TL;DR
Outlook delay delivery lets you schedule when an email is sent. In Outlook for Windows, open a new message, go to Options > Delay Delivery, and set your preferred date and time. In Outlook Web, use the Send later option. This feature helps you plan communication and avoid sending at inconvenient times. Use Alt + P, L in the desktop version to open delay settings.
If you’ve ever wanted to write an email now but send it later, the Outlook delay delivery feature makes it possible. Whether you’re managing communication across time zones, preparing messages in advance, or just want to avoid hitting Send too early, this tool can help.
By setting a future send time, Outlook holds your email in the Outbox and automatically delivers it at your chosen date and time. You maintain control while saving time and avoiding scheduling mishaps.
Why Use Delay Delivery in Outlook?
Delay delivery offers several practical benefits:
- Schedule emails during business hours even if you’re working late
- Coordinate with different time zones
- Avoid sending messages over weekends or holidays
- Prepare content in advance for announcements or campaigns
- Prevent accidental premature sending of important information
How to Use Delay Delivery in Outlook Desktop (Windows)
Steps to Schedule an Email
- Open a new email by clicking New Email
- Compose your message
- Go to the Options tab
- Click Delay Delivery in the More Options group
- Under Delivery options, check Do not deliver before
- Set your desired date and time
- Click Close
- Click Send
- The message will stay in your Outbox until the scheduled time
Keyboard Shortcut
There is no default shortcut, but you can use:
- Alt + P, L to open the Delay Delivery dialog when composing a message.
How to Cancel or Edit a Delayed Message
- Go to your Outbox
- Double-click the message to reopen it
- Go to Options > Delay Delivery
- Adjust the delivery time or uncheck Do not deliver before
- Click Close, then Send
To cancel the message entirely, just delete it from the Outbox.
How to Use Delay Delivery in Outlook Web (OWA)
- Compose a new message
- Click the arrow next to Send
- Choose Send later
- Pick a date and time
- Click Send
The email will be scheduled and delivered automatically. You can find it in the Drafts or Scheduled folder until it’s sent.
How Delay Delivery Works
- The message must stay in the Outbox until it is sent
- Outlook must be open and connected to the internet for the message to send at the scheduled time
- For Microsoft 365 or Exchange accounts, delay delivery works even if Outlook is closed
- Delayed emails are still editable before they are sent
Use Cases for Outlook Delay Delivery
| Scenario | How Delay Delivery Helps |
|---|---|
| Sending across time zones | Ensures message arrives during recipient’s hours |
| Drafting emails at night | Sends during business hours the next morning |
| Planning campaigns | Schedules messages to go out on specific days |
| Reducing inbox overload | Spaces out non-urgent messages |
| Legal or compliance coordination | Sends at contractually agreed-upon times |
Limitations to Be Aware Of
- Outlook must remain open and online for POP or IMAP accounts
- If Outlook is closed, the email will send once it reopens
- If you edit a scheduled message after setting the delay, you must resend it
- Delayed messages are not supported on all third-party connected accounts (e.g. Yahoo or Gmail in some configurations)
FAQ: Outlook Delay Delivery
How do I schedule an email in Outlook?
Use Options > Delay Delivery and set the desired send time under Do not deliver before.
Will Outlook send the delayed email if it’s closed?
Only if you’re using Microsoft 365 or Exchange. Otherwise, Outlook must be open and connected.
Can I cancel a delayed email?
Yes. Go to your Outbox, open the message, and delete it or change the delivery time.
Is delay delivery available in Outlook Web?
Yes. Use the Send later option next to the Send button.
What happens if I open and edit a delayed message?
You must click Send again after making changes, or it will remain unsent.
Can I delay delivery for replies and forwards?
Yes. The delay option is available for all new messages, replies, and forwards.
Conclusion: Manage Your Email Timing with Outlook Delay Delivery
The Outlook delay delivery feature is a simple but powerful tool for managing email communication more thoughtfully. Whether you’re sending a professional update, coordinating with international colleagues, or spacing out messages for better impact, scheduling emails gives you more control. Use it to work ahead without worrying about timing.
Complete List of Windows Keyboard Shortcuts
If you need help for Windows, you can find a whole list of all keyboard shortcuts here.
https://keyboard-shortcuts.org/
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