Sometimes an email is ready before it is the right time to send it. You may want it to arrive during business hours, before a deadline, or when the recipient is most likely to read it.
This guide explains how to schedule an email in Outlook across different versions. It also covers how to manage scheduled messages and deal with common problems along the way.
1. How Outlook Email Scheduling Works Across Different Versions
The steps for how to schedule an email in Outlook 365 depend on the Outlook version and account type. New Outlook, the web version, and Outlook for Mac use Schedule Send, while classic Outlook uses Delay Delivery.
| Outlook Version | Scheduling Tool | Where to Find It | Where the Email Is Stored |
| New Outlook for Windows | Schedule Send | Dropdown beside the Send button | Drafts until the scheduled time |
| Classic Outlook for Windows | Delay Delivery | Options > Delay Delivery | Outbox until delivery |
| Outlook on the web | Schedule Send | Dropdown beside the Send button | Drafts until the scheduled time |
| Outlook for Mac | Schedule Send | Dropdown arrow on the Send button | Drafts until the scheduled time |
Schedule Send may be unavailable for certain account types, including some POP and IMAP accounts. In classic Outlook, the app must generally remain online and connected at the scheduled delivery time.
2. How to Schedule an Email in Outlook With Schedule Send
If you are searching for how to schedule send an email in Outlook, first identify whether you use new Outlook, Outlook on the web, or Outlook for Mac. The process is similar across these versions, although button names and placement may differ slightly.
Scheduling an Email in New Outlook for Windows
New Outlook places Schedule Send beside the regular Send button. The scheduled message stays in Drafts until Outlook sends it at the selected time.
- Open new Outlook and select New mail.
- Add the recipient, subject, and message.
- Select the dropdown arrow beside Send.
- Choose Schedule send.
- Select a suggested time or choose a custom date and time.
- Confirm the schedule.
Scheduling an Email in Outlook on the Web
The web version allows you to schedule an email directly from the message window. You can close the browser after scheduling because the message is handled through your online account.
- Sign in to Outlook on the web and select New mail.
- Write the email and add the recipient.
- Select the dropdown arrow beside Send.
- Choose Schedule send.
- Select a suggested delivery time or set a custom one.
- Confirm the selection to place the message in Drafts.
Scheduling an Email in Outlook for Mac
Outlook for Mac also provides Schedule Send through the arrow beside the Send button. This option requires a supported cloud-based account and may not work with POP or IMAP accounts.
- Create a new message and complete the recipient, subject, and body.
- Select the dropdown arrow beside Send.
- Choose Schedule send.
- Enter the preferred date and time.
- Select OK to schedule the message.
- Check the Drafts folder if you need to find it before delivery.
3. How to Delay an Email in Classic Outlook for Windows
Classic Outlook uses Delay Delivery instead of the Schedule Send command found in newer versions. The message remains in the Outbox until the selected delivery time.
- Compose the email and complete the recipient, subject, and message.
- Open the Options tab in the message window.
- Select Delay Delivery.
- Under Delivery options, select Do not deliver before.
- Choose the desired date and time.
- Close the Properties window.
- Select Send to place the message in the Outbox.
Keep classic Outlook open and connected to the internet when the scheduled time arrives. If Outlook is closed or offline, delivery may be delayed until the program reconnects.
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4. How to Edit, Cancel, or Send a Scheduled Outlook Email Early
Once you know how to schedule an email in Outlook, you can still change the message before its delivery time. The exact controls depend on whether Outlook stores the email in Drafts or the Outbox.
- Find the message: Open Drafts in new Outlook, Outlook on the web, or Outlook for Mac. In classic Outlook, check the Outbox.
- Edit the email: Open the scheduled message, make the required changes, and schedule it again if Outlook removes the original delivery time.
- Change the delivery time: Cancel the existing schedule, then select a new date and time through Schedule Send or Delay Delivery.
- Cancel scheduled delivery: Open the message and select Cancel Send when that option appears. You can then keep the email as a draft or delete it.
- Send it early: Open the scheduled email and select Send Now. Outlook on the web provides this option through the editing controls in Drafts.
- Check the correct folder: When following instructions for how to schedule an email to send later in Outlook, remember that new Outlook usually stores it in Drafts, while classic Outlook holds it in the Outbox.
5. Why the Schedule Send Option Is Missing in Outlook
If you are searching for how to schedule an email in Outlook no drop down, the feature may have a different name or may not be available for the selected account.
Check these common causes:
- You are using classic Outlook: Look for Delay Delivery under the Options tab instead of Schedule Send.
- The simplified ribbon hides the command: Expand the ribbon or open the additional message options.
- Your account is not supported: Schedule Send may be unavailable for POP or IMAP accounts.
- The wrong Outlook instructions are being followed: New Outlook and classic Outlook use different menus and scheduling tools.
- Outlook needs an update: Install available updates, restart the app, and check the message window again.
- Your organization restricts the feature: A workplace or school administrator may control available Outlook functions.
- The account is offline: Reconnect Outlook and allow it to finish syncing.
- The app or browser has a temporary problem: Refresh the page, restart Outlook, or try a supported browser.
- No recipient has been added: Some versions may not activate all sending controls until the message has a recipient.
Microsoft notes that Schedule Send in new Outlook is unavailable for IMAP and POP accounts. Outlook for Mac also requires a supported cloud-based account.
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Conclusion
Outlook lets you prepare a message when it is convenient and deliver it at a more suitable time. The right method for how to schedule an email in Outlook depends on whether you use new Outlook, classic Outlook, the web version, or a Mac. Check your version first, use Schedule Send or Delay Delivery as appropriate, and review the scheduled message before its delivery time if any details change.