Automatic mail reply in outlook when on leave

The joys of automating email responses!

In Outlook, you can set up an automatic mail reply when you're on leave or out of the office. Here's how:

Method 1: Using Outlook's built-in feature

1. Open Outlook and go to the "File" menu.
2. Click on "Options" and then select "Mail" from the left-hand menu.
3. Scroll down to the "Autoreply/Out of Office" section.
4. Check the box next to "Send automatic replies to messages".
5. Set the start and end dates for your leave.
6. Enter a message that will be sent to incoming emails during your leave. You can use placeholders like %name%, %email%, and %subject% to include the sender's name, email address, and subject line.
7. Click "OK" to save your changes.

Method 2: Using a third-party add-in

There are several third-party add-ins available that can help you automate email responses in Outlook. One popular option is SaneBlackHole.

1. Download and install SaneBlackHole from the Microsoft Store or the add-in's website.
2. Launch Outlook and go to the "SaneBlackHole" tab in the ribbon.
3. Click on "Settings" and then select "Out of Office" from the left-hand menu.
4. Set the start and end dates for your leave.
5. Enter a message that will be sent to incoming emails during your leave.
6. Click "Save" to save your changes.

Tips and Variations

• You can customize the auto-reply message to include additional information, such as your contact information or a link to a calendar or contact form.
• If you want to send auto-replies only to specific senders or groups, you can use the "Send automatic replies to" field in the "Autoreply/Out of Office" section.
• If you're using a third-party add-in, you may need to configure additional settings or permissions to get it working correctly.
• Be mindful of the auto-reply message's tone and content. You want to make sure it's professional and informative, but not too lengthy or annoying.

By setting up an automatic mail reply in Outlook, you can ensure that your colleagues and clients know when you're unavailable and can plan accordingly. Happy automating!