Out of Office Message

Issue/Question

How to set an out of office message in Outlook for web and desktop application

Environment

Cause

Need for Out of Office Message

  • User is going on vacation or will be unavailable for a period of time
  • Need to inform email senders of absence and provide alternative contact information

Resolution/Answer

Outlook Web App (OWA)

  1. Go to duq.edu/mail and sign in.
  2. Click the gear icon (⚙️) in the top-right corner.
  3. In the Settings pane, select “Mail” > “Accounts” > “Automatic replies”.
  4. Toggle on “Automatic replies on”.
  5. (Optional) Set a start and end time for the replies.
  6. Enter your message in the text box.
  7. (Optional) Select whether to send replies to external senders and customize that message.
  8. Click Save.

Outlook for Windows

  1. Open Microsoft Outlook desktop application.
  2. Click on File in the upper left corner.
  3. Select Automatic Replies (Out of Office).
  4. Check the box to Send automatic replies.
  5. Set the start and end time for the automatic replies if desired.
  6. Enter your out of office message in the text box.
  7. Optionally, check the box to send replies only during a time period.
  8. Click OK to apply the settings.

Outlook for Mac

  1. Open the Outlook app.
  2. Click Tools in the top menu bar and select Out of Office.
  3. Check the box for “Send automatic replies for account:”.
  4. (Optional) Set the Start time and End time.
  5. Type your automatic reply message.
  6. (Optional) Enable and customize replies for external senders.
  7. Click OK to save and activate.
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