Want an email to arrive during business hours instead of late at night? Outlook can schedule a message for later, but the steps—and even the folder holding the message—depend on which version you use. This illustrated guide covers new Outlook for Windows, Outlook on the web, and classic Outlook, along with how to cancel a scheduled send and avoid common delivery surprises.
Quick answer: In new Outlook or Outlook on the web, compose an email, select the arrow beside Send, choose Schedule send, and pick a date and time. In classic Outlook, use Message Options → Delivery options → Do not deliver before.
Before you start: identify your version of Outlook
- New Outlook for Windows: The newer desktop app, typically with a simplified Microsoft 365-style interface.
- Outlook on the web: Open your work or school mailbox in a browser, or use Outlook.com for a personal account.
- Classic Outlook for Windows: The long-established desktop client with a Ribbon and a message Properties dialog.
Important compatibility note: Microsoft says Schedule send in new Outlook is unavailable for IMAP or POP accounts. If that command is missing, confirm your account type and Outlook version before troubleshooting.
Method 1: Schedule an email in new Outlook for Windows
Step 1: Compose your message
Open new Outlook, choose New mail, enter the recipients and subject, then write your message and add any attachments. Proofread the email before scheduling it.
Step 2: Open the Schedule send menu
Find the small downward arrow immediately beside the Send button. Select the arrow—not the main Send button—and choose Schedule send from the menu.
Subject: Monthly project update
Step 3: Set the delivery time
Select one of the suggested times, or choose a custom date and time. Confirm the intended time zone on your device or mailbox, especially if your recipient works in a different country. Choose Send to schedule the message.
Send
Step 4: Confirm the message is scheduled
Open Drafts and check that the scheduled message is there. It stays in Drafts until the scheduled delivery time rather than appearing as an ordinary sent email immediately.
Method 2: Schedule an email in Outlook on the web
- Sign in to Outlook on the web and select New mail.
- Enter the recipient, subject, and message.
- Select the arrow next to Send, then choose Schedule send.
- Choose a suggested delivery time or set a custom date and time.
- Select Send and verify the scheduled message in Drafts.
The scheduling controls on the web closely resemble new Outlook. If you’re switching between a Windows computer and a browser, remember that the pending message is normally in Drafts for both of these versions.
Method 3: Delay delivery in classic Outlook for Windows
Classic Outlook uses a different mechanism: it holds the email in your Outbox until the designated delivery time.
Step 1: Open the message options
Create an email in classic Outlook. In the message window, find the Message Options dialog launcher in the Ribbon’s Tags group. If you’re using a simplified Ribbon, check Options → More commands.
Step 2: Set “Do not deliver before”
In the Properties window, under Delivery options, tick Do not deliver before and enter the date and time. Select Close.
Date: [ select date ] Time: [ select time ]
Step 3: Send and check the Outbox
Finish the message and select Send. The delayed email should wait in Outbox. Classic Outlook needs to be online and connected for delivery; do not rely on it to send a delayed message while the application is closed or the computer is offline.
How to cancel or send a scheduled email immediately
📁 Drafts
Open the scheduled message to cancel or send now.
📤 Outbox
Open the delayed message and change delivery options.
New Outlook and Outlook on the web
- Open Drafts.
- Open the scheduled email and choose Cancel send (some interfaces show an edit/pencil control).
- Make any edits and select Send to send immediately, or schedule it again for another time.
Classic Outlook
- Open Outbox and double-click the delayed email.
- Open the same Message Options / Properties dialog.
- Clear Do not deliver before, close the dialog, and select Send.
New Outlook vs. classic Outlook: key differences
| Feature | New Outlook / Web | Classic Outlook |
|---|---|---|
| Where to schedule | Send arrow → Schedule send | Message Options → Delivery options |
| Pending message folder | Drafts | Outbox |
| Internet/app requirement | Mailbox service handles supported scheduling | Outlook must be online and connected |
| IMAP/POP support | Not available in new Outlook | Behavior depends on account/client setup |
Schedule send missing or not working? Troubleshooting checklist
The Schedule send option does not appear
Verify that you’re selecting the small arrow beside Send. Check whether you’re using new or classic Outlook and whether your account is IMAP/POP; Microsoft explicitly excludes these accounts from the new Outlook scheduling feature.
The email is still in Outbox after its planned time
If you used classic Outlook, ensure the application is running, connected to the internet, and not in Work Offline mode. Verify that the machine’s date, time, and time zone are correct. For further checks, see our guide to fixing Outlook mail problems in new and classic Outlook.
I cannot find the scheduled email
Look in Drafts for new Outlook or web and in Outbox for classic Outlook. Be sure you are checking the same mailbox account used to compose the message.
Will the message be delivered at the exact minute?
Scheduling controls when Outlook attempts to submit the email, not the recipient’s server or inbox processing. Network and mail-service conditions can affect final arrival time. For urgent deadlines, send earlier and verify receipt through the appropriate business process.
Best practices for reliable scheduled messages
- Allow time-zone differences: check your local time and the recipient’s workday before choosing a slot.
- Check attachments and recipients: a scheduled email can still contain the wrong file or address.
- For classic Outlook, keep Outlook connected: the email may remain in Outbox if the client is offline.
- Check Drafts or Outbox: knowing where the pending email sits makes it much easier to change your mind.
- Test once: schedule a noncritical email to yourself before using the feature for an important campaign or report.
Frequently asked questions
Can I schedule a message in Outlook without leaving my PC on?
For supported new Outlook or Outlook on the web scheduling, the mailbox service manages the pending message. Classic Outlook’s delayed Outbox delivery requires Outlook to be online and connected.
Can I edit an Outlook scheduled email?
Yes, before it sends. Open the pending item from Drafts in new Outlook/web or Outbox in classic Outlook, cancel or change the scheduling option, edit, and schedule again if needed.
Where are scheduled emails saved?
Usually Drafts in new Outlook and Outlook on the web, versus Outbox in classic Outlook.
More Microsoft 365 tutorials
If you rely on OneDrive to attach or share work documents, see how to fix OneDrive sync problems. Browse our Microsoft 365 tutorials for additional practical guides.
Official Microsoft documentation
Steps and version differences were checked against Microsoft Support: Delay or schedule sending email messages in Outlook and Microsoft Support: Schedule send for Outlook on the web.
Visual note: The four step images are original schematic interface illustrations, not screenshots of a specific Outlook build. Controls may look different after Microsoft updates. Featured photograph: Cristofer Maximilian / Unsplash.