Windows 11’s built in To Do app is way better than you think

We often forget our to-do tasks, or there are so many that remembering them is a hassle. But that’s why we use to-do list apps to help us remember and organize tasks, so we can get them done without missing any. There are many to-do list apps out there, but many are cluttered with ads, require payment to use, are too complex, or lack cross-platform syncing.

All of these problems were present in one app or another until I tried the new Microsoft To Do app, which was shipped with Windows 11 on my PC as one of the default apps. And once I tried it, I shifted to it immediately.

OS

Windows

Developer

Microsoft

Microsoft To Do app boosts productivity with My Day planner, suggested tasks, shared lists, customizable backgrounds, due dates, reminders, subtasks, notes, file attachments, and Outlook sync. Organize work, school, or home plans across devices for free.

Cross-platform availability

Add tasks to your to-do list from anywhere, anytime

Microsoft To Do is available on all my devices, including Android, Windows, Mac, iOS, and the web. The best part is that as long as I’m signed in and have an active internet connection, any task I add gets synced instantly across all my devices.

This feature makes it easy to keep track of my tasks on the go. If I’m out and receive a new task, I can quickly add it to my to-do list and check and edit it on my PC later, however I want.

AI-enabled to-do lists

An assistant that reminds you non-intrusively

AI is everywhere, including Microsoft To Do. However, its presence is balanced. Unlike other to-do lists, AI in Microsoft To Do acts as a companion rather than intrusively taking control of your tasks. When you add a task and specify a time, day, or date within the task description or in the task itself, To Do records this information and adds it to your calendar.

This feature makes it easy to keep track of your schedule without overlooking your tasks. In the My Day section of Microsoft To Do, any missed tasks are highlighted, so you don’t forget them. Additionally, thanks to its integration with Microsoft Outlook, it can flag emails and identify recurring task patterns, helping you complete them more efficiently.

Intuitive interface and operation

Easy to understand and use

There are plenty of effective note-taking apps, such as Google Keep and MyMid, that let you jot down to-do tasks. However, Microsoft To Do is specifically designed for managing your to-do lists. Open the app on your preferred platform or on the web, sign in if you haven’t already, and start adding your tasks. It’s that simple—just a tap is all it takes to add tasks to Microsoft To Do.

While adding tasks, you can specify the day, date, or time, and To Do will ensure you receive reminders when the task is due. On top of that, you can customize reminders for each task, attach files, add notes, or set a repetition rule for regularly recurring tasks. The app features a user-friendly interface that lets you adjust reminder times or add extra notes without navigating complex menus.

Sharing and collaborations

Add others to your tasks to work in sync

Microsoft To Do allows users to share tasks and collaborate with others via email invites. This feature enables real-time collaboration, allowing me to add my team members to tasks or lists. If someone is involved in a task, they can stay up to date on timelines and task details.

This tool is handy when working in a team where tasks are interdependent. Personally, I use it to create grocery lists with my mom. Whenever we discuss our shopping needs, I update the list with her, ensuring we don’t forget anything while we’re out.

Each collaborator can independently add items to the to-do, edit tasks, or add more details. In fact, if you have set a reminder or a deadline for the task, even collaborators will be reminded via emails or in-app notifications.

Integration and accessibility

Make the most out of your ecosystem

For professionals who use Outlook and Microsoft 365 applications, Microsoft To Do is an exceptional task management tool. The To Do app is seamlessly integrated with the Microsoft ecosystem, including Outlook, ensuring that tasks created in To Do automatically sync with Outlook and the calendar, and vice versa. On top of that, Microsoft To Do integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft 365 tools, such as Teams and Planner, creating a streamlined flow across the Microsoft ecosystem.

This integration streamlines workflows, enabling users to manage their tasks, collaborate with team members, and keep track of deadlines all in one place. With features like reminders, due dates, and shared lists, Microsoft To Do enhances productivity and helps users stay organized in an increasingly fast-paced work environment.

Change the way you note your tasks with Microsoft To Do

Microsoft To Do is a fantastic, free, and, most importantly, ad-free task manager that allows users to manage their tasks effectively. It is equipped with features such as cross-device synchronization, AI integration, in-app reminders, and seamless integration with the Microsoft ecosystem, all of which help streamline workflow and make it easier to stay organized.