How to Use Tasks in Outlook

Microsoft Outlook is a powerful software program that enables users to manage their email messages, contacts, appointments and tasks. Many users are familiar with the operation of the email and contact features, but they have not taken advantage of the lesser-known Tasks portion of the software. Learn how to use Outlook's Tasks.

Instructions

1. Open Microsoft Outlook and click the small clipboard icon at the lower left of the window to go to Tasks.
   Select "New" from the toolbar at the top of the Tasks navigation pane to create a new task. A window for the new task will open where you can fill in the subject, time(s), status and other elements of the task. Click "Save" at the top left of this window to save it and have it appear on your calendar.

2. Click any category at the top of the To Do List pane to sort your tasks by that category. Some ways that Tasks can be sorted are by start date, due date, subject, reminders and status.

3. Select "View" from the toolbar at the top of the window, and then click "Current View" to change the way you see your Tasks onscreen. There are many ways that Tasks can be viewed; simple and detailed lists, active tasks, tasks due in the next 7 days and overdue tasks, among others.
   Select a task and click the icon labeled "Forward" at the top right of the pane to forward this task to another person via email.

Tips & Warnings

• Mark tasks as private and make them not viewable by others by double clicking on the task and then clicking on the lock icon located in the upper right of the window.

References

• Tasks in Outlook

Resources

• 4 Ways to Streamline Your Tasks