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How to Create an Outlook Task from OneNote for Windows 10

Huda Qurayshi Oct 10, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user wants to turn selected text in OneNote for Windows 10 into an Outlook task but cannot locate the Outlook Tasks flag or button described in Microsoft documentation.

How to Create an Outlook Task from OneNote for Windows 10

Product: OneNote for Windows 10
Device & OS: Windows 10
Scenario: Creating actionable tasks and reminders in Outlook directly from notes taken during meetings or personal planning.
Observed behavior: The Outlook Tasks button and flag feature, which are typically available in the classic OneNote application, are missing from the OneNote for Windows 10 interface.

Before you start

Verify which version of OneNote you are currently using, as feature sets differ significantly between the OneNote for Windows 10 app and the classic OneNote desktop application.

Solution 1Recommended

Switch to the Classic OneNote Desktop App

The most seamless way to use the Outlook Tasks flag is to switch to the classic OneNote desktop application, which fully supports this integration.

Microsoft maintains two different versions of OneNote for Windows. The full desktop version (formerly OneNote 2016) includes deep Outlook integration, while OneNote for Windows 10 is a streamlined app that does not support COM add-ins like the Outlook Tasks feature.

Download the classic app

Download and install the classic 'OneNote' application from the Microsoft Store or the official Microsoft Office website.

Open your notebook

Launch the classic OneNote application and open the notebook containing the text you want to convert.

Select the text

Highlight the specific text or note that you want to turn into an Outlook task.

Create the task

Go to the 'Home' tab on the top ribbon and click the 'Outlook Tasks' button (the red flag icon) to set a due date and create the task.

Switch to the Classic OneNote Desktop App

Automatic Sync: Tasks created this way will automatically sync with your Microsoft Outlook Tasks list and update dynamically if you check them off in either application.

Solution 2

Use the Email Page Workaround

If you prefer to stay in OneNote for Windows 10, you can email your notes to yourself and convert the received email into an Outlook task.

Solution 3

Use Microsoft To Do as an Alternative

Since Microsoft To Do automatically syncs with Outlook Tasks, you can use it alongside OneNote for Windows 10 to manage your action items.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the Outlook Tasks button missing in OneNote for Windows 10?

OneNote for Windows 10 is built on the Universal Windows Platform (UWP) and was designed to be a lightweight, touch-friendly application. It does not include the legacy COM add-in architecture required for the deep Outlook integration found in the classic OneNote desktop version.

How can I tell which version of OneNote I am currently using?

If the application in your Start menu is simply named 'OneNote for Windows 10', it is the UWP version. If it is named 'OneNote' and features a traditional File menu with a ribbon similar to Microsoft Word or Excel, you are using the classic desktop version.

Can I install the classic OneNote app alongside OneNote for Windows 10?

Yes, both applications can be installed and run on the same Windows 10 computer simultaneously. Because they sync through your Microsoft account, you can access the exact same notebooks in either application.

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