BETA This playbook is in BETA, we think it’s good enough to be useful right now, but there are gaps that need filling – your feedback will help us to improve it.

About Microsoft To Do

Microsoft To Do is a simple tool that helps you keep track of tasks, set reminders, and organise your day.

It is designed for personal task management, making it easier to capture what you need to do and break work into manageable steps.

Who this can help

Microsoft To Do can be especially useful for:

Neurodivergent users

  • Helps structure tasks and reduce overwhelm
  • Provides a clear, visible list of what needs to be done
  • Supports routine and consistency

People with memory or concentration difficulties

  • Keeps tasks in one place so nothing is forgotten
  • Uses reminders to prompt action

Fatigue or brain fog

Reduces the effort of trying to remember everything

Anyone managing day-to-day workload

Helps prioritise and stay on track

What Microsoft To Do can do

  • Create and organise task lists
  • Set due dates and reminders
  • Break tasks into smaller steps
  • Flag important tasks
  • Sync across devices (desktop, phone, web)

Tips for getting the best experience

  • Keep tasks short but specific – for example “Email Sarah” instead of “Do emails”
  • Use My Day to avoid feeling overwhelmed by long lists
  • Set reminders for important or time-sensitive tasks
  • Break large tasks into smaller steps
  • Review your list at the start and end of each day

How to use Microsoft To Do

Creating Tasks

  • Click “+ Add a task
  • Add details: due dates, reminders, priority, and notes
  • Break tasks into sub-steps for clarity

Organising with Lists and Groups

  • Create lists for different areas – for example “Reviews”, “Deadlines”
  • Group lists into folders for better structure

Using “My Day”

  • Select tasks to focus on today
  • This resets daily, helping you prioritise without clutter

Flagged Emails and Planner Integration

  • Flagged emails in Outlook appear as tasks in To Do
  • Tasks from Microsoft Planner sync into To Do, which is useful for managing shared projects

Working with Others

  • You can share task lists with colleagues
  • Assign tasks to specific people and track progress
  • Useful for coordinating responsibilities without needing separate to

How it works with other tools

  • Use alongside a Daily focus plan to prioritise your tasks
  • Combine with Planner for team-based work
  • Use with Quiet Time or Focus Assist to reduce interruptions while working through your list

Last reviewed: June 23, 2026 by Kailani

Next review due: December 23, 2026

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