Let’s talk about what Microsoft To Do is and why you should be using it…
What is MS To Do?
Simply put – it’s a task list.
Sure, but don’t I have that with Outlook, or any other task list program?
Yes, you do – what makes MS To Do (slightly) different, is that it’s
- based in the cloud
- a separate program
- interacts with MS Outlook
- available and synchronises across apps
It’s about productivity (or whatever you want to use it for) – organising ideas, tasks, projects.
You create tasks – either in a big list, or break them into lists. Each task can have steps, additional information and due dates.
Overall, within the structure, it’s pretty flexible.
Let’s talk money – how much is it?
It’s free (and that fits in with everyone’s budget) 😁
Sure you’ll be asked to sign in with a Microsoft Account, but if you don’t already have one, you can create a free version.
And if you have a Microsoft365 subscription, then To Do is included.
How do I get Microsoft To Do?
You’re going to either use it in a web browser (Edge, Chrome, FireFox, Safari, or one I haven’t listed) or download and install it.
From there, depends on what device you’re using:
Windows PC – www.todo.microsoft.com or office.com (to download or use it online)
MacOS – Mac App Store
Mobile Phone/Tablet – App Store (AppStore or PlayStore)
Now what?
It doesn’t feel like I’m really selling you on this product 😥.
Let me explain how I use it…
First – I pay for my own M365 license, and I have a computer, tablet and smartphone.
I’ve never been a big fan of the Task List in Outlook. So often I’d add things and then completely forget about them.
So it’s rather interesting that I do use Microsoft To Do – pretty much all the time.
With my M365 (personal) account, I have the app installed on both my tablet and smart phone. I generally don’t use it on my computer, since I’ve got one or both of my devices next to me.
Because the lists (yes, I’ve got more than one) are held in the cloud (M365), I can see the same information across my devices, and it’s always kept up-to-date.
When I have an idea, I can type it into whichever device (mostly my phone) I’ve got with me, so that I don’t forget it.
Later, I can review the list and take whatever action I need to.
Why not use Outlook Tasks?
Sure I could do this with Outlook, but I have to open the program and go to my tasks. With To Do, I open the app and they’re there.
Outlook shows (normally) tasks in a big list. If I wanted to put them into an order or group them together, then I need to create a category and change the view.
With To Do, I create a list and add things into it.
As a ‘plain’ list, you can use it however you want.
A few things that I’ve used it for:
- Ideas – thoughts and ideas get added to the relevant list
- YouTube Videos – I add the topics and ideas for videos into a specific list
- Packing list – I’ve only gone on a couple of 2 night ‘local’ trips, but it let’s me check that I’ve got everything, and add things as I think of them.
- Future Plans – I get a lot of ideas of things I’d like to do, I make a list to a) not forget them and b) get them out of my head
Next Steps
How will you put Microsoft To Do to work?
Let’s have a chat how I can help – all you need to do is Book a Call.
Related Posts
- My Day – plan out today’s tasks with Microsoft To Do
You’ve got your tasks written down, but it’s a long list. How do you know what needs to get done? Simple – use My Day to help you focus. - How easy is it to assign tasks in To Do?
Pretty easy is the answer. Of course that does assume that it’s all setup and ready. Let me show you how to assign tasks in To Do. - It’s good to share including your To Do tasks
When it comes to your productivity, you don’t have to do it all alone. But all the work doesn’t have to be repeated just share tasks. - MS To Do Tips – The Best Tips and Tricks
You’ve started using MS To Do and creating tasks, but what about all the tips and tricks that improve things? Here are my top 6 To Do Tips. - What do you need to know about Microsoft To Do?
What is Microsoft To Do and why should you be using it to help you organise your tasks and day? Let me help you out with that answer.