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

Overview

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

Environment

Applies to Microsoft Office.

Troubleshooting/Resolution

To set an Out-of-Office Reply in the Outlook Application for Windows:

  1. Log in to Outlook
  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 and 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 bar at the top of the screen, click Tools
  3. Click on 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. Click OK

Microsoft Outlook on the Outlook Mobile App

  1. Select on your initial or profile picture in the top left corner
  2. Click the Settings gear
  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're done

Microsoft Outlook Web App:

  1. Log in to Outlook Web App (outlook.office365.com)
  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 don't 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're 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're done, select save at the top of the window
Additional Information or Notes

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

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