Looking for a simple Windows calendar

Sidecar Bob · 2 Weeks Ago

I have been using the Mail and Calendar app because I can access it from any computer I'm logged into and it was already there (= easier than looking for something better) but I accidentally uninstalled it on one computer and after re-installing it I can't figure out how to link it to my Microsoft account so that it syncs with the other computers (or how to get the details of whatever account I'm signed into it with on the other computers if it isn't my MS account).
And on top of that they have announced that the new Outlook app will replace Mail and Calendar this year anyway and everything I've seen about it makes me want to avoid it at all costs.

What I need is a calendar app that is easy to use and will automatically sync between computers that I am logged into, and preferably one that is just a calendar and does not require access to my email account or contacts.
And free is always better.

Any suggestions?

dalchina · 2 Weeks Ago

Hi, I'm in a similar position but only with respect to the Calendar app (which was nicely integrated with the Action Centre for example).

- it's relatively hard to find good (esp. free) calendar programs.
- unlike the Calendar app, you'll have to leave the program running. The default seems to be to minimise to the taskbar, but I have an easy way to minimise them to the tray.
- they are not integrated with the Action Centre, and notifications aren't as neat.

Me Calendar (Store app) is quite a clever app, with a somewhat quirkily designed GUI (= need to get used to it).
It appears to offer synching:

Looking for a simple Windows calendar-1.jpg

I've not tried synching with it, but I am using it for now; there's almost no documentation.

Thunderbird (free email client) includes a full-blown calendar- I guess that syncs if you use Tbird profile synching.

Looking for a simple Windows calendar-2.jpg

There are other calendar apps in the Store.

I'm also trying Desktop-Reminder, but no sign of synching.

One Calendar looks worth a shot- but in fact relies on one of several online calendars provided by another party...

Looking for a simple Windows calendar-3.jpg

Typically bar Thunderbird there's a free and paid version.

Sidecar Bob · 2 Weeks Ago

Those all need access to an email account. I got thinking about it and if I'm going to use something tied to an email account I might as well just use Google calendar.

AmericanPharaoh · 2 Weeks Ago

Sidecar Bob said:

Those all need access to an email account. I got thinking about it and if I'm going to use something tied to an email account I might as well just use Google calendar.

Google Calendar is an incredibly complete application that streamlines nearly every aspect of scheduling and sharing events. Great choice! Same one I use since I don't need paid apps for this purpose.

dalchina · 2 Weeks Ago

@Sidecar Bob

...and thank you for your reply.

Those all need access to an email account.

Wrong.

pepanee · 2 Weeks Ago

I have this calendar that sites in the top-right corner on my Desktop. It's called Rainlendar:

Looking for a simple Windows calendar-image.png

Sidecar Bob · 2 Weeks Ago

dalchina said:

Wrong.

I should have said they all need either access to an email account or to an online calendar. If I'm going to use an online calendar why bother with an app?

I just wish Windows would integrate the calendar app with the calendar in the taskbar instead of demanding access to your contacts.

dalchina · 2 Weeks Ago

FWIW I'm trying Desktop Reminder and Me Calendar, neither of which require access to an online calendar.
However, I'm not using them to sync a calendar.

Sidecar Bob · 2 Weeks Ago

From the screen capture you posted it looks like Me calendar's main purpose is to access calendars that are online. '

I have 5 computers in regular use and another couple I use occasionally and I need to access my calendar from any of them; I got the impression that Desktop Reminder wouldn't do that.

I also need to be able to access my computer when I travel with my laptop so I guess an online one makes more sense.