If you use Windows 11 and encounter the “Folder Doesn’t Support Reminders” error, it can be frustrating. This message usually appears when you try to set a reminder on a folder that isn’t compatible with the Reminders feature. Understanding why this happens and how to fix it will help you stay organized without interruptions.
This article will guide you through simple, step-by-step solutions to resolve this error. Whether you’re a beginner or have some experience with Windows, the instructions are clear and easy to follow.
By the end, you will know how to fix the issue and manage reminders effectively on supported folders. Let’s start with a few quick checks before diving into the solutions.
Ready? Let’s begin.
Quick Note: What to Check Before Fixing
- Ensure You’re Using the Correct App: Reminders in Windows 11 work best with Microsoft To Do or the built-in Calendar app. The error often occurs when trying to set reminders on folders in File Explorer, which is not supported.
- Check Folder Type: Only certain folders like Outlook mail folders support reminders. Regular file system folders do not.
- Update Windows: Make sure your Windows 11 is up to date. Updates can fix bugs related to reminders and notifications.
- Confirm Microsoft Account Sign-In: Reminders usually require a Microsoft account to sync properly across devices.
Step 1: Use Microsoft To Do for Reminders Instead of File Explorer
The most common cause of this error is trying to set a reminder directly on a folder in File Explorer, which is not supported. Instead, use the Microsoft To Do app, which is designed to handle tasks and reminders properly.
- Open the Microsoft To Do app. You can find it by typing “To Do” in the Start menu search.
- Click on New Task to create a reminder.
- Enter a task name and click on the Remind me option to set a date and time.
- To organize reminders, create Lists within the app instead of using folders in File Explorer.
Why this matters: Microsoft To Do is built to handle reminders and task lists, unlike File Explorer folders, which don’t support reminder functionality.
Step 2: Sync Your Microsoft To Do with Outlook and Calendar
To ensure reminders work seamlessly across devices, syncing Microsoft To Do with Outlook and the Calendar app is important.
- Make sure you’re signed into the same Microsoft account in Microsoft To Do, Outlook, and the Calendar app.
- Check that syncing is enabled in each app’s settings.
- Test creating a reminder in Microsoft To Do and confirm it appears in Outlook or Calendar.
Why this helps: Syncing ensures that reminders created in one app are reflected everywhere, preventing errors and missed notifications.
Step 3: Update or Reinstall Microsoft To Do
If reminders still don’t work, your Microsoft To Do app might be outdated or corrupted. Updating or reinstalling can fix this.
- Open the Microsoft Store.
- Search for Microsoft To Do.
- If an update is available, click Update. If not, consider uninstalling and reinstalling the app.
- After reinstalling, sign in with your Microsoft account again.
Why this is important: App updates often fix bugs and improve compatibility with Windows 11 features.
Step 4: Check Folder Permissions and Location (Advanced)
Sometimes, reminders fail because the folder or location you’re trying to use is restricted or unsupported.
- Make sure the folder is stored in a supported location, such as your OneDrive or Documents folder.
- Right-click the folder and select Properties. Under the Security tab, check that your user account has full control.
- If the folder is on a network drive or external device, try moving it to a local folder.
Why check this: Permissions and storage location affect how Windows interacts with folders and whether features like reminders can be applied.
Alternative Method: Use Task Scheduler for Folder-Based Alerts
If you want reminders related to folder activity (like backup or access), but can’t use the built-in reminders, Task Scheduler is a good alternative.
- Open Task Scheduler by typing it in the Start menu search.
- Click Create Basic Task.
- Name your task (e.g., “Folder Alert”) and follow the prompts to set a trigger (date/time or event).
- Set the action to display a message or send an email.
- Finish the setup and test your task.
This method is more technical but provides custom alerts related to folder use.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Why does Windows say “Folder Doesn’t Support Reminders”?
A: This happens because File Explorer folders don’t have the functionality to support reminders. Reminders work with apps like Microsoft To Do or Outlook, not with regular folders.
Q: Can I set reminders directly on files or folders in Windows 11?
A: No, Windows 11 does not support reminders directly on files or folders. Use Microsoft To Do or Calendar for reminders instead.
Q: Do I need a Microsoft account for reminders to work?
A: Yes, a Microsoft account is necessary to sync reminders across devices and apps like Microsoft To Do and Outlook.
Q: What if reminders are not syncing between my devices?
A: Check that you are signed into the same Microsoft account on all devices and that sync is enabled in each app.
Q: Can third-party apps help with folder reminders?
A: Some third-party apps offer advanced reminder features, but they vary in quality and security. It’s best to use Microsoft’s built-in apps for reliability.
When Nothing Works
If you’ve tried all the above steps and still face issues, consider the following:
- Run the Windows Troubleshooter for Notifications and Apps via Settings > System > Troubleshoot.
- Reset Windows apps by going to Settings > Apps > Microsoft To Do > Advanced options > Reset.
- Visit the official Microsoft Support for personalized help.
- Consider creating a new user profile in Windows to check if the problem is user-specific.
Conclusion
The “Folder Doesn’t Support Reminders” error occurs because Windows 11 does not allow reminders to be set directly on file system folders. Using Microsoft To Do or Outlook for reminders is the recommended and supported way to stay organized.
Start by switching to Microsoft To Do for your reminders, ensure your apps are synced and updated, and check folder permissions if needed. For more customized alerts, Task Scheduler offers an alternative, though it requires more advanced steps.
With these solutions, you can avoid the error and use reminders effectively across your Windows 11 devices.