We’ve explained why your business should upgrade to Windows 10 before. The newest version of Windows includes some great features for both business and personal use.

One of them is Cortana, a virtual assistant that lets you set reminders, open files, search, and much more, all with your voice. In the most recent update to Windows 10, Cortana got a handy new feature that will remind you to follow up on email commitments.

Here’s how to use this great tool.

Suggested Reminders in Windows 10

Cortana lets you set your own reminders anytime, but now she’s smart enough to set them for you. Suggested Reminders watch your emails for phrases like “I’ll get to that by Friday” or “I’ll have more information for you on Thursday” and automatically reminds you to follow up on what you said.

This is fantastic, as you don’t have to worry about adding reminders for every little email task. With just a bit of setup, you can put Cortana to work.

How to Use Suggested Reminders

First, you’ll need to have Cortana enabled. On your Taskbar, you’ll see Cortana’s circular icon right next to the Start Button. If you see a magnifying glass instead, Cortana is disabled. Search for “Cortana” on the Start Menu and open her app to see the prompt to re-enable the feature.

You’ll need to sign in with a Microsoft account, if you aren’t already, to use Cortana.

Cortana-Windows-10

Check that Cortana can show you notifications by visiting Settings > System > Notifications & actions. Scroll down to the Get notifications from these senders section and confirm Cortana is enabled.

Windows-10-Cortana-Notifications

Next, you need to make sure Cortana has access to your communication information. Visit Settings > Cortana > Permissions & History. Click the text that says Manage the information Cortana can access from this device and enable the Contacts, email, calendar & communication history if it’s not already.

Cortana-Communication-Access

Continuing on, you must make sure you have Suggested tasks turned on. Click on the Cortana Taskbar icon, then select the Notebook tab (below Home). Swap to the Manage Skills header, and scroll down until you see Suggested Tasks.

Click this, and make sure both options are selected.

Windows-10-Suggested-Tasks-Cortana

For the last step, you’ll need to connect the email service you want reminders for. In Cortana’s window, return to the Notebook > Manage Skills menu and choose Connected services this time.

You’ll see a list of email providers like Gmail, Office 365, and Outlook.com. Select the one you use, and follow the steps to link your account with Cortana.

Windows-10-Cortana-Connect-Services

Once you’ve done this, you’re all set. All you need to do is email as you normally would. When you send an email that contains a commitment to do something within a certain time, Cortana will create a reminder.

You’ll see that reminder pop up in the Windows 10 Action Center when it’s time to follow up. That’s one less task you have to worry about during your week!

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