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Fix Microsoft To Do Task Order Changing Across Devices

Phi Hung Vo Sep 30, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to stop their custom task order in Microsoft To Do from changing unexpectedly when syncing between devices.

How to Fix Microsoft To Do Task Order Changing Across Devices

Product: Microsoft To Do
Device & OS: iPadOS, Windows
Scenario: Manually organizing tasks in the 'My Day' list on an iPad and attempting to keep the same order when opening the app on a Windows PC.
Observed behavior: Tasks rearranged manually on the iPad lose their custom order and move unexpectedly when the Microsoft To Do app is subsequently opened and synced on a Windows PC.

Before you start

Ensure that both your iPad and Windows PC have an active, stable internet connection before opening the Microsoft To Do app to prevent offline synchronization conflicts.

Solution 1Recommended

Verify Network Sync and Update Apps

Rule out network lag or outdated app versions causing synchronization conflicts between your iPad and PC.

Often, task order changes occur because changes made offline on one device are overwritten by the other device when it connects to the server. Updating the app and testing on a unified network ensures proper handshake during sync.

Update Microsoft To Do

Go to the Apple App Store on your iPad and the Microsoft Store on your PC. Search for Microsoft To Do and install any pending updates.

Connect to the same network

Connect both your iPad and Windows PC to the same mobile hotspot or Wi-Fi network to eliminate router restrictions or firewall sync issues.

Test online synchronization

Ensure the iPad is online, rearrange a few tasks in 'My Day', wait a few seconds for the cloud sync icon to complete, and then open the Windows PC app.

Account verification: If the issue persists, verify whether you are using a personal or work/school account. Enterprise network policies sometimes delay instant synchronization.

Solution 2

Use Built-in Sorting Instead of Custom Drag-and-Drop

If manual sorting continues to break during cross-device sync, use the built-in sorting options to maintain visual consistency.

Solution 3

Re-authenticate Your Microsoft Account

Refresh your authentication tokens to resolve deep-seated syncing errors between your local apps and Microsoft's servers.

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1. Install WPS Office: Download and install WPS Office from the official website on your Windows PC and the App Store on your iPad.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Microsoft To Do task order change automatically?

This usually happens due to synchronization conflicts. If one device (like a PC) is offline when tasks are rearranged on another device (like an iPad) and later reconnects, the server may fail to merge the custom order correctly, reverting or mixing the task positions.

How can I force Microsoft To Do to sync immediately?

On a Windows PC, click your profile picture, select 'Settings', and click the 'Sync' button. On an iPad, simply pull down from the top of your task list until the loading spinner appears to force a server refresh.

Does Microsoft To Do support custom sorting on all devices?

Yes, you can manually drag and drop tasks to create a custom order in lists like 'My Day'. However, this custom order relies on cloud synchronization to reflect across other devices, which can temporarily fail if there are network delays or if one device is offline.

Will reinstalling the app fix the synchronization issues?

Reinstalling can resolve sync issues caused by a corrupt local cache. Make sure all your tasks are synced to the cloud (accessible via todo.microsoft.com) before uninstalling the app from your iPad or Windows PC so you do not lose any data.

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