How to Set Up Out Of Office in Outlook

Microsoft Outlook is widely used for creating, managing, and sharing calendar events within professional settings. Members of an organization can allow other Outlook users to view their forthcoming events by adding their updated calendar information. This makes it easier for your colleagues to check if you’re busy. If you wish to set up an out-of-office reply in Outlook, we’re here to help you out! Let’s get started.

How to Set Up Out Of Office in Outlook

Organizing an out-of-office event is a great strategy to avoid unwelcome appointments during your vacation time. Additionally, Outlook Calendar lets users send office messages, disclose the duration of the out-of-office event, and automatically reject meeting invitations. Here’s how you can create a perfect work-life balance.

1. Log in to your Outlook account and click on View from the tab.
2. Click on View settings.
3. Click on Accounts and select Manage under your username.
4. Click on Automatic Replies. 
5. Turn the toggle on Turn on automatic replies.
6. Tick on Send replies only during a time period.
7. Click on Start time and select your preferred date and time.
8. Then, click on End time and select your preferred date and time.
9. Tick on Block my calendar for this period, Automatically decline new invitations for events that occur during this period, and Decline and cancel my meetings during this period.
10. Lastly, click on Save.

Now your Out Of Office reply with sent get to your colleagues in Outlook.

Can I Send Different Internal and External Out of Office Message in Outlook?

Yes, Outlook offers users different internal and external messages to send to users. Here’s how:

1. Follow steps 1-8 from the previous heading How to Set Up Out Of Office in Outlook.
2. Scroll down and tick on Send replies outside your organization, then add a separate message for that audience. You can also select Send replies only to contacts.
3. Type in your message in the text box.
4. Click on Save.

Now the message of your choice will be sent to outside office users.

What Should I Include in My Out-of-Office Message in Outlook?

To create a good out-of-office message, you should include the following information:

• The dates you will be away and come back.
• A brief message stating you are out of the office.
• An alternate contact person and their details, if necessary.
• A note about when you will return and respond to emails.

Will My Out of Office Reply Be Sent to Each Sender Only Once?

Yes, generally, from the time out-of-office replies are enabled, Outlook will send a reply only once to each sender so that multiple automated replies are not being sent to the same person if they send multiple emails.

Also Read: How to Set Recurring Reminders in Outlook Without Creating Appointments

We hope now you can easily set up Out-of-office texts in Outlook by following the methods highlighted in this guide. Do not hesitate to reach out to us in the comment section. Keep visiting TechCult for more tech-related know-how.