How to use Microsoft To Do

In our increasingly busy lives, the way we manage our time has never been more important.

Writing out a to-do list is one of the most effective ways of prioritising what needs to be done. Previously this was reserved for a pen and paper, but many have switched to a digital app.

There’s an abundance of choice out there, but you can’t go wrong with Microsoft’s own ‘To Do’ app. In this article, we’ll show you how to use the service to its full potential.

How do I access Microsoft To Do?

Getting started with Microsoft To Do is easy, but will depend on which platform you’re using. 

It will work best on Windows 10, it’s as simple as heading to the Microsoft Store and downloading the free app. Assuming you’ve already signed in to your Microsoft account when setting up the device, it will all be set up and ready to go. 

However, the great thing about Microsoft To Do is that it’s available across all your devices. Just click the following links to download on Mac, iOS and Android, and all your tasks will be synced once you sign in. 

How to use Microsoft To Do on Windows 10

While it works on all platforms, you’ll want to use Microsoft To Do on Windows 10 for the best experience possible – unfortunately it’s not compatible with older versions of the operating system. 

One of the main reasons for this is its excellent integration with other Microsoft apps. 

Mail and Calendar are built into the same program on Windows, so all three apps can easily share information between them. For example, if you get an email confirmation of a ticket order, the event can be added to your Calendar and To-Do so you ensure you’re properly prepared. 

Microsoft has confirmed that full integration with Teams is coming ‘by the middle of the year’.

There are plenty of other useful features, the most notable being:

• Get a quick overview as soon as you log on in the ‘Today’ tab
• Hit the star icon on important tasks to ensure they are prioritised
• Add due dates or reminders to tasks, which then also show up in the ‘Planned’ tab
• Add files directly to tasks so you always have what you need
• Separate your tasks into ‘lists’ and group them by subjects – this is great for separating work and personal life
• If your workplace uses Microsoft To Do, ‘assigned to you’ can populate tasks that have been scheduled by your line manager

Microsoft-owned Wunderlist was discontinued on 6 May 2020, with the company encouraging you to shift your task management over to To Do.

Microsoft To Do is one of the apps we recommend using to stay organised on Windows 10. See the full list here.