So, What's outlook out of office calendar? Outlook Out of Office calendar is a specialized feature within Microsoft Outlook that allows users to mark and communicate their unavailability for specific time periods. It combines calendar blocking, which shows your unavailability to colleagues trying to schedule meetings, with automatic email responses that notify anyone attempting to contact you during your absence. This dual functionality ensures clear communication about your availability while maintaining workflow efficiency, as it helps prevent scheduling conflicts and manages expectations for email responses.


Setting up your out-of-office status in Outlook ensures seamless communication about your availability. Here’s how to do it on outlook on the web.


1. Access Outlook Web

  • Open your web browser
  • Navigate to portal.office.com
  • Sign in with your Microsoft 365 account credentials
  • Pro Tip: Bookmark this page for quick access

2. Navigate to calendar


  • Select the Apps icon in the left navigation pane

  • Now select the outlook app from the Apps section
  • Note: You may be asked to sign in one more time, if so simply enter your credentials and re-authenticate

  • Select the calendar icon on the left

  • You can choose different calendar views (Day, Work Week, Week, or Month) from the top menu

3. Create new event


  • Click “New Event” in the top left corner
  • Or click any time slot in your calendar to start a new event

4. Configure “Out of Office” or "Working Elsewhere" Status

  • In the event details pane, find “Busy” dropdown
  • Click to expand the options


  • Select “Out of Office”
  • Note: If you will be working remotely please make sure to select the option "Working Elsewhere"
  • Note: This status is immediately visible to your colleagues

5. Set event details

  • Enter a clear title for your absence
  • Select the All Day button in order to set the start and end dates

  • Now select the days drop-down and select custom

  • Now unselect the All day button to set date/times
  • Set the start and end dates/times
  • For multi-day events:
    • Check “All day” if applicable
    • Use the calendar picker for accurate date selection

  • Add location or make it a virtual event if needed
  • Set time zones if your absence involves travel

6. Save and additional options


  • Click “Save” to confirm your settings

  • Optional advanced settings:
    • Set event privacy level
    • Add attendees if others need to be notified
    • Set reminders
    • Add categories for better organization