Send & Receive Issues

How to Schedule a Delayed Email in Microsoft Outlook

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user wants to know how to set up an email to be sent automatically at a specific future date and time instead of immediately.

Product: Microsoft Outlook
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Scheduling an email for future delivery to ensure it reaches the recipient at an appropriate time.
Observed behavior: An email is composed and configured to remain in the Outbox or on the server until the scheduled delivery time arrives.

Before you start

Ensure you have an active internet connection. If using a POP3 or IMAP account in the Outlook desktop app, note that the application must remain open until the scheduled delivery time.

Solution 1Recommended

Schedule Delayed Delivery in Outlook Desktop

Use the Delay Delivery feature in the Outlook desktop app to specify exactly when your message should be sent.

This method works for the standard Microsoft Outlook desktop application. Once configured, your email will wait in the Outbox until the specified time.

Compose your email

Open Outlook and click on 'New Email' to compose your message, fill in the recipient, subject, and body.

Access Delay Delivery options

In the message window, navigate to the 'Options' tab on the ribbon and click on 'Delay Delivery'.

Set the delivery time

Under Delivery options, check the box next to 'Do not deliver before', then select the desired date and time from the drop-down lists.

Send the scheduled email

Click 'Close' on the Properties window, then click 'Send'. The email will remain in your Outbox folder until the scheduled time.

Keep Outlook Running: For certain account types (like POP3 or IMAP), Outlook must stay open for the email to be sent at the scheduled time. If using an Exchange server, you can close Outlook.

Solution 2

Use the Send Later Feature in Outlook on the Web

Schedule emails directly from your browser using Outlook on the web without keeping the application open.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why did my delayed email not send at the scheduled time in Outlook?

If you are using Outlook desktop with a POP3 or IMAP account, the application must be open and connected to the internet at the scheduled time. If Outlook is closed, the email will remain in the Outbox and send the next time you open the application.

Can I cancel or edit a scheduled email before it sends?

Yes. In Outlook desktop, go to your Outbox folder, open the delayed message, and make your edits. To cancel the delay, go back to Options > Delay Delivery, uncheck 'Do not deliver before', and click Send to deliver it immediately.

Does the Send Later feature on Outlook web require my browser to stay open?

No. When you use the Send Later feature in Outlook on the web, the Microsoft server handles the scheduling. You can safely close your browser or shut down your computer.

Can I set a default delay for all outgoing emails?

Yes, in Outlook desktop you can create a rule to delay all outgoing messages. Go to File > Manage Rules & Alerts, create a new rule applying to messages you send, and select the action to 'defer delivery by a number of minutes'.

Outlook & Email Problems