Here’s how to set a reminder on Windows.
1. How to Set a Reminder Using Cortana
The easiest way to set reminders on Windows is to tell Windows you want to be reminded about something. If you can’t find Cortana, there’s a good chance you’ve disabled it in the past. As such, check out our guide on how to enable Cortana to get her back.
You can open Cortana with the Win + C keyboard shortcut. Once you’re signed in, you can ask her to set a reminder using your microphone. Of course, if you’ve disallowed Cortana from using the computer’s mic, you can just type the command out for Cortana like so:
Cortana will create a reminder for you in Microsoft To-Do, which comes pre-installed on Windows 11. However, if you’re not a fan of Cortana, you can also directly set up a reminder using Microsoft To-Do.
2. How to Set a Reminder Using Microsoft To-Do
If you don’t like using Cortana, you can manually create a reminder in Microsoft To-Do. Open Windows Search, enter “Microsoft To-Do,” and launch the Best match.
When the app launches, click on Add task. Name the task and click the Plus sign.
Click on the task. You’ll see a sidebar slide in from the right. Select the Remind me option. Select Pick a data & time. Enter a date and time when you want to be reminded.
If you want to set a recurring reminder, click on Repeat > Custom and select a frequency at which you want to be reminded about the task. The highest frequency is “Daily,” which makes To-Do less useful for hourly reminders, and much more suited for daily or weekly tasks.
3. Set a Reminder Using Microsoft Calendar
Microsoft Calendar also comes pre-installed with the latest versions of Windows. Like Microsoft To-Do, you can use it to set up reminders
Search for “Microsoft Calendar” in Windows Search and select the Best match. Once the app launches, click on any date. You’ll see a pop-up that lets you create an event on the selected day.
Enter the name of the task you want to be reminded about in the Event name field. Then, click on More details.
Uncheck the box to the left of All day and then select a time range. If you’re setting a reminder for drinking a glass of water, though, just enter the same time as both the starting and ending time. Then, select when you want to be reminded about the event or task.
Again, if it’s something like drinking a glass of water, you should select 0 minutes before. If it’s about going to the doctor, you might want to select 10 minutes or 20 minutes before so you have enough time to wrap up whatever you’re doing.
You can also set a recurring reminder by clicking on Repeat. You can only set reminders to recur daily, though. Hourly reminders aren’t an option.
4. Set a Reminder Using Task Scheduler
Task Scheduler is an ancient Windows tool. Many of its features have been deprecated, but you can still use it set reminders, both one-off and recurring, on Windows.
Search the Start Menu for Task Scheduler and select the Best match. Click on the Create Basic Task option.
Enter a task name, describe the task, and click Next.
Select a recurring frequency. You have a few options, but hourly reminders aren’t an option. The most frequent option you can select is daily. Click Next when done.
Select a date and time, and enter a value for your chosen recurring frequency. Click Next when done.
On the next screen, select Start a program. You’ll also see two other options for sending an email or displaying a message, but both of them have been deprecated.
Click Next, and you’ll see the option to select a program. You might consider selecting any lightweight program like Notepad as a signal to do the task.
Task Manager isn’t the best way to set reminders, but it’s an option nonetheless.
Never Forget a Thing Again
Windows has several apps and functionalities that help you set reminders. However, if you want to set hourly reminders, you’ll need to use a third-party task management app. If you’re looking for a better way to set reminders, consider setting reminders on your mobile phone. You’re more likely to have a mobile phone with you when you’re not at your desk, so you’re less likely to miss a reminder.
