Out of Office messages) in Microsoft 365 Outlook across all platforms, including:

• Outlook Desktop (New and Classic)

• Outlook on the Web (OWA)

• Outlook Mobile App

Automatic replies notify senders that you are away and can include custom messages and scheduling options.

Method 1: Outlook Desktop Client – New Outlook 

Step 1: Access Automatic Replies 

1. Open Outlook Desktop (New Outlook).

2. Click File → Settings → Accounts → Automatic Replies.

Step 2: Configure Automatic Replies 

1. Toggle Turn on automatic replies on.

2. Optionally, select Send replies only  during a time period and set start and end date and time .

3. Type your automatic reply message for senders inside your organization.

4. Optionally, set a message for senders outside your organization.

5. Click Save.

Method 2: Outlook Desktop Client – Classic Outlook 

Step 1: Access Automatic Replies 

1. Open Outlook Desktop (Classic).

2. Click File → Info → Automatic Replies (Out of Office).

Step 2: Configure Automatic Replies 

1. Select Send automatic replies.

2. Optionally, set start and end times.

3. Type your message for internal senders.

4. Optionally, type a message for external senders.

5. Click OK to apply.

Method 3: Outlook on the Web (OWA) 

Step 1: Open Settings 

1. Log in to https://outlook.office.com.

2. Click the Settings (gear icon) → View all Outlook settings → Mail → Automatic Replies.

Step 2: Configure Automatic Replies 

1. Toggle Turn on automatic replies.

2. Optionally, select Start and end date.

3. Enter your message for internal senders.

4. Optionally, enable Send replies outside your organization and type the message.

5. Click Save.

Method 4: Outlook Mobile App 

Step 1: Open Automatic Replies 

1. Open the Outlook mobile app.

2. Tap your profile icon → Settings (gear icon) → select your account → Automatic Replies.

Step 2: Configure Automatic Replies 

1. Toggle Automatic Replies on.

2. Type your message.

3. Optionally, set start and end dates.

4. Save changes.