It also explains how to determine whether you have an Exchange account.
Begin bycreating an email templatefor the auto-reply email that will be sent to recipients while you’re away.
Enter theSubjectfor the email and the message text telling the recipient that you’re unavailable.
When you’re finished composing your auto-reply message, selectFile.
Select theSave as typedropdown arrow and selectOutlook Template.
Outlook uses the template’s subject by default as the name in theFile nametext box.
Change this to anything you like that lets you know it’s your out-of-office email template file.
wrap up the message window.
This rule will send a response using the template you created in the previous section.
SelectManage Rules & Alerts.
UnderApply changes to this folder,pick the email account you’re creating the automatic response for.
You will have the option to apply your new rule to all accounts in a later step.
In theStart from a blank rulesection, selectApply rule on messages I receive.
UnderStep 1: Select condition(s), select theWhere my name is in the To boxcheckbox.
The automatic response rule replies to all incoming mail if you clear all the condition checkboxes.
UnderStep 1: Select action(s), select thereply using a specific templatecheckbox.
UnderStep 2: Edit the rule description (click an underlined value),select theaspecific templatelink.
Select theLook Indropdown arrow, then selectUser Templates in File System.
Highlight the template you created.
In theRules Wizarddialog box, selectNext.
UnderStep 1: Select exception(s), select theexcept if it is an automatic replycheckbox.
UnderStep 1: Specify a name for this rule, key in a name for your auto-reply rule.
If you don’t want the automatic reply active now, erase the checkbox.
In theRules and Alertsdialog box, selectOK.
To deactivate the responder, scrub the checkbox, then selectOK.
Automatic Replies for Microsoft Exchange Accounts
SelectAutomatic Replies.
Compose your automatic reply message in the text box.
To disable an automatic reply, go to theAutomatic Repliesdialog box, and selectDo not send automatic replies.
Auto-replies are no longer sent.
Optionally, set the time frame during which you want the auto-reply to be active.
Select theOnly send during this time rangecheckbox.
Then set theStart timeandEnd time.
Only messages received during this range will receive an automatic reply.
These tools are smart about sending only necessary out-of-office replies.
How to Turn On Automatic Replies on Outlook.com
Enabling automatic replies on Outlook.com is a simple process.
The feature doesn’t offer as many options as Outlook software does, but it is easy to use.
On the Outlook.com Mail page, selectSettings>View all Outlook configs.
SelectMail>Automatic replies.
Turn on theTurn on automatic repliestoggle.
To turn off automatic replies, turn off theAutomatic replies ontoggle.
Optional:Select theSend replies only during a time periodcheckbox.
Specify theStart timeandEnd time.
Automatic replies are only sent during this timeframe.
Enter the message you want to send while automatic replies are enabled.
