Set up an out-of-office reply

An out-of-office reply automatically answers email sent to you while you're away, for example on vacation, at a training course or off sick.

In Outlook on PC

1. Open Outlook and click File in the top left corner.
2. Click Automatic Replies (Out of Office).
3. Select Send automatic replies.
4. It's a good idea to tick Only send during this time range and set a start and end time. The reply then turns itself off.
5. Write your message under Inside My Organization. If you want a different text for external senders, write it under the Outside My Organization tab.
6. Click OK.

In Outlook on the web

Works in any browser, on any device.

1. Go to outlook.office.com and sign in.
2. Click the gear icon in the top right corner, then View all Outlook settings.
3. Select Mail and Automatic replies.
4. Turn on Automatic replies, and set a time period if you like.
5. Write the message for internal and, if needed, external senders.
6. Click Save.

In the Outlook mobile app

1. Tap the profile icon in the top left corner, then the gear icon.
2. Select your email account and tap Automatic Replies.
3. Turn on the toggle, write your message and tap the checkmark in the top right corner.

Turn it off again

Go the same way and turn off the toggle, or select Don't send automatic replies. If you set an end date, the reply turns itself off.

Tips for a good out-of-office reply

Say when you'll be back, who to contact in the meantime, and when the sender can expect a reply. For example: