Sending automatic replies (out of office) in Outlook allows you to inform colleagues and contacts that you are unavailable. This feature helps manage expectations by automatically responding to emails during your absence, ensuring that senders are aware of your unavailability and when they can expect a response.
1. Select the Settings icon and choose Mail > Automatic replies.
2. Toggle Turn on automatic replies.
3. Check Send replies only during a period. Enter start and end times.
4. Choose Additional Options (if needed) such as:
- Block my calendar.
- Automatically decline new invitations.
- Decline and cancel my meetings.
5. Type your away message in the box. Use formatting options to customise it.
6. Send Replies Outside Your Organisation (Optional) such as:
- Check Send replies outside your organisation.
- Add a separate message for external senders.
7. Select Save.