Set Up Automatic Replies (Out of Office)

Purpose

Use Automatic Replies to let others know you're away and when they can expect a response.

Applies To

  • Microsoft 365
  • Microsoft Outlook

Audience

  • All employees
  • New hires

Common Tasks

For Outlook Desktop App (Windows/Mac)

  1. Open Outlook.

  2. Click on File in the top left.

  3. Select Automatic Replies (Out of Office).

  4. In the pop-up window:

    • Select Send automatic replies.

    • Optionally, check “Only send during this time range” and set start/end times.

  5. Enter your message for:

    • Inside My Organization (for ICC colleagues)

    • Outside My Organization (optional, for external senders)

  6. Click OK to save.

For Outlook on the Web (OWA)

  1. Go to https://mail.icc.edu and sign in.

  2. Click the Settings gear (⚙️) in the top-right corner.

  3. Select “View all Outlook settings”.

  4. Navigate to:
    Mail > Automatic Replies

  5. Toggle Automatic Replies to On.

  6. Set your time range (optional) and enter your messages.

  7. Click Save.

Example Message

Thank you for your email. I am currently out of the office and will return on [DATE]. I will respond to your message as soon as possible upon my return.

If this is urgent, please contact [ALTERNATE CONTACT NAME] at [EMAIL or EXTENSION].

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Still Need Help

Contact the ICC Service Desk:
📧 servicedesk@icc.edu
📞 (309) 694-5457

 

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