# Set up an out-of-office reply in Outlook for Microsoft 365

> Turn on automatic replies in new Outlook, Outlook on the web or classic Outlook, set the dates you are away, and write a separate reply for customers.
>
> Source: https://docs.officeniaga.com/m365-outlook-out-of-office/

To set an out-of-office reply, turn on **Automatic replies** in Outlook. In new Outlook and Outlook on the web it is under **Settings** > **Account** > **Automatic replies**; in classic Outlook it is under **File** > **Automatic Replies**. Microsoft's servers send the replies, so your computer can stay off while you are away.

## New Outlook and Outlook on the web

Both use the same setting, so turning it on in one also turns it on in the other.

1. Select **Settings** (the gear icon at the top right).
2. Select **Account**, then **Automatic replies**.
3. Turn on the **Automatic replies** toggle.
4. Tick **Send replies only during a time period** and set the start and end dates and times, so the reply switches off by itself when you are back.
5. Type your message for colleagues in the first box.
6. To reply to people outside the company too, tick **Send replies outside your organization** and type a message for customers. Tick **Send replies only to contacts** if you do not want to reply to newsletters and advertising.
7. Select **Save**.

## Classic Outlook for Windows

Classic Outlook has separate tabs for colleagues and for people outside the company.

1. Select **File** > **Automatic Replies**.
2. Select **Send automatic replies**.
3. Tick **Only send during this time range** and choose the start and end times.
4. On the **Inside My Organization** tab, type the message for colleagues.
5. On the **Outside My Organization** tab, tick the option to reply to people outside, choose **My Contacts only** or **Anyone outside my organization**, and type your message.
6. Select **OK**.

While the reply is on, a bar under the ribbon reminds you. Select **Turn off** there to stop it early.

## What to write

Keep the reply short and useful. A good out-of-office message says:

- When you are away and the date you are back.
- Who to contact for urgent matters, with their email or phone number.
- Nothing that helps a stranger, such as "the office is empty" or your home address.

## Still stuck

WhatsApp our support team at [+60 16-916 3324](https://wa.me/60169163324).

## Common issues

### Do I need to leave my computer on for the automatic reply to work?

No. With a Microsoft 365 account, automatic replies are sent by Microsoft's servers, so you can close Outlook and switch off your computer.

### Can I set an out-of-office reply on our shared mailbox?

Microsoft says only your Microsoft 365 admin can set automatic replies for a shared mailbox. Ask your admin, or WhatsApp Office Niaga.

### I do not see Automatic Replies in classic Outlook.

The button only appears for Microsoft 365 (Exchange) accounts. If you added your work email as an IMAP or POP account, remove it and add it again the normal way (/m365-outlook-classic/).