In the past, I’d open my laptop only to become distracted and postpone my responsibilities. It was a classic case of “out of sight, out of mind.”However, when I integrated my to-do list into the Windows 11 widget panel, those tasks began to confront me daily—making it significantly harder to ignore them.
The Effectiveness of a Desktop To-Do List Widget
Previously, I relied extensively on pen and paper to track my tasks—a method I still maintain for certain items. Yet, as my workload continued to increase, I realized I needed a more effective organizational tool. Although I experimented with various to-do list applications, I found merely accessing them to check or update tasks felt like an additional burden.
What I truly desired was a solution that would allow me to manage tasks directly from my desktop. Enter the desktop widget—a perfect solution that keeps your tasks visible with every glance at your screen. With this setup, marking completed tasks or adding new ones can be done effortlessly using the Win+D shortcut, allowing your workflow to remain uninterrupted.
Initially, I depended solely on Microsoft To Do as my primary task management tool. However, the removal of the desktop widget feature compelled me to seek alternatives. After testing several apps, I discovered TickTick. Although it’s a robust task manager, its customizable desktop widget is what captivated me. Not only does it remain visible on my desktop, but it also doesn’t minimize with my other windows.
This widget is not just for display; it offers full interactivity. You can add tasks, set priorities, assign due dates, and check off items as completed—all without ever needing to open the main application.
Setting Up a TickTick Desktop Widget
To get started, download and install TickTick from their website or via the Microsoft Store. The base app is free, although some features necessitate a premium subscription costing $35.99 annually.
After installation, right-click the TickTick icon in your system tray. Click on Add Desktop Widgets and select Task Widget from the three options available, which also include Calendar Widget and Eisenhower Matrix Widget for prioritization.
The widget will instantly appear on your desktop in a tidy, minimalistic design showcasing your default tasks. Unlike typical application windows, this widget continues to remain visible, even when you opt to show the desktop or use the Windows+D keyboard shortcut. This constant visibility is a key factor in its effectiveness.
Incorporating Tasks into the Widget
If you already have tasks listed, they will automatically appear in the widget. To add new tasks, simply enter the task name in the Add Task field and press Enter.
You can further organize your tasks by assigning them to specific lists or adding relevant tags. Click the dropdown arrow next to the Add Task field to access advanced options, including setting priority levels, designating tasks to lists like Work, School, or Personal, applying tags for improved organization, and attaching files or notes. The calendar icon allows for setting reminders and due dates.
By right-clicking a task in the widget, a context menu appears with quick actions, enabling you to assign priority using color-coded flags, add subtasks, pin important tasks to the top, or convert tasks into sticky notes.
To mark a task as complete, simply click the checkbox beside it. Based on your individual settings, completed tasks can either remain visible with a strikethrough or disappear entirely from the widget.
Moreover, the widget’s capabilities aren’t limited to a single instance. Personally, I use two widgets concurrently—one for work tasks and another designated for personal tasks.
To add additional widgets, right-click the TickTick icon once again, select Add Desktop Widget, and choose Task Widget. In the new widget, use the Inbox dropdown to select a different list, such as Work or Home. You can place these wherever suits your layout on the screen, and their positions will remain the same even after rebooting.
Customizing the Widget Interface
Tailoring the widget’s appearance to fit your preferences is straightforward. Click on the three-dots menu in the top right corner and select Settings. In the Config Widget dialog, you have the option to toggle between dark and light themes, adjust the opacity for better integration with your wallpaper, and determine if completed tasks should remain visible or disappear immediately.
There’s a Stick to the top feature that allows the widget to remain above other windows, which is especially useful when working in full-screen applications. Furthermore, under Task Options, you can configure default display settings for your tasks, which includes grouping by priority or due date and sorting preferences like newest first or alphabetically.
The widget’s size can be altered by simply dragging the edges, allowing you to customize its dimensions. A slimmer widget can fit neatly into a corner, while a wider version could be positioned across the top or bottom, resembling an extension of your taskbar.
Since incorporating TickTick’s widget into my desktop environment, I’ve finally established a reliable to-do system. Tasks are simple to add, and ticking them off is even easier. This minor adjustment has transformed my productivity—having my tasks visible throughout the day is a game changer.
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