← All Microsoft 365 guidesAUTOMATIC REPLIES

Set out-of-office automatic replies in Microsoft 365

Automatic replies are handy for planned absences or an unexpectedly unavailable colleague. The wording and recipients deserve attention, especially when messages go outside your organisation.

SUPPORTED TENANTPILOT TASK · Fictional examples · Updated October 2026

What to decide first

Whether the reply should start and stop on specific dates.
Whether internal and external correspondents should receive different messages.
Whether the reply should include an alternative contact and avoid sensitive personal details.

Configure an automatic reply

Identify the correct mailbox and obtain approval.
Open the mailbox automatic-replies settings using Outlook, Exchange admin centre or a supported administrative task.
Choose the active period and compose clear internal and external messages.
Save the settings and confirm the schedule and wording.
Check the setting again when the colleague returns.

PowerShell example

Set-MailboxAutoReplyConfiguration -Identity "[email protected]" -AutoReplyState Enabled -InternalMessage "Please contact [email protected]." -ExternalMessage "Please contact [email protected]."

For scheduled replies, use the supported start and end date parameters and confirm the mailbox time zone.

Where TenantPilot fits

TenantPilot includes tasks to show and configure mailbox automatic replies, helping with an everyday out-of-hours administrative change.

Further reading and official guidance

Microsoft: Set-MailboxAutoReplyConfiguration ↗

Microsoft services and interfaces can change. Check the linked official guidance before making changes in a live organisation.

Prefer guided Microsoft 365 administration?

TenantPilot provides guided tasks for suitable day-to-day administration on Windows, while complementing your existing IT support partner.

See TenantPilot in Microsoft Store ↗

Always follow your organisation’s permissions, privacy and IT support procedures.