How to Use Copilot Reminders? What Can They Do & What Can’t?

Copilot Reminders allow you to ask Copilot to remember something for later and notify you at the right time. These reminders usually work inside Microsoft apps like Outlook, Teams, Windows, and Microsoft 365 services, depending on your account type and region. You interact with reminders using simple, conversational commands instead of navigating complex menus.

However, many users are still confused about how Copilot Reminders actually work, what they can realistically handle, and where their limitations lie.

In this post, I will explain how to use Copilot Reminders, what Copilot Reminders can do, and what they cannot.

So, let’s simply learn these things!

Table of Contents

How to Use Copilot Reminders?

Copilot Reminders work by letting users create time-based or context-based reminders using natural language commands. You can ask Copilot to remind you about meetings, follow-ups, deadlines, or tasks, and it will deliver notifications through supported Microsoft apps at the scheduled time.

The process is straightforward, but understanding the flow helps you avoid missed alerts and confusion.

Step 1: Open Copilot in a Supported App

The first step is accessing Microsoft Copilot from a supported environment. This could be Copilot in Windows, Copilot in Microsoft Edge, Copilot in Outlook, or Copilot inside Microsoft Teams. Make sure you are signed in with the Microsoft account that you use regularly, because reminders are tied to that account.

Once Copilot opens, you will see a chat-style interface where you can type or speak commands. This is where reminder creation begins.

Step 2: Create a Reminder Using Natural Language

After opening Copilot, simply tell it what you want to be reminded about. You do not need a specific command format. For example, you can say something like “Remind me to submit the report tomorrow at 10 AM”. Copilot analyzes the request, identifies the task, and extracts the date and time.

At this stage, Copilot may ask for clarification if your request is vague. For instance, if you say remind me later, it may ask when exactly later is. Providing clear time references improves accuracy.

Step 3: Confirm the Reminder Details

Once Copilot understands your request, it usually shows a summary of the reminder it is about to create. This includes the reminder text, date, and time. Review this carefully before confirming.

Confirmation ensures that Copilot schedules the reminder correctly. If anything looks wrong, you can edit the time or description by responding in the chat before finalizing it.

Step 4: Receive Notifications at the Right Time

When the scheduled time arrives, Copilot Reminders notify you through supported channels. This could be a Windows notification, an alert in Outlook, or a message inside Teams, depending on where Copilot is integrated.

These notifications are designed to be subtle but noticeable. Clicking on the reminder may take you back to Copilot or the related app where the task originated.

Step 5: Manage, Update, or Delete Reminders

You can ask Copilot to show your upcoming reminders at any time. For example, you can ask, “What reminders do I have today?” Copilot will list them in the chat interface.

If plans change, you can modify reminders by asking Copilot to reschedule or cancel them. This conversational approach eliminates the need to search through separate reminder or task apps.

What Can It Do, What Can’t?

Understanding the strengths and limitations of Copilot Reminders is essential to using them effectively.

What Copilot Reminders Can Do

Copilot Reminders can create time-based reminders using natural language, making them accessible even for users who are not tech-savvy. They integrate with Microsoft tools, which means reminders often align with emails, meetings, and documents already stored in your Microsoft account.

They can help with work-related tasks such as meeting follow-ups, deadlines, and daily planning. Copilot Reminders can also handle personal reminders like paying bills or making phone calls, as long as the reminder does not require external app control.

Copilot Reminders are especially useful for people who already spend most of their day in Microsoft apps. The seamless experience reduces context switching and keeps reminders within the same ecosystem.

What Copilot Reminders Cannot Do

Copilot Reminders cannot reliably trigger actions outside the Microsoft ecosystem. For example, they cannot automatically send messages on third-party apps or control smart home devices.

They also lack advanced task management features found in dedicated to-do apps. Copilot Reminders are reminders, not full project management tools. They do not break tasks into subtasks or track progress over time in a detailed way.

Another limitation is availability. Some reminder features depend on your Microsoft subscription, region, and app version. Not all users will see identical behavior across devices.

FAQs

Are Copilot Reminders the same as Microsoft To Do?

No, Copilot Reminders and Microsoft To Do are different tools. Copilot Reminders focus on quick, conversational reminders, while Microsoft To Do offers structured task lists, due dates, and long-term planning features.

Do Copilot Reminders work offline?

Copilot Reminders require an internet connection to create and manage reminders. Notifications may still appear if they were already synced, but offline functionality is limited.

Can I use voice commands for Copilot Reminders?

Yes, in supported environments, you can use voice input to create reminders. Copilot processes spoken commands similarly to typed ones.

Are Copilot Reminders available on all Windows versions?

Copilot Reminders are mainly supported on newer versions of Windows and updated Microsoft apps. Older systems may not support full functionality.

Can I share reminders with others?

Currently, Copilot Reminders are personal. You cannot directly assign or share them with other users like shared tasks.