What happened to FindTime?
Microsoft replaced the FindTime add-in with Outlook Scheduling Poll. It retains a propose-and-vote workflow. Microsoft's Scheduling Poll guide, checked September 7, 2026, explains the current experience and version-specific rollout.
Why Scheduling Poll won't work for everyone
Check the organizer's account eligibility before creating a poll. The Microsoft 365 requirement does not exclude external voters. A guest can vote through the secure poll link even when the organizer cannot see their calendar availability.
The free FindTime alternative that works with any email: Timespree
Use Timespree if you need to create a poll without a Microsoft account or prefer collecting availability across a time window. Choose dates, share a link, and respondents mark their available slots without creating an account. They can overlay busy times while responding. Timespree does not replace Outlook's integrated booking workflow.
Scheduling Poll vs Timespree vs Doodle
Here is how the FindTime replacement compares with two free-to-start alternatives, on the axes that decide whether a poll works for a mixed group. Checked August 2026.
| Outlook Scheduling Poll | Timespree | Doodle | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Account to create | Microsoft 365 work/school | None | Doodle account |
| Gmail guests can vote | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Propose times, vote | Availability grid | Propose times, vote |
| Price | In eligible M365 plan | Free | Free tier; Pro $11/user/mo billed annually |
How to poll for a meeting time without Outlook
If Scheduling Poll is out, here is the whole flow with a free availability poll, start to finish.
- Step 1. Create the poll. Open Timespree, name the meeting, and pick the dates you are considering. No sign-in.
- Step 2. Share one link. Send the same URL to everyone by email, Slack, or chat, whatever address they use.
- Step 3. Everyone marks availability. Each person opens the link, enters a name, and paints when they are free. They can overlay their own calendar to catch conflicts, and they can check the event zone and choose a display zone for converted slot details.
- Step 4. Book the overlap. The darkest cells show the time the most people can make. Pick it and send a calendar invite.
That is the FindTime workflow without the Microsoft lock-in. For the fuller version, including the native Outlook and Google Forms methods, see our guide on how to make a meeting poll, and for the deeper comparison of grid tools, our group availability poll roundup.
When to just use Outlook Scheduling Poll
Keep Outlook Scheduling Poll if your organizer account is eligible and voting on proposed times fits the meeting. A client using Gmail is not itself a reason to switch. Choose a grid if collecting broader availability suits your group. Our Calendly Meeting Poll guide covers another voting option.
