How to Set an Outlook Vacation Message [3 Easy Methods]

Vacation messages are automated replies that inform the senders you’re out of office

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Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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There are times when Outlook users can’t always reply to emails immediately. For example, most Outlook users probably won’t be able to reply to their emails when they’re out of the office.

So, setting up an on-vacation (or out-of-office) email reply can be a good idea before you go on holiday. Then anybody who sends a message to you when you’re away will get an automated on-vacation or out-of-office reply that explains you’re currently unavailable.

You can set up an automated out-of-office message in Outlook in two ways. Users utilizing Outlook 2019, 2016, 2013, and 2010 with Exchange Accounts can set up out-of-office messages with an Automatic Replies option.

However, not all Outlook users can select that option, and those who can’t will need to set up an on-vacation message with an email rule.

Check out our dedicated page forOutlook guidesif you want to find out more about this app and how to use it.

We also have a complete guide onhow to add a holiday to your Outlook calendar.

How do I set automated out-of-office messages in Outlook?

1. Set up an out-of-office reply with the Automatic Replies option

Open Outlook.
Click on theFiletab.

3.Navigate and click on theAutomatic Repliessection.

Select theSend automatic repliesradio button.

5.Next, you need to choose what type of people you want to receive this reply. The options are:Inside My OrganizationandOutside my Organization.

After you made your selection, go ahead and write the message.
Customize the times and dates during which you want the vacation message to be sent.
ClickOKto save the out-of-office email.
Whenever someone sends you an email while you’re on vacation, the automatic reply message will be sent to them.

You can set up an automatic out of office reply via Outlook’s built-in Settings. There is a dedicated section for creating and configuring vacation messages. You can create the message from scratch, during which dates and times the message will be sent, as well as to whom.

2. Set up an out-of-office reply with a rule

3. Set up an out-of-office email in Outlook.com

So, that’s how you can set up your on-vacation email in Outlook. Those who send you emails will receive an automated reply informing them that you’re currently away for a specified period.

For additional questions and suggestions, don’t hesitate to reach for the comments section below.

How to Set an Outlook Vacation Message [3 Easy Methods]#

How do I set automated out-of-office messages in Outlook?#

1. Set up an out-of-office reply with the Automatic Replies option#

2. Set up an out-of-office reply with a rule#

3. Set up an out-of-office email in Outlook.com#

How to Set an Outlook Vacation Message [3 Easy Methods]

How do I set automated out-of-office messages in Outlook?

1. Set up an out-of-office reply with the Automatic Replies option

2. Set up an out-of-office reply with a rule

3. Set up an out-of-office email in Outlook.com