- To configure automatic replies in Outlook, open Settings > Accounts > Automatic replies and turn on the “automatic replies” toggle switch.
- Choose the time period to send messages while you’re away, compose the message, decide whether to send replies only to contacts, and save the settings.
In the new version of Outlook for Windows 11 (and 10), you can enable and configure “automatic replies,” a handy feature that allows you to set up an automated message sent to anyone who emails you while you’re away. It’s particularly useful when you’re on vacation, out of the office, or simply unavailable to respond to emails promptly.
The feature works identically to automatic replies from the web version of Outlook. Actually, when setting up automated messages on the app for your Outlook account, the settings will also apply to the web version. In the same way, if you follow these instructions on the web experience, it will apply to the Outlook app for the operating system.
In this guide, I will explain the steps to configure automatic replies in the Outlook app for Windows 11, but the instructions will also work on Windows 10 and for the web version of Outlook.
Set up automatic replies (out of office) in Outlook
To enable and configure automatic replies in Outlook, use these steps:
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Open the Outlook app for Windows 11.
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Click the Settings button from the top-right.
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Click on Accounts.
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Click the Automatic replies page.
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Select the email account you want to configure.
Quick note: This feature is only supported on specific providers, such as Outlook.com, Hotmail.com, Live.com, and other services like Gmail are not supported. -
Turn on the “automatic replies” toggle switch.
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(Optional) Check the “Send replies only during a time period” option.
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Choose the start and end times to send messages automatically.
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Select the options that best apply to your scenario: “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.”
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Compose the message you want others to receive when they send you emails.
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(Optional) Check the “Send replies only to contacts” option to prevent replies to everyone else.
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Click the Save button.
Once you complete the steps, whenever you receive a new message, Outlook will reply automatically to your message while you’re off the office or traveling.
It’s important to note that you don’t have to leave your computer turned on with the Outlook app open for the feature to work. Since the email client integrates with the Outlook service, the setting will be saved on your Microsoft account in the cloud.
If you want to disable automatic replies, open Outlook Settings > Accounts > Automatic replies and turn off the “Automatic replies on” toggle switch.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].