The 10 best productivity apps for staying on track this year

Boost productivity with AI-powered Microsoft 365 apps

Microsoft 365¹,² puts productivity and creativity first, with AI-enhanced apps like Microsoft Copilot, your AI companion. Get more done with less effort using Microsoft Copilot across personal productivity apps you already know and trust, such as:

1. Word: Turn ideas into polished drafts faster. Use Copilot in Word² to generate content, refine writing, and organize your thoughts—perfect for brainstorming or editing on the fly.
2. Excel: Simplify complex data tasks. Copilot in Excel²,³ helps build formulas, highlight trends, summarize insights, and visualize your data with ease.
3. OneNote: Capture and organize your ideas effortlessly. With Copilot in OneNote², long notes become clear summaries, scattered thoughts turn into structured outlines, and key insights rise to the surface.

You can also stay productive on-the-go by downloading the Microsoft 365 Copilot app and signing in with your Microsoft 365 account to have Copilot at your fingertips.

Do deep research and analyze data in minutes

Microsoft 365 Copilot also includes the best productivity features that leverage advanced reasoning and data from your work and the web to analyze, infer, and synthesize information to quickly deliver deeper and more accurate insights:

4. Researcher: Tackle complex research. Researcher in Copilot works across your content and trusted sources to gather, connect, and make sense of information. Whether you’re exploring market trends, prepping for client meetings, or analyzing lengthy contracts, Researcher helps you make informed decisions faster.
5. Analyst: Think like a data scientist as Analyst in Copilot uses advanced reasoning and powerful data analysis to turn complex data into clear insights. Use Analyst to forecast demand, visualize customer trends, or surface trends across your files, and quickly move from data to decisions.

Keep track with Microsoft To Do
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Stay organized with efficiency apps built for focus

Task managers are the backbone of any productive system. Whether you’re tracking personal to-dos or coordinating team projects, these Microsoft 365 tools help you prioritize, plan, and make steady progress:

6. Microsoft To Do: Create smart, simple checklists. Prioritize daily tasks with “My Day,” set reminders, and sync with Outlook to turn flagged emails into action items.
7. Microsoft Planner: Organize team tasks visually with a Kanban-style board. Assign responsibilities, set deadlines, and track progress—all integrated with Microsoft Teams.
8. Microsoft Loop: Collaborate in real time with flexible task lists that sync across Teams, Outlook, and OneNote. Perfect for fast-moving projects and shared accountability.

Manage time with apps that support focus and balance

Managing your time effectively is key to productivity. Stay productive and in control of your day with tools that help you focus, reduce distractions, and build better work habits:

9. Microsoft Teams: Centralize communication to save time and stay in the flow. Chat, call, and collaborate in one place, while Status shows when you’re busy or in meetings.
10. Microsoft Viva: Gain personal productivity insights with data on how you spend your time. Identify patterns, set boundaries, and create space for focused work.

Work more efficiently with apps that help productivity

Microsoft 365 offers a powerful lineup of tools to help you take charge of your time, tasks, and ideas. Whether you’re planning your week, capturing inspiration, or staying on top of team projects, Microsoft 365 apps are designed to support your goals and simplify your day.

Discover how Microsoft 365 can help you stay on track this year.

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