Office 365 Outlook Web App - Automatic Replies - Out of Office - Vacation Message

This guide provides step-by-step instructions for setting up automatic replies (out-of-office or vacation messages) in the Microsoft 365 Outlook Web App.

Setting Up Automatic Replies in Outlook Web App

Follow these steps to configure automatic replies (also known as out-of-office or vacation messages) in Microsoft 365 Outlook Web App:

  1. Click on the gear icon (Settings) in the top navigation bar.
    Gear icon
  2. Under the Account tab, select Automatic replies.
    automatic replies
  3. Toggle the "Turn on automatic replies" switch to On.
    auto reply toggle switch
  4. If you want automatic replies to be sent only during a specific time period:
    • Check the box next to "Send replies only during a time period"
    • Specify the start and end dates and times in the provided fields
    • If you don't set a time period, automatic replies will remain active until manually turned off
      OOF times options

  5. You can create different messages for:
    • Inside My Organization (SIUE accounts only)
    • Outside My Organization (all external email addresses)
    • For external messages, you can select "Send replies only to my contacts" if desired
      Auto reply message
  6. Type your automatic reply message in the text box. You can use the formatting tools to customize your message.
  7. When finished, click Save at the bottom of the page.
    Save button

Turning Off Automatic Replies

To disable automatic replies before your scheduled end date:

  1. Follow steps 1-3 above to return to the Automatic replies screen
  2. Toggle the "Turn on automatic replies" switch to Off
  3. Click Save at the top of the page

Tips for Effective Automatic Replies

  • Include your expected return date in your message
  • Provide alternative contact information for urgent matters
  • Consider setting a reminder to turn off automatic replies when you return

Need Additional Support?

If you have any questions or need further assistance, please contact the ITS Help Desk:

This guide aims to provide useful information, but as technology changes, interfaces or steps might vary. Please use the Comment button to let us know if anything differs from your experience. Your feedback helps us keep this information accurate. Thank you!



Keywords:
Outlook, Microsoft 365, Office 365, OWA, Outlook Web App, automatic replies, out of office, vacation message, away message, auto-responder, out-of-office, OOO, automatic email response 
Doc ID:
51160
Owned by:
Jeff P. in Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Created:
2015-05-07
Updated:
2025-04-22
Sites:
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville