Trying to keep up with everything on your busy schedule is tough, which is why digital reminders can be so helpful to set up. You can schedule reminders for every aspect of your life—like joining a big meeting at work, remembering to take your medication, or prioritizing a daily walk. Windows 11 makes it easy to set reminders so you don’t have to worry about missing the most essential things in your day. Learn which Windows reminder apps can help you stay on track.
The beauty of setting reminders
Having to work, run errands, make plans, and take care of yourself every day can be a lot on your plate. Keeping track of it all is a task in itself. Digital reminders give you one less thing to worry about. Reminders can also help you stay organized and pave the way toward forming good daily routines. Even the most crucial obligations can slip your mind after a long, busy day, and reminders can serve as gentle nudges to keep you focused.
How to set a reminder in Windows 11
Windows 11 includes the most up-to-date versions of many of Microsoft’s tools, some of which are great for setting reminders. To create the reminders you need, try these tools:
Microsoft To Do
Microsoft To Do is an advanced task manager that organizes everything you need to do. You can categorize your tasks in separate lists, helping you focus on one thing at a time. If you have bigger tasks on your list, create subtasks underneath to ensure that every step is covered. To set up a reminder in Microsoft To Do, select a task followed by Remind me. Choose a date and time to have your reminder go off, or have it repeat on certain days.
Outlook
Microsoft Outlook is another great Microsoft tool for setting reminders. The Outlook calendar can be used to create appointments, which can serve as reminders for yourself, and you can set an automatic event notification to serve as reminder before an event. Microsoft To Do is also integrated with Outlook, so you can see your to-do lists and set reminders for tasks, events, and email follow-ups all in one place!
OneNote
If you like to use Outlook’s to-do list feature, you can also flag Outlook tasks in your OneNote tabs by selecting Home. Outlook and OneNote work together to send out reminders for the tasks you’re working on.
Teams
Microsoft Teams is a popular app for video calls and chat conversations, and it’s also a great tool for creating reminders. You can go to your Teams calendar to schedule a new meeting with yourself, and Teams will send you a reminder about it.
Whichever Windows reminder app you use, you’ll be well on your way to doing the things that matter most. Want to enjoy more benefits of Windows 11? Upgrade to Windows 11 today, and find more Windows 11 tips in the Windows Learning Center.
Microsoft OneNote
Keeping a task list and tracking the progress is one of the routine activities for most users. Apple’s macOS comes with a Reminders app which you can make use for creating a task list and reminders. Similarly, Windows offers multiple options for managing your routine tasks. In this article, we will explain three different apps you can use for setup reminders in Windows 11 computers.
Using Task List and Reminders
If you are always forgetting personal and organizational work, then it is high time to keep things organized. You can follow the below steps to make sure you are on track with your tasks:
- List down all your tasks with due dates
- Prioritize the tasks by settings follow up and reminders
- Track the progress to remove finished tasks from the list and add new tasks.
Many users write down the tasks on colorful sticky notes papers and paste all over the monitor or top of the laptop. Some also use Sticky Notes app in Windows to make this digital. However, using stick notes will only add confusion to your work as it has no reminding or tracking mechanism. You can make use of one of the below apps to setup reminders for your tasks and improve the productivity.
1. Setup Reminders Using Microsoft To Do App
Microsoft To Do is a free app that allows you to create and group your task lists. You can add notes to tasks, add up to 25 MB attachment and most important sync with Microsoft Outlook. Microsoft To Do app is available for Windows, Mac, Android and iOS platforms. So, you can easily sync your tasks across all your devices using this app.
- Open Microsoft Store app, search and find “Microsoft To Do: Lists, Tasks & Reminders” app. Click “Get” button to install the app on your computer.
- After installing the app, open it and login with your Microsoft account. The app will show quick menu items in the sidebar for you to easily create tasks, lists and groups.
- Click on “Getting Started” list to understand managing your tasks inside the app.
- Click on the “New List” option showing on lower left corner and name your list. After that, enter your tasks in “Add a task” text box. The app also comes with a sample list called “Groceries” with few tasks added in that list.
- Click on any added task in the list to view its additional options. You can prioritize the tasks by adding it to my day, add notes, assign the task to someone else, make the task repeating, attach files and set reminder.
- Click “Remind me” option and select the date and time for the reminder. By default, you will see tomorrow and next week options. Click on “Pick a date & time” option to set a custom time for the reminder.
- When you setup a reminder, the app will add the task under “Planned” section. You will also see an alarm icon under the task with the due date.
- When the due date/time is reached, To Do app will send a notification reminder using default Windows notification setup. This means you will receive a reminder like below in lower right corner of the screen. Make sure you are not using Focus session or disabled notifications. When the reminder arrives, you can either click on “Snooze” or “Complete” button to dismiss it. Snoozing will send the notification after 5 minutes and completing will mark the task as completed in To Do app.
- You can find the completed tasks in To Do app with strike through mark under “Completed” section of the list.
If you do not want to create a list, you can directly create a task under “My Day”, “Important” or “Planned” section. As mentioned, you can share the tasks and across your devices.
2. Setup Reminder for Events in Calendar App
Calendar is a free app that comes as part of Windows operating system. Good thing is that you switch between Mail, To Do and other apps directly from the Calendar app. What you can do is to add your email calendar in Calendar app and create events. You can set reminder to get notification before the event starts so that all participants remember and prepare for it. Though this is not really a reminder app like Microsoft To Do, you can use it for event reminders with any mailbox.
- Open Calendar app and click on the “Settings” icon showing on bottom of left pane.
- You will see a list of menu items on last right pane and click “Manage Accounts” link.
- Click on “Add account” and connect your email account with Calendar app. After adding your email account, click on “New Event” link.
- Fill out the details of your event dates and invite people if required. You can also keep it as a private event without inviting anyone. Make sure to select the correct calendar by clicking the dropdown next to event name.
- Finally, click the “Reminder” dropdown and set the reminder time to get notified before the before the event.
- If you want to setup repeat event, click on “Repeat” icon and setup the start/end time and frequency.
- Save your event and it will instantly block the time in your Calendar app.
The time will also be blocked in your email calendar (like Outlook). You will get a reminder notification as per the set time from Calendar app as well as from your email client.
3. Set Reminders for Outlook Tasks
You can view Microsoft To Do tasks from your Outlook app when using the same account.
However, it is also possible to manage tasks directly within Outlook app. This is a good option if you do not want to use an additional app (either Calendar or Microsoft To Do).
- Open Outlook, go to Tasks section and click “New Task” from tool bar.
- Fill out the details for your task and check “Reminder” option. Setup date and time for the reminder then save and close the task.
- You can anytime view the task and change the reminder time or update the completion % progress. It is also possible to assign the task to someone or send a status report in email with your task details.
This is a cool way to track your task progress and Outlook will notify you at the set reminder date/time. Note that creating an appointment in Outlook is same as creating an event in Calendar app as explained above.
Final Words
Microsoft To Do is the best app to create task lists and setup reminders in Windows 11. However, you can also try other two options and choose the one that works for you. There are also many other third-party apps available in Microsoft Store for this purpose. Whatsoever is the app you choose; make sure to keep your tasks updated and monitor the progress to get an overall improvement in your routine.
How to Set Reminders on Windows 11
In the digital age, managing time efficiently has become a vital aspect of both our personal and professional lives. With the introduction of Windows 11, Microsoft has made it easier than ever to organize schedules, deadlines, and important events through its robust reminder system. This guide will explore the various methods you can use to set reminders on your Windows 11 system, ensuring that you never miss an important date or task again.
Understanding Windows 11 Reminder Capabilities
Windows 11 enhances user productivity with its integrated applications, such as Microsoft To Do and the built-in Calendar app. These tools offer varying features suited to countless scenarios, from handling simple notes to managing comprehensive daily schedules. Understanding these applications is essential for leveraging reminders effectively in Windows 11.
The Microsoft To Do App
Microsoft To Do is a powerful task management tool that integrates seamlessly into the Windows 11 environment. This application allows you to create lists, set due dates, and establish reminders for your tasks seamlessly. Here’s how you can set reminders using the app:
Installation and Setup
-
Access Microsoft To Do:
- If you haven’t installed Microsoft To Do, navigate to the Microsoft Store through your Start Menu. Search for «Microsoft To Do,» and click «Get» to download and install it.
-
Sign In:
- After installation, open the app. You’ll need a Microsoft account to sync your tasks and reminders across devices. Sign in using your Microsoft credentials.
Creating and Setting Reminders
-
Create a New Task:
- Click on the ‘Add a task’ box at the top of the interface. Type in the task you wish to set a reminder for.
-
Setting a Due Date:
- Once you’ve added a task, click on it to open the task details. Here, you’ll see options to set due dates. Click on ‘Add due date’ and select the day you want your reminder to trigger.
-
Adding Reminders:
- Within the task details, there is an option to ‘Add Reminder.’ Click on it. You can set reminders for the same day as the task or choose a date and time that suits you. This feature is especially useful for tasks that require advance notice.
-
Customization Options:
- You can further customize your reminders with the option to repeat tasks (daily, weekly, or at specified intervals), add notes, or even categorize tasks with tags for easier organization.
-
Notifications:
- Make sure your notifications are enabled for the Microsoft To Do app to receive alerts. Head to your Windows Settings, then ‘System,’ and click on ‘Notifications.’ Find Microsoft To Do in the list and toggle notifications on.
Viewing and Managing Reminders
- Your reminders will appear in the ‘My Day’ section or in the list view of your tasks. You can check off completed tasks, modify due dates, and adjust reminder times as needed.
Using the Windows 11 Calendar App
The Calendar app in Windows 11 is another effective way to set reminders for important events. This application allows you to create calendar events that can include reminders and notifications.
Accessing the Calendar App
-
Open Calendar:
- Click on the Start menu and type “Calendar,” then select the app from the list.
-
Add an Account:
- If prompted, sign in with a Microsoft account or link your Google Calendar to sync events.
Creating Events and Setting Reminders
-
Add a New Event:
- Click on the desired date in the calendar view. A pop-up menu will appear. Select ‘New event.’
-
Event Details:
- Fill in the event name, time, and any other details you want to include.
-
Setting a Reminder:
- There’s a ‘Remind me’ option in the event details. You can choose how long before the event you want to be reminded—options usually include minutes, hours, days, and even weeks.
-
Save the Event:
- Once you have customized your reminder settings, click the ‘Save’ button. Your event will now be displayed on the calendar, and you’ll receive notifications as per your configuration.
Voice Command Reminders with Cortana (or Widgets)
Although Cortana isn’t as prominent in Windows 11 as it was in previous versions, you can still use it to manage reminders. By integrating Cortana with Microsoft To Do or the Calendar app, you can quickly set reminders through voice commands.
-
Access Cortana:
- Click on the search icon in the taskbar and type “Cortana.” This should open the digital assistant.
-
Using Voice Commands:
- You can say something like, “Remind me to call Mom at 5 PM,” or “Create a task to finish my report by tomorrow.” Cortana will acknowledge and saves these tasks directly into Microsoft To Do or Calendar.
-
Reviewing Tasks:
- You can also ask Cortana to read out your reminders or upcoming events, making it easier to manage tasks while multitasking.
Using Third-Party Applications
While Microsoft offers robust built-in tools, you might find that integrating third-party applications can enhance your reminder system. Various apps are available for download that align with your specific needs, allowing for customizable features and varied reminder options.
-
Todoist:
- Todoist is a popular task management app available on multiple platforms. It allows users to create task lists, set due dates, and establish reminders, all of which can sync across devices. Users can even categorize tasks into projects and share lists with team members.
-
Any.do:
- Similar to Todoist, Any.do combines a task list with a calendar interface, allowing users to set reminders and deadlines for tasks effortlessly. Any.do also includes an innovative “Daily Planner” feature that encourages users to prioritize tasks each day.
-
Google Keep:
- If you are a fan of Google’s ecosystem, Google Keep is an excellent choice for sticky notes and reminders. With it, you can create notes that can include reminders based on time or location.
-
Trello:
- Trello uses a board and card system that is great for project management, including reminders for deadlines. Although it’s more complex than standard reminder tools, it provides excellent collaboration features for teams.
-
Remember The Milk:
- A robust task management application that focuses on simple reminders. It offers features like recurring reminders, task prioritization, and integration with other applications like Gmail and Google Calendar.
Integrating With Other Devices
An important aspect of setting reminders is ensuring that you have access to them across all your devices. Windows 11 allows for synchronization with mobile devices and tablets, ensuring that your reminders follow you wherever you go.
-
Sync with Microsoft To Do:
- By signing in to your Microsoft account on other devices (like a smartphone), all tasks and reminders you create on Windows 11 will sync across your devices. Download the Microsoft To Do app on iOS or Android to access your reminders on the go.
-
Linking Google Calendar:
- If you use Google Calendar, syncing it with the Windows Calendar app will allow you to view and manage your reminders and events on your devices.
-
Cross-Platform Apps:
- Many third-party applications support cross-device functionality, enabling you to receive reminders through various platforms. Applications like Todoist and Any.do can be accessed from any web browser, smartphones, or tablets.
Best Practices for Setting and Managing Reminders
To get the most out of your reminder system in Windows 11, consider the following best practices:
-
Be Specific:
- Ensure your reminders are clear and specific. Instead of writing “Meeting,” specify “Team Meeting at 2 PM on Thursday.”
-
Prioritize Tasks:
- Group tasks by priority. Use lists or tags in Microsoft To Do to categorize tasks by urgency or importance to avoid overlap of critical deadlines.
-
Review Regularly:
- Set aside time to review your tasks and reminders weekly. This allows for adjustments based on new responsibilities while ensuring you remain on track with your goals.
-
Utilize Notifications Wisely:
- Set reminders for significant tasks only and avoid overloading your notification center. Too many reminders can lead to notification fatigue and cause important tasks to be overlooked.
-
Experiment with Styles:
- Try different styles of reminders and task management systems to find what best resonates with your work habits. Utilize visual reminders, color-coded tasks, or integrate goals to keep things fresh and engaging.
Conclusion
Windows 11 provides several intuitive tools for setting reminders that cater to various needs, whether personal or professional. From the comprehensive features of Microsoft To Do and Calendar to the flexibility offered by third-party applications, users can easily create a reminder system that fits into their daily routine.
By effectively utilizing these tools and following best practices for organization and management, you can enhance your productivity and ensure you are always on top of important tasks and deadlines. As technology continues to advance, embracing these reminder capabilities not only keeps you organized but also empowers you to achieve your goals efficiently.
- Author
- Recent Posts
I started writing code around 20 years ago, and throughout the years, I have gained a lot of expertise from hands-on experience as well as learning from others. This website has also grown with me and is now something that I am proud of.
Ever forgotten to send that important email or missed a crucial meeting? We’ve all been there, but Windows 11 is here to save the day with its robust reminder setup.
Life can get hectic, but with a few clicks, we can make sure our computer has our back.
Setting reminders in Windows 11 doesn’t require a degree in rocket science; it’s about tapping into the built-in tools that are designed to keep us on track.
Whether it’s a one-time nudge or a series of recurring prompts, there’s a method that fits every type of task we need to remember.
We don’t have to lean on sticky notes anymore, virtual or real.
With options ranging from the Microsoft To Do app to the Calendar app, we are just moments away from creating an organized and efficient reminder system.
This modern approach to simple time management can transform the way we work and play, without breaking a sweat.
JUMP TO TOPIC
- Setting Up Reminders in the Calendar App
- Creating a New Event with a Reminder
- Using Recurring Reminders for Daily Tasks
- Managing Notifications for Reminder Alerts
- Synchronizing Reminders Across Devices
- Linking Your Microsoft Account
- Syncing with Microsoft To Do and Outlook
- Setting Up Reminders on Android and Web
- Leveraging Cortana for Setting Reminders
- Activating Cortana on Windows 11
- Voice Commands for Adding Reminders
- Accessing Cortana’s ‘My Day’ Feature
- Advanced Reminder Settings
- Utilizing Task Scheduler for Complex Tasks
- Customizing Reminder Priorities and Due Dates
Setting Up Reminders in the Calendar App
We’ve all had those days so packed that we forget our friend’s birthday or an important meeting. Trust us, with the Windows 11 Calendar app, you can kiss those “Oops, I forgot!” moments goodbye.
Here’s how you can turn your Windows Calendar into your personal assistant, making sure you’re always on top of your game.
Creating a New Event with a Reminder
When life throws you a curveball, it’s nice to have a reminder set up so you can knock it out of the park.
Let’s create a new event.
First, hit the Windows key, rough it with the search bar, and type “Calendar”.
Once open, find that “New event” button and give it a click like it’s hot.
Fill in the blanks: Event title, location (even if it’s your comfy couch), and the start and end times.
Now, here comes the secret sauce. Click on the reminder dropdown.
Want a heads-up 15 minutes before? Or a full day to prep? Your call!
Choose your lead time and let the reminder do the elbow nudge.
Using Recurring Reminders for Daily Tasks
Recurring reminders are like that favorite song of yours – they can repeat on cue. Got a daily hustle that needs attention?
Simply toggle the repeat option when setting up your event, and you’ll get nudges as often as you please.
Whether it’s taking the dog for a walk, or watering your plants, these reminders are persistent (but not annoying, we promise!).
Set the rhythm: Daily, weekly, monthly? Select the frequency and end date, if there’s an expiration date to your task. That’s our kind of auto-pilot.
Managing Notifications for Reminder Alerts
Notifications are the pop tarts of reminders— quick, easy, and definitely satisfying. But they need to pop at the right time.
Head over to your event’s details, find the reminder section again, and adjust those settings. Like your coffee strong or mild?
Choose your flavor: You decide when and how you get notified.
Want a reminder the moment you’re supposed to be there, or enough warning to beat the traffic? Get the alerts tuned to your life’s tempo.
Synchronizing Reminders Across Devices
When we’re on the go, it’s crucial that our reminders keep up with us, no matter which device we’re using. Let’s ensure our reminders sync across our Windows 11 PC, Android phone, and through the web.
Linking Your Microsoft Account
First things first: we need to link our Microsoft Account to our devices. This is the glue that keeps our reminders together, wherever we are.
On our Windows 11 PC, we simply go to Settings > Accounts and sign in. Easy peasy! Remember, this email will be the ticket for our reminder sync-ups.
Syncing with Microsoft To Do and Outlook
Now, let’s talk about Microsoft To Do and Outlook. Both of these are fantastic tools for managing tasks and they sync beautifully.
For Microsoft To Do:
- Open the To Do app.
- Sign in with our Microsoft account.
For Outlook:
- Head over to the calendar section in Outlook.
- Our Microsoft account should sync our tasks and calendar events seamlessly.
Setting Up Reminders on Android and Web
Okay, team, let’s tackle syncing our reminders with our Android devices and the web.
We’ve got our Microsoft account sorted, so all that’s left is to download the Microsoft To Do app on our Android phone from the Google Play Store.
Sign in, and just like magic, our reminders appear right there.
Want to check your reminders on the web? Navigate to the To Do website, sign in, and bada bing, bada boom, all our tasks are in sync and accessible from any web browser.
Leveraging Cortana for Setting Reminders
With Cortana at your service on Windows 11, we’ll never miss a beat—or a meeting, for that matter. Let’s dive right into making Cortana our trusty reminder setter, shall we?
Activating Cortana on Windows 11
First things first, we’ve got to wake Cortana up from her digital slumber. Just think of it as nudging a friend awake—gently, of course.
We’ll head to the Windows Search bar and type “Cortana settings.”
There, we simply switch the toggle on to Activate Cortana.
Windows might ask us to give the microphone a thumbs up for access because, well, Cortana’s not exactly a mind reader. She needs to hear us loud and clear!
Voice Commands for Adding Reminders
Now that Cortana’s all ears, it’s time for the fun part—talking!
To set a reminder, we’ll invoke our digital assistant by saying “Hey Cortana,” followed by “remind me.”
We’ll then let her know what the task is and when it needs flagging up.
It’s quite refreshing, actually—like having a personal assistant minus the coffee runs.
Accessing Cortana’s ‘My Day’ Feature
Wouldn’t it be smashing to have a snapshot of our day just as we start sipping on our morning coffee?
That’s where the ‘My Day’ feature comes into play.
It bundles our tasks and reminders in a neat package within the Microsoft To Do app.
We just ask Cortana to show us “My Day,” and she’ll display it all, helping us to stay on top of things without breaking a sweat.
Remember: Always ensure Cortana and Microsoft To Do are logged in with the same Microsoft account. It’s like making sure both socks match before we step out!
Advanced Reminder Settings
In this digital era where every tick of the clock counts, setting up advanced reminders in Windows 11 can be a game-changer for staying on top of our tasks and appointments.
Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of setting reminders that do more than just ping us.
Utilizing Task Scheduler for Complex Tasks
Windows 11 Task Scheduler is like a Swiss Army knife for our reminders.
We can set up tasks not just by time, but also trigger them based on specific events or system conditions.
Here’s how we can flex Task Scheduler’s muscles for complex scheduling needs:
- Find Task Scheduler by searching for it in the Start Menu and open it.
- In the Actions pane, click “Create Basic Task…” or “Create Task…” for even more options.
- Follow the wizard to name our task and define the trigger.
- Pick a date & time or event that will kick off the reminder.
Frequency Matters: Want to water the plants every Tuesday? No problem. Task Scheduler lets us set recurring tasks so we won’t miss a thing.
For setting details like a script to run or displaying a message, we use the “Action” tab. Windows 11 gives us the reins to craft reminders that are as detailed and recurrent as we need.
Customizing Reminder Priorities and Due Dates
Within Microsoft To Do, which integrates seamlessly with Windows 11, we can tweak our reminders to reflect how urgent or important they are.
We’re not settling for a simple ding; we’re building a reminder system that works for our priorities.
Let’s set those priorities straight:
- Open Microsoft To Do and select a task.
- Click on “Remind me” to set or edit the due date.
- Select “Repeat” to schedule regular nags for this task.
| Task Details | Due Date | Priority |
| Project Submission | May 10 | High |
| Buy Groceries | Every Friday | Medium |
| Call Grandma | Every Sunday | Low |
By setting the due date, we have a clear deadline, and with priorities, we know what to tackle first.
No more scrambling at the last minute because now our tasks are sorted just the way we need.
With these reminders, we’ll be mastering our to-dos like never before.
Home » How To » How to Set Reminders in Windows 11 Using Microsoft To-Do
Life today is filled with to-dos. We are all busy bodies, constantly doing one thing or the other and relying on various trusty little reminder apps to make sure we get things done on time. If you use Windows 11, getting reminders on your daily tasks is no biggie. In a previous post, we showed you how to set hourly reminders using Task Scheduler on a Windows 8 machine. But now, there’s a simpler way to do it. Let’s see how to set reminders in Windows 11 using a built-in app called Microsoft To-Do.
What is Microsoft To-Do?
Microsoft To-Do is a simple, user-friendly app that lets you to plan your daily activities and set reminders for your tasks. You can set due dates and priorities for each task, share them with friends and family and even link it to Outlook Tasks for easier task management.
Microsoft To-Do is also available on iPhone, Android, Windows, and the web. It syncs across devices so you can access your tasks and get reminders anytime, from anywhere. Here’s how you can set up reminders using Microsoft To-Do on your Windows 11 PC.
1. Click the Windows Start button and search and find the Microsoft To-Do app.
2. Open the Microsoft To-Do app.
3. The app window will display 3 panes or sections. In the My Day section, click Add my Task and type the task you want to add and press Enter.
4. Click on the task you just created. The right pane will display several actions for the task. You can break down the task into smaller steps using the Add Step button. You can set a reminder, add a due date, repeat the task, add a file and notes using the respective buttons. For the purpose of this article, select the “Remind me” option.
5. You can choose from the preset date and time options available or click “Pick a date & time” to set a custom reminder.
6. Similarly, to set a recurring reminder, go to the “Repeat” option and select from the preset options in the drop-down list.
When you are setting a recurring reminder, you can also type the details in the Task bar. For example, you can type “Medication at 7 AM every day”. This will create a recurring reminder for 7 AM every day.
The Microsoft To-Do app will then remind you about the task at the set date and time.
That’s it!
Conclusion
If you spend a lot of time on your Windows PC, it makes sense to add your tasks and reminders in an app on your PC. This centralizes all your tasks and activities and makes it easier for you to manage them. Plus, when you are away from your computer, you can use the app on your smartphone to get reminders and updates.
If you haven’t tried the Microsoft To-Do yet, check it out now and tell us what you think.
Download link: Microsoft
Adeline is a tech enthusiast who loves exploring the latest tools and applications in the marketplace. She also loves her Android and spends time reviewing apps and playing games when she has the time.
Reader Interactions