How to use Cortana to create to-do and shopping lists on Windows 10

You can now create lists using Cortana on Windows 10, Android, and iOS for tasks, shopping, and more. Here's how to use the feature.

Cortana lists with Wunderlist integration

Cortana has a new skill to let you create lists, which you can also connect with Wunderlist for a deeper integration. If you’ve been using the digital assistant, you know that it can do an array of tasks, but managing lists wasn’t one of them.

The new feature allows Cortana on your Windows 10 PC, tablet, or phone quickly and conveniently create and manage all kinds of lists, including your typical to-do and shopping lists.

In this guide, you’ll learn the easy steps to use Cortana to create lists using the keyboard or voice commands.

How to create lists using Cortana

  1. Open Cortana.

  2. In the search box use the following command:

    Create a <list-name> list

    For example: Create a Shopping list

  3. If you want to rename the list, click the Edit button next.

  4. Adding new items to list is as easy, simply type the following command:

    Add <item> to my <list-name> list

    For example: Add eggs to my Shopping list

  5. In the case, you want to edit an item, click the Edit button.

  6. If you want to see a list and all its content, you can use the following command:

    Show me my <list-name> list

    For example: Show me my Shopping list

    Creating lists using Cortana
    Creating lists using Cortana

It’s really that simple. At any time, you can ask Cortana to show you a list, where you can mark those items that you have already completed.

If you’re using Hey Cortana, you can use the following command examples:

  • Hey Cortana: Create a Grocery list
  • Hey Cortana: Add milk to my Grocery list
  • Hey Cortana: Show me my Grocery list
  • Hey Cortana: Show me all my lists

How to connect Cortana with Wunderlist

Cortana even connects with the popular to-do list app, Wunderlist, for a much richer experience. Connecting Cortana with Wunderlist gives you the ability to set due dates, share lists with other people, and you can also delete lists or items from a list.

To connect Cortana with Wunderlist, do the following:

  1. Open Cortana.

  2. In the search box use the following command:

    Show me my lists
  3. Click the Wunderlist: Connect to do more button.

    Connect Cortana with Wunderlist
    Connect Cortana with Wunderlist
  4. Click the Create using your Microsoft Account button.

  5. Sign in with your Microsoft account credentials.

  6. Click Authorize to let Cortana access Wunderlist.

    Authorizing Cortana to access Wunderlist
    Authorizing Cortana to access Wunderlist

Once you completed the steps all your Cortana and Wunderlist lits will sync together, and you can continue to use Cortana to create and manage lists, or you can now also use Wunderlist.

The ability to create lists using Cortana is available for everyone in the United States on Windows 10, Android 4.4 or later, and iOS 8.0 or later. And there is nothing to download or install, as Cortana is a cloud service that Microsoft continuously keeps updating in the background without the need of user interaction.

Source Microsoft

About the author

Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 14 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me.