Calendar Problems

How to Create an Outlook Follow-Up Reminder for an Email

Emma Brown Oct 10, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to set up a follow-up reminder for a specific email message using Microsoft 365.

How to Create an Outlook Follow-Up Reminder for an Email

Product: Microsoft Outlook
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Managing email workflows and ensuring important messages are followed up on at a specific date and time.
Observed behavior: The user is unable to locate the feature or exact steps to create a follow-up reminder for an email within the Outlook interface.

Before you start

Ensure you are logged into your Microsoft 365 account and have access to both your Outlook inbox and Microsoft To Do, as tasks sync across these services.

Solution 1Recommended

Create a Follow-Up Task via Microsoft To Do

Use the 'Create task' option in Outlook on the web to turn your email into an actionable item with a customizable reminder.

Microsoft 365 integrates Outlook deeply with Microsoft To Do. Converting an email into a task is the most reliable way to set a custom follow-up reminder, ensuring you receive a notification across your synced devices.

Locate the email in Outlook

Open Outlook on the web in your browser, navigate to your inbox, and find the email message you wish to follow up on.

Convert the email to a task

Right-click the target email, hover over 'Advanced actions' in the context menu, and select 'Create task'. The email will automatically be sent to your Microsoft To Do list.

Set the reminder date and time

Open Microsoft To Do, locate the newly created task (usually under the 'Tasks' list), right-click it, select 'Set reminder', and choose your preferred follow-up date and time.

Create a Follow-Up Task via Microsoft To Do

Version Differences: Menu names and the exact location of the 'Create task' or 'Follow up' features may differ slightly if you are using the Outlook desktop application for Windows or Mac.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I flag an email for follow-up directly in the Outlook desktop app?

Yes. In the Outlook desktop application for Windows, you can quickly hover over an email in your inbox and click the flag icon. Alternatively, right-click the email, select 'Follow Up', and choose a specific timeframe such as 'Today' or 'Next Week'.

Where can I view all my flagged emails and follow-up reminders?

Your flagged emails and follow-up tasks can be viewed in the Microsoft To Do app under the 'Flagged email' smart list. You can also view them in the classic Outlook Tasks pane or the integrated 'To Do' bar on the right side of your desktop calendar.

Why is the 'Create task' option missing when I right-click an email?

If 'Create task' is not visible, it may be hidden under the 'Advanced actions' sub-menu in Outlook on the web. If it is entirely missing, ensure your Microsoft 365 organization has enabled Microsoft To Do integration, or simply use the 'Flag' feature which automatically creates a task counterpart.

Outlook & Email Problems