Set default calendar event to "free" instead of "busy" in new Outlook

Question

Set default calendar event to "free" instead of "busy" in new Outlook

Pawlik, Michael 0

There is a way in the old Outlook Client but how to do it in the new one.

Thanks.

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Answer 1

Phoebe-N 10,685 Microsoft External Staff Moderator

Hi @Pawlik, Michael

Welcome to Q&A Community!

Thank you for reaching out! In the New Outlook experience, the option to set an event as “Free” is available when creating or editing the event. Here’s how you can do it:

Open New Outlook and create a new event or edit an existing one.
In the event details pane, locate the Show As dropdown (usually under the date and time settings).
Select Free from the list of options (Free, Busy, Tentative, Working Elsewhere, Out of Office).

undefined 4. Save the event.

This will ensure that the time for this event appears as Free on your calendar and does not block availability for others.

Note: At the moment, there is no setting to make “Free” the default for all new events in the New Outlook. Each event needs to be adjusted individually.

Feel free to correct me if there are any misunderstandings and let me know if you have any other concerns. I am happy to assist you further!

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Pawlik, Michael 0

Thanks, even if it doesn't help me. It's a shame it works in the old Outlook but not in the new one.

Phoebe-N 10,685 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-10-23T10:31:35.54+00:00

Hi @Pawlik, Michael

Thank you so much for your kindness.

I truly appreciate your patience, and I’m sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused. At the moment, this feature isn’t available in the New Outlook. I completely understand how valuable it would be for your workflow, and your feedback can make a real difference.

Please consider sharing your suggestion through the Microsoft Feedback Portal. The more users who request a feature, the higher the chances it will be prioritized in future updates. Once you’ve submitted your feedback, feel free to share the link here. I’ll gladly give it an upvote to help amplify your voice.

Thank you again for your understanding and support. Your input is incredibly important to us.
Nathalie 0 Reputation points

2026-01-29T09:40:26.11+00:00

look forward to the option standard free time, but will try to switch to to do task in the meantime
Phoebe-N 10,685 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-01-29T10:01:46.7066667+00:00

Hello Nathalie

Thank you for letting us know. Microsoft encourages users to submit their feedback upon using the product. Please follow the above instruction to provide your feedback for New Outlook.

Thank you in advance for your contribution.
Carol C C 0 Reputation points

2026-03-25T07:59:13.7933333+00:00

Bon dia @Phoebe-N

Confirmo que al Nou Outlook no es pot establir “Disponible” com a estat per defecte i s’ha de canviar manualment cada vegada.

Seria molt útil recuperar aquesta opció, que sí existia al client clàssic. Demano que es consideri incorporar-la en futures actualitzacions perquè no és gens àgil haver de fer-ho manualment cada vegada.

Gràcies!