Configure Outlook to use its foreground Reminder window rather than a small notification banner; if the reminder comes from Windows Calendar, Windows 10 can enlarge or prolong notifications globally but does not provide a Calendar-specific large reminder window.
If you use new Outlook
- Open Outlook.
- Select Settings (gear icon) → General → Notifications.
- Under Notify me about, turn Calendar on and expand that section.
- Set Notification style to Reminder, not a banner-only style.
- Enable the notification sound if desired.
The Reminder style uses a separate reminder window that opens over other programs. It also provides snooze and dismiss controls.^1^
There is no documented control for manually resizing this reminder window. If its contents remain too small, use the Windows scaling option below.
If you use classic Outlook
- Open Outlook and select File → Options → Advanced.
- Find the Reminders section.
- Select Show reminders on top of other windows.
- Optionally select Play reminder sound.
- Select OK.
This keeps the Outlook reminder in front of the other windows you are using.^2^
The foreground option requires Outlook for Microsoft 365 Version 1804 (Build 9226.2114) or later. It is not available in Outlook 2021 or older.^1^
If the reminder comes from Windows Calendar
Windows Calendar notifications use the Windows notification system. To make them harder to miss:
- Open Start → Settings → System → Notifications & actions.
- Under Get notifications from these senders, select Calendar.
- Turn on:
- Show notification banners
- Show notifications in action center
- Play a sound when a notification arrives
- Set Calendar’s notification priority as high as the available Windows 10 setting permits.^3^
To keep the banner visible longer:
- Open Start → Settings → Ease of Access → Display.
- Under Show notifications for, choose a longer duration.
Windows notifications normally disappear after five seconds, and this setting extends their display time system-wide.^4^
To enlarge the notification and other screen content:
- Press Windows key + U.
- On Display, use Make text bigger for text only, or select a larger value under Make everything bigger.
- Select Apply. Some applications may require signing out and back in.^5^
This scaling change affects Windows generally; it is not limited to the Calendar reminder.
References