To set an out-of-office message in Outlook, the general steps are as follows:
- Open Outlook and go to the File menu (on desktop).
- Select "Automatic Replies" (or "Out of Office").
- Turn on "Send automatic replies".
- Optionally set a date range for the automatic replies to be sent.
- Write your out-of-office message to be sent automatically to people who email you.
- You can specify different messages for people inside and outside your organization.
- Save or OK to activate the out-of-office message.
For Outlook on the web:
- Click the Settings gear icon, go to Account > Automatic replies.
- Turn on automatic replies, set your message and optionally set start/end times.
- Save your settings.
For Outlook mobile app:
- Tap the Outlook icon, open Settings > Automatic replies.
- Turn it on, write a message, set time range, then save.
An out-of-office message should clearly state you are away, when you will return, and provide an alternate contact for urgent matters if possible. It should be professional and concise. This process works across Outlook desktop, web, and mobile versions with slight UI differences but same overall steps.
