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Can You Pin Microsoft To Do Tasks to the Desktop? Solutions & Workarounds

Natalie Taylor Oct 22, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user wants to display today's Microsoft To Do tasks as a pinned note or list directly on their computer desktop without having to open the dedicated application.

How to Pin Microsoft To Do Tasks to the Desktop

Product: Microsoft To Do / Outlook
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Managing daily tasks created in Microsoft Outlook and wanting quick, continuous visibility of today's schedule on the desktop.
Observed behavior: Microsoft To Do does not have a native feature to pin tasks to the desktop directly.

Before you start

Ensure you have Microsoft Outlook installed and configured on your computer, as the most effective workaround utilizes Outlook's built-in task pane.

Solution 1Recommended

View Today's Tasks Using the Outlook To-Do Bar

Since direct desktop pinning isn't natively supported by Microsoft To Do, keeping the Outlook To-Do bar docked on your screen is the best alternative to monitor daily tasks.

Microsoft To Do currently does not support placing a native widget or list directly onto your Windows desktop. However, because To Do syncs seamlessly with Microsoft Outlook, you can dock your daily tasks right inside your Outlook window to keep them constantly visible while you check your emails.

Open Microsoft Outlook

Launch Microsoft Outlook on your computer and ensure you are signed into the same Microsoft account you use for your To Do tasks.

Enable the To-Do Bar

Navigate to the 'View' tab on the top ribbon. Click on the 'To-Do Bar' button and select 'Tasks' from the drop-down menu. This will open the task pane on the right side of your screen.

Filter Tasks for Today

Right-click the 'Arrange By' header located at the top of the newly opened task pane. Select 'Custom' or 'View Settings', and apply a filter to display only 'Today's tasks'.

View Today's Tasks Using the Outlook To-Do Bar

Submit a Feature Request: If you wish to see a native desktop pinning feature in the future, you can submit feedback directly to the developers through the Microsoft Feedback Portal for To Do.

Solution 2

Use Windows Sticky Notes as a Manual Alternative

If you strictly need a floating note on your desktop, you can manually copy your tasks into the built-in Windows Sticky Notes app.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a Windows widget for Microsoft To Do?

Currently, Windows 10 and Windows 11 do not offer a native Microsoft To Do widget that can be pinned directly to the desktop workspace. Users can only use the Start menu Live Tiles in Windows 10 for limited visibility.

Does Microsoft Planner sync with Microsoft To Do?

Yes, tasks that are assigned to you in Microsoft Planner will automatically appear in Microsoft To Do under the 'Assigned to me' smart list, allowing you to manage all your tasks in one centralized app.

How can I suggest a desktop widget feature to Microsoft?

You can submit feedback and feature requests by visiting the official Microsoft Feedback Portal online. Microsoft's development team regularly reviews these user submissions to prioritize future updates for To Do and Outlook.

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