Whether you're taking a well-deserved vacation, attending a conference, or simply unavailable for a few days, setting an Out of Office reply in Microsoft Outlook is essential. These automatic responses let people know you're away and inform them when to expect a reply — maintaining professionalism and setting clear expectations.
Microsoft Outlook offers multiple ways to configure Out of Office replies, depending on whether you're using the desktop app, Outlook on the web, or the mobile version. This article will guide you through every method, so you never leave anyone guessing again.
An Out of Office (OOO) message is an automatic email reply sent to anyone who contacts you while you're away. It’s commonly used to:
Inform others of your absence.
Specify your return date.
Provide alternative contact information.
Set boundaries for urgent matters.