The easiest way is the Microsoft To Do app. Add a task, select it, select Remind me, and pick a time. Windows shows a notification when it’s due. For a quick one-time alert that doesn’t need a Microsoft account, set an alarm in the Clock app instead.
Applies to: Windows 11. Checked against Microsoft Support on September 29, 2026.
Set a reminder in Microsoft To Do
Microsoft To Do is free in Microsoft Store and needs a Microsoft account. Your reminders sync to the To Do app on your phone. For a quick note that does not need an alert, you can put a sticky note on your Windows 11 desktop instead.
- Select Start, type To Do and open Microsoft To Do.
- In My Day or another list, type your task in Add a task and press Enter.
- Select the task to open its details.
- Select Remind me.
- Choose Later today, Tomorrow, Next week, or Pick a date & time.
To repeat it, select Repeat and choose daily, weekdays, weekly, monthly or yearly. You can also add a due date, and the task shows in the Planned list.
Set an alarm in the Clock app
Use this for a simple alert at a set time.
- Select Start, type Clock and open it.
- Select Alarm.
- Select Add an alarm (the plus sign).
- Set the time, type a name such as Pay Contoso bill, choose whether it repeats, and select Save.
Alarms work even if the Clock app is closed. They only go off while the PC is awake, so keep a laptop plugged in and set to not sleep if the alarm matters.
Use a timer for short reminders
For something like “check the oven in 20 minutes,” a timer is quicker than an alarm.
- Open the Clock app and select Timer.
- Select a preset timer, or select Add new timer (the plus sign) to set your own length and name.
- Select Start. You can run several timers at once.
Set a reminder in Outlook
If you keep appointments in Outlook, add the reminder there. Open Outlook, select Calendar > New event, add the title and time, and choose how early you want to be reminded from the reminder list. Select Save. The reminder also shows on your phone if Outlook is set up there.
Make sure you see the reminder
- Notifications: Go to Settings > System > Notifications and make sure notifications are on for Microsoft To Do and Clock.
- Do not disturb: If Do not disturb is on, reminders are silent until you turn it off.
- Sound: Turn up the volume so you can hear the alarm.
- To Do reminders don’t appear: go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps, select the three dots next to Microsoft To Do, select Advanced options, and set background app permissions to Always if that option is shown.
- Focus sessions: a focus session turns on Do not disturb, so reminders stay silent until it ends.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use my calendar instead?
Yes. In the Outlook app, create an event and set its reminder time. It’s the better choice for meetings and appointments.
Where did Cortana reminders go?
Microsoft retired Cortana, so it can’t set reminders anymore. Microsoft To Do is the replacement for task reminders.
Will my To Do reminders show on my phone?
Yes. Install Microsoft To Do on your phone and sign in with the same Microsoft account. Reminders sync both ways.
How do I turn off or delete a reminder?
In To Do, open the task and select the X next to the reminder, or complete the task. In Clock, turn the alarm’s switch off, or select it and choose Delete.
Where can I see all my upcoming reminders?
In To Do, open the Planned list. It groups tasks with due dates or reminders by day.
Microsoft’s references are Add due dates and reminders in Microsoft To Do and How to use alarms and timers in the Clock app in Windows. More help is on our Windows Help & Guides page.
Related: How to recover deleted Sticky Notes in Windows 11.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.