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How to Create Subtasks or Child Tasks in Microsoft Lists

Maira Mehtab Sep 27, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to create a parent-and-child task hierarchy in Microsoft Lists to assign different owners to specific subtasks.

Product: Microsoft Lists
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Organizing complex projects that require breaking down main tasks into actionable subtasks with distinct assignees and tracking details.
Observed behavior: Microsoft Lists does not offer an out-of-the-box feature for creating subtasks or establishing parent-child task relationships within a single list.

Before you start

Evaluate your project's complexity to decide if a structural workaround in Microsoft Lists is sufficient or if you need to migrate to a dedicated project management tool.

Solution 1Recommended

Create a Related List with a Lookup Column

Link a secondary list of subtasks to your primary list using a lookup column to simulate a parent-child relationship.

Since Microsoft Lists cannot nest items naturally, the best workaround is to maintain two separate lists and link them together. This allows you to assign unique owners to each subtask.

Create a parent task list

Set up your main Microsoft List with the high-level tasks and overarching project details.

Create a child task list

Create a second, separate list specifically for subtasks. Include columns for task names, assignees, due dates, and statuses.

Add a lookup column

In the child list, click 'Add column' and select 'Lookup'. Point this column to the 'Title' column of your parent task list. This action links every subtask to its corresponding parent task.

Lookup Column Limitations: While this method links tasks, it will not automatically display the subtasks nestled directly under the parent task in a single view.

Solution 2

Switch to Microsoft Planner or Project

Use dedicated project management tools within the Microsoft ecosystem that natively support task hierarchies.

Solution 3

Submit Feature Feedback to Microsoft

Provide feedback to Microsoft to encourage the development of a native subtask feature in Lists.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Manage Tasks Efficiently with WPS Office

If Microsoft Lists feels too rigid and lacks the nested task tracking you need, WPS Spreadsheet offers a highly customizable, free, and lightweight alternative. Easily create hierarchical task trackers, assign owners, and manage dependencies using familiar grouping and formatting tools.

1. Download and open WPS Office: Install WPS Office and launch the Spreadsheet application.
2. Set up your task tracker: Create columns for Task Name, Assignee, and Status. List your parent tasks and insert child tasks in the rows directly beneath them.
3. Group child tasks: Highlight the child task rows, navigate to the Data tab, and select 'Group'. This creates a collapsible hierarchy similar to native subtasks.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Excel (.xlsx) formats for easy task migration.Easily group, indent, and format rows to create visual parent and child tasks.Free, lightweight alternative to heavy project management suites.Built-in spreadsheet templates specifically designed for project management and task tracking.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use checklists inside a Microsoft Lists item?

You can use a multiple-line text column configured for rich text to create a basic checklist manually. However, you cannot assign different owners or due dates to individual checklist items within that text field.

Will Microsoft add a subtask feature to Lists?

As of now, subtasks are not a native feature in Microsoft Lists. Microsoft actively monitors their feedback portal, so voting on this request increases the likelihood of it being developed in future updates.

Can Microsoft Planner handle subtasks with different owners?

Microsoft Planner allows you to create checklists within a main task. However, assigning distinct owners and due dates to those specific checklist items typically requires upgrading to Microsoft Planner Premium (formerly Project for the web).

How do I link two lists in Microsoft Lists?

You can link lists by creating a 'Lookup' column in your secondary (child) list. Select your primary (parent) list as the source, and choose the column (usually Title) that you want to display to establish the relationship between the items.

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