Tired of juggling all your projects on one big to-do list? Looking to keep your groceries separate from the compositions you are about to harmonize and the packing list for your trip to Estonia? Find out here how to add a new to-do list to Microsoft To Do ⤓.
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How to Add a New To-Do List in Microsoft To Do
Time needed: 2 minutes
To set up a new custom to-do list in Microsoft To Do:
- Expand the sidebar that shows the list of lists in Microsoft To Do.
Here’s how: If the sidebar is collapsed, click the hamburger menu button (☰) or 〈 Lists (in the mobile apps).
MS To Do for Mac: in the To Do app for macOS; make the window wider until the sidebar shows.
Keyboard shortcut: In the desktop apps, you can also press Ctrl 1 (Windows) or Command 1.
- Click + New List.
- Type the name you want to use for the new to-do list over New list or Untitled list.
New name: Let the name be unique; see below.
Emoji: You can use certain emoji at the beginning of list names to make them easily distinguishable. - Press Enter.
Now what: You can now arrange the list in a group or share it with other people to collaborate on tasks.
How to Add a New To-Do List in Microsoft To Do: FAQ
Can I have two lists of the same name?
No.
When you create a list with a repeating name, MS To Do will add (1), (2), etc. to distinguish the lists. This is also true when one of the lists is in a folder, for example.
You can set up two lists with the same name and differing emoji icons.
Can I use the name of a smart list?
Yes.
While two custom to-do lists cannot share a name, you can add a custom list that has the same name as a built-in smart list, e.g., Planned, My Day or Completed.
Can I set up sub-lists (lists inside other lists) in MS To Do?
No.
Microsoft To Do will not let you set up lists inside other lists (sub-lists). You can collect them in (one level of) groups, however.
(How to add a new to-do list tested with Microsoft To Do 2.114-2.176; first published September 2024, last updated September 2025)