How to Create an Out-of-Office Auto Reply in Outlook

This article describes how to set up an auto reply in Outlook if you will be out for an extended period of time.

Microsoft Office

For Microsoft Outlook on Windows

1. Open the Desktop Outlook app.
2. Click the File tab.
3. Click the Automatic Replies box.
4. In the Automatic Replies dialog box, select the send automatic replies check box.
5. Set the dates, create the auto reply text, then decide if you wish to only send this Inside My Organization and/or Outside My Organization (On).
6. Click OK.

For Microsoft Outlook on Mac

1. Open the Outlook Application.
2. On the Mac's menu bar located at the top of the screen, select Tools.
3. Select Automatic Replies.
4. Check the box to turn ON automatic replies.
5. Select the time range in which you would like automatic replies to run.
   • Note: If you do not select a time period, you will need to turn automatic replies OFF when you return.
6. Check the box if you want replies to go outside of the organization.
7. Select OK.

For Outlook Mobile App

1. Select on your initial or profile picture in the top left corner.
2. Select Settings (gear icon located at the lower left-hand corner).
3. Choose the Mail tab on the left side.
4. Select Automatic Replies and turn it ON for the accounts you would like.
5. Choose if you would like automatic replies to run during a specified time period.
   • Note: If you do not select a time period, you will need to manually turn it OFF when you return.
6. Choose if you want to Reply to everyone or Reply only to my organization (if you reply to everyone, choose if you want to use different messages).
7. Select the check mark when you are done.

For Microsoft Outlook Web App

1. Log in to Outlook web application
2. At the top of the page, select Settings  >  Mail > Automatic replies.
3. Select the turn on automatic replies toggle.
4. Select the Send replies only during a time period check box, and then enter a start and end time.
   • If you do not set a time period, your automatic reply remains ON until you turn it OFF by selecting the Automatic replies on toggle.
5. In the box at the bottom of the window, type a message to send to people during the time you are away.
6. If you want senders outside your organization to get automatic replies, select the check box for Send replies outside your organization.
7. When you are done, select Save at the top of the window.

For additional questions, you can reach out to the JMU IT Help Desk at helpdesk@jmu.edu or 540-568-3555.