How to Set Up Reminders in Windows - Make Tech Easier

When managing a large and varied to-do list, setting reminders can be incredibly helpful. Windows offers several built-in tools and third-party applications to set up reminders, including recurring ones. This guide will walk you through various methods to set reminders in Windows 10 and 11 efficiently.

Table of Contents

• Using Cortana to Set Reminders
• Setting Reminders with Microsoft To-Do
• Using Calendar for Reminders
• Setting Reminders with Any.do
• Using Task Scheduler for Reminders
• Frequently Asked Questions

Also read: How to Turn Off Computer Notifications on Windows

Using Cortana to Set Reminders

Cortana is a standout feature in Windows, capable of handling numerous tasks, including setting reminders.

Managing a hefty to-do list can be overwhelming, but Cortana simplifies the process. Here's how to set a reminder using Cortana:

1. Activate Cortana by saying “Hey Cortana” if voice recognition is enabled, or by clicking the “Cortana” icon on your taskbar. Alternatively, you can search for “Cortana” in the Start menu by pressing the Win key.

2. Voice your command or type the reminder you wish to set. For instance, you might say or type “Set a reminder for a birthday on August 28, 2022, at 10 AM.” Cortana will then add this reminder to Microsoft To-Do.

Setting Recurring Reminders with Cortana

Cortana also facilitates setting recurring reminders:

1. Open “Cortana” through search or by saying “Hey Cortana.”
2. Voice or type your reminder, such as “Remind me to take grandma to the doctor every Thursday at 6 PM.” Cortana will store this reminder in Microsoft To-Do.

Also read: 7 Tips for Microsoft To-Do to Boost Your Productivity

Setting Reminders with Microsoft To-Do

Microsoft To-Do is a straightforward, user-friendly application that lets you set reminders for your tasks, along with due dates and priorities.

Here’s how to set reminders using Microsoft To-Do:

1. Launch Microsoft To-Do.
2. Enter your reminder task in the “Add Task” section at the bottom and press Enter.

3. Click on the newly created task and choose the “Remind me” option.

4. Choose from the preset date and time options or select “Pick a date & time” for a custom reminder.

5. To set a recurring reminder, click on the task and go to the “Repeat” option, then select your preferred repeat frequency.

6. Alternatively, you can type details directly into the task, like “Medication at 10 AM daily,” to create a recurring reminder.

7. Microsoft To-Do will notify you at the specified date and time.

Also read: How to Set Up Location-Based Reminders on Android

Using Calendar for Reminders

The Windows Calendar app is an excellent tool for adding tasks and reminders, especially if you already use it for scheduling. Syncing your Google account with the calendar can help you manage all your tasks in one place.

1. Open the Calendar app or click on the time and date at the bottom right of your desktop.
2. Click the “ ” button on the left side.

3. Enter the task details and set the reminder's date and time.

4. To set a recurring reminder, click the “Repeat” button at the top.

5. Specify the start and end dates, the frequency of the reminder, and click “Save.”

6. Your recurring reminder will now appear on your Calendar.

Also read: 10 Calendar Apps That Serve as Great Alternatives to Google Calendar

Setting Reminders with Any.do

Any.do is a comprehensive to-do app that syncs with Google Calendar and can be installed on your phone for mobile reminders. Here’s how to set a reminder on Windows using Any.do:

1. Download and install the desktop version of Any.do.
2. Open Any.do and sign in with your Google account.

3. Click on “Create a task.”

4. Enter your task title at the top and the reminder details in the “Notes” section.

5. Navigate to the “Custom” section under “Remind Me” on the right.

6. Choose the date and time, then click “Set.”

7. Click the “Add Task” button to complete the process. Any.do will remind you at the scheduled time.

Using Task Scheduler for Reminders

While Task Scheduler isn’t the most user-friendly option for setting reminders, it can still be used effectively. Note that newer versions of Windows no longer support displaying messages or sending emails as actions. Here’s how to set reminders using Task Scheduler:

1. Open “Notepad” on your Windows computer.
2. Type the following text into Notepad:

<code>@abmacwanecho off<br>title "THIS IS YOUR REMINDER TITLE"<br>echo "THIS IS YOUR REMINDER MESSAGE"<br>pause</code>

3. Customize the title and message text as needed.

4. Save the file with a “.cmd” extension using Ctrl Shift S or through the “File” menu.

5. Open “Task Scheduler” from the start menu.
6. Click “Create Task” on the right side.

7. Name the task under the “General” tab and select “Windows 10” or “Windows 11” in the “Configure for” dropdown.

8. Go to the “Triggers” tab and click “New.”

9. Choose “On a schedule” under “Begin the task.”

10. Set the date and time for the reminder and click “OK.”

11. In the “Actions” tab, click “New.”

12. Select “Start a program” from the “Action” dropdown.

13. Locate and select the .cmd file you created, then click “OK” twice.

14. Find your reminder in the “Task Scheduler Library,” right-click it, and select “Run” to test it.

15. Your reminder is now set.

Also read: How to Automate and Schedule Tasks in Windows

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I sync Windows reminders with Android?

To sync reminders between Windows and Android, install and sync the “Microsoft To-Do” app on your Android device. Use the same login credentials as on your desktop to receive notifications on both devices.

Should I use a third-party app or Microsoft To-Do for reminders?

Microsoft To-Do is ideal for setting simple reminders in Windows. However, for more frequent or business-related reminders, consider using a more robust third-party app like Todoist.

How can I see Reminders in the Windows lock screen?

To view calendar events on your lock screen, follow these steps:

1. Right-click on your Windows desktop and select “Personalization.”
2. Navigate to “Lock Screen” in the left pane.
3. Select “Calendar” under “Lock screen status.”

Image credit: Kelly Sikkema via Unsplash All screenshots by Dharini Udani

The above is the detailed content of How to Set Up Reminders in Windows - Make Tech Easier. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!