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How to Keep Microsoft To Do Pinned to the Side of the Screen

Maira Mehtab Sep 27, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to know how to permanently reserve a part of the desktop to keep Microsoft To Do pinned as a side panel.

Product: Microsoft To Do
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Arranging the desktop layout to reserve permanent screen space for task management while working on other tasks.
Observed behavior: Microsoft To Do lacks a built-in feature to dock or reserve a permanent side pane on the desktop natively.

Before you start

Ensure your Windows operating system is updated to Windows 10 or Windows 11, as you will need to utilize native window-management features like Snap Assist to split your screen effectively.

Solution 1Recommended

Use Windows Snap Layouts to Split Your Screen

Since Microsoft To Do does not have a native docking feature, using the built-in Windows Snap Assist is the most effective way to keep it pinned to one side of your desktop.

Windows Snap allows you to organize your open windows perfectly on your screen. By snapping Microsoft To Do to one side, you can reserve that space while you work in other applications on the remaining portion of your screen.

Open Microsoft To Do

Launch the Microsoft To Do desktop app from your Windows Start menu.

Snap the window using a keyboard shortcut

Make sure the Microsoft To Do window is active, then press and hold the 'Windows key' and press the 'Left Arrow' or 'Right Arrow' key to instantly snap the app to the side of your screen.

Fill the remaining screen space

Windows Snap Assist will display thumbnails of your other open apps on the opposite side. Click on the application you want to work on to fill the remaining space.

Adjust the pane size

Hover your mouse over the dividing line between the two apps until the cursor turns into a double-headed arrow, then click and drag to make the Microsoft To Do pane narrower.

Windows 11 Snap Layouts: If you are on Windows 11, you can also hover over the maximize button in the top-right corner of the To Do window to choose a specific Snap Layout grid.

Solution 2

Use Third-Party Window Management Tools

If Windows Snap is not sufficient and you want a strict always-on-top or reserved side panel, you can use Microsoft PowerToys.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Microsoft To Do stay always on top of other windows?

Microsoft To Do does not have a native 'always on top' feature. To achieve this, you need to use a utility like Microsoft PowerToys, which includes an 'Always On Top' tool that lets you pin any window above others using a quick keyboard shortcut.

Does Microsoft To Do have a compact view or mini player?

Microsoft To Do features a minimized window state if you resize it manually, which hides the side menu, but it does not offer a dedicated mini player mode. Windows 11 users can add the To Do widget to their Widgets board for quick access instead.

Is it possible to integrate Microsoft To Do directly onto the desktop wallpaper?

Not natively. You cannot embed the Microsoft To Do interface directly into your desktop background. You would need third-party desktop customization software like Rainmeter alongside specific community plugins to display To Do tasks on the wallpaper.

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