10 Tips and Tricks to Master Microsoft To Do

If you're looking to manage your tasks more efficiently, Microsoft To Do is the ultimate app for you. With the recent announcement of Wunderlist shutting down, Microsoft To Do has become the go-to app in the market. It's not just a simple to-do app anymore, but a comprehensive platform that combines reminders, to-dos, and collaboration features. In this article, we'll explore some tips and tricks to help you make the most out of Microsoft To Do.

1. Plan Your Day in Advance

To start your day on the right foot, it's helpful to plan ahead. Microsoft To Do allows you to set daily reminders to prompt you to enter your tasks for the next day. By default, this feature is turned off, but you can easily modify it in the settings. Set a reminder time that works for you, and you'll never forget to jot down your tasks for the day.

2. Drag-and-Drop Tasks

In a recent update, Microsoft To Do introduced the drag-and-drop gesture. This feature allows you to quickly create a new task by selecting and dragging text from another app onto the To Do app. Whether you're copying information from a web page or an email, this gesture makes task creation effortless.

3. Use Quick Add Tasks

Microsoft To Do integrates with Google Assistant, but if you prefer a quicker method, enable the “Quick add notification” feature in the settings. This will add a silent notification to your notification drawer, allowing you to tap on it and quickly add a task. You can also create a quick shortcut on your home screen for even faster access.

4. Utilize Swipe Gestures

Microsoft To Do offers swipe gestures that many users are not aware of. You can swipe left on a task to delete it and swipe right to add it to your day. These gestures work on both the mobile and desktop versions of the app, making it easy to manage your tasks with a simple swipe.

5. Collaborate with Others

One of the standout features of Microsoft To Do is its collaborative capabilities. You can share lists with your colleagues and work together on tasks. While previously limited to Microsoft accounts, the app now works with Gmail accounts as well. Collaborating with your team has never been easier.

6. Use Hashtags

To keep your tasks organized, Microsoft To Do allows you to add hashtags or labels to your tasks. This feature is particularly helpful when collaborating with others, as it makes it easier to find specific tasks. Simply add a hashtag to your task name and quickly filter tasks with the same hashtag.

7. Integrate with Slack

While there's no direct integration between Microsoft To Do and Slack, you can use Zapier to connect the two. By creating a Zap, you can automatically convert starred Slack messages into tasks in Microsoft To Do. This is a convenient way to manage your tasks across both platforms.

8. Add Emails from Gmail

To seamlessly add emails to Microsoft To Do, you can use the “Add to Microsoft To Do” extension for Gmail. With a simple click, you can turn an email into a task, with the subject as the task name and the email link as the description. This is a handy feature for quickly adding important emails to your task list.

9. Utilize Live Tiles in Windows

If you're a Windows user, you can take advantage of the live tiles feature in the Windows 10 start menu. Pin your favorite To Do lists to the start menu, and the tasks from these lists will appear whenever you open the start menu. This ensures that your tasks are always in sight, even when the app is minimized.

10. Use Cortana Support

For Windows 10 users who rely on Cortana, you can easily add tasks to your To Do list using voice commands. Simply ask Cortana to add a task, specifying the task name and list name. For example, you can say, “Add Milk to Grocery List.” Cortana will instantly add the task, making it a breeze to manage your tasks hands-free.

Microsoft To Do has come a long way since its inception, offering a range of features to help you stay organized and productive. Whether you're a Windows user or not, these tips and tricks will undoubtedly enhance your task management experience.