Outlook account - cannot write an automatic reply

Question

Hi there,

I am having issues actually writing an automatic reply in the box allocated. I would preferably like to copy and paste something into the box, but that isn't happening either. When I first attempted to put something in I did manage a couple of sentences, but then couldn't amend what I had written. Is there a bug here?

Many thanks,

Marc

Answer 1

Hi Marc Goodall,

This can happen in Outlook.com when the Automatic Replies editor is being affected by browser‑side factors such as extensions (ad blockers, Grammarly, security add‑ons), blocked clipboard permissions, or corrupted site data (cache/cookies). In those cases, it’s not necessarily a service issue.

Quick checks (in order)

1. Test in InPrivate / Incognito mode

• Sign in to Outlook.com > Settings (gear) > Accounts > Automatic replies, then try typing or pasting text.

If it works in Incognito, an extension or cached site data is the most likely cause.

2. Temporarily disable browser extensions

• Turn off extensions, especially Grammarly, ad/script blockers, or antivirus “web protection” add‑ons. Refresh Outlook.com, then try again.

3. Clear Outlook.com site data

• Clear cookies and cache for Outlook.com (this will sign you out), then sign back in and re‑test the editor.

4. Paste as plain text Use Ctrl + Shift + V to paste as plain text, which removes formatting that can sometimes interfere with the editor. If needed, paste the text into Notepad first, then copy it into the reply box.

If you need it enabled quickly

If you just need Automatic Replies turned on right away, you can enable them from the Outlook mobile app first, then return to the web later to adjust the message.

If the issue persists, it would help to know:

• Your browser and version (Edge / Chrome / Firefox / Safari)
• Whether it works in InPrivate / Incognito mode
• Any error message shown (for example, the last line in quotes)

Please let me know if this proves useful to you, or if you would like further assistance.

I'm looking forward to your reply.

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Answer 2

In Outlook.com or Outlook on the web, automatic replies are edited in a standard text box, so text entry and copy/paste should work normally. There is no documented product limitation on typing or pasting into the automatic reply message area.

To rule out configuration or UI issues, try the following steps end to end:

1. Open the automatic replies editor correctly
   • In Outlook.com / Outlook on the web: select Settings (gear icon) > Accounts > Automatic replies.
   • Turn on Automatic replies (or Turn on automatic replies toggle).
2. Enter or paste the message
   • Click once inside the large message box at the bottom of the Automatic replies pane.
   • Type directly to confirm that keystrokes appear.
   • To paste, use Ctrl+V (Windows) or Cmd+V (Mac) instead of right‑click > Paste, in case the browser is blocking context‑menu paste.
   • If formatting seems to block editing (e.g., strange layout after pasting), clear the box and paste as plain text (for example, copy from a simple text editor instead of Word/HTML).
3. Save the changes
   • After editing the message, select Save at the top of the window.
   • If a time period is set (start/end), verify those fields are valid, then save again.
4. Try a different browser or session
   • Sign out and sign back in, then repeat the steps.
   • If the problem persists, try another browser or a private/incognito window to rule out extensions or cached script issues.

If the automatic reply text box still cannot be edited or updated after these steps, this behavior is not expected and likely indicates a transient service or browser issue. In that case, use the in‑product help/support for Outlook.com to contact support and report the problem so it can be investigated.

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References:

• Send automatic out of office replies from Outlook.com or Outlook on the web
• Create a signature and automatic reply