Mastering Notifications in Windows 11: A Complete Customization Guide

Windows 11 keeps evolving, delivering a plethora of features designed to enhance productivity, user experience, and—most recently—how users interact with notifications. The notification system, a cornerstone of modern computing, is essential for staying on top of updates, deadlines, and other digital alerts. But let's be real—notifications can also be a Pandora's box of distractions if left unchecked.
So, Microsoft gave us something tailor-made for modern multitaskers: a highly customizable notification system. With tools like Focus Assist, Do Not Disturb, app-specific tweaks, and even lock screen management, Windows 11 offers ample opportunities to fine-tune the flow of alerts. This guide will walk you through not only setting up custom notifications but also mastering your workflow. Let’s dive in!

Why Bother Customizing Notifications?​

Before we get geeky with the setup, let’s tackle the “why.” Why should you invest a solid 10-15 minutes to tweak notifications?

• Reduce Clutter: Sick of being pinged every ten minutes by unnecessary notifications from retail apps or random updates? Customization helps limit the noise.
• Improve Focus: Features like Focus Assist can block all but the most critical notifications (think task deadlines and security alerts).
• Privacy Control: Keep prying eyes at bay with lock screen limitations, so that nosy coworkers don’t see sensitive app notifications.
• Productivity Gains: Organize alerts based on what really matters (work > memes, right?), so you stay efficient.

Now, here's how to make it all happen.

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Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up Custom Notifications in Windows 11​

Step 1: Access the Notification Settings​

To customize notifications, you need to open Windows Settings:

• Quick Shortcut: Press Windows + I to launch Settings instantly.
• Go to System > Notifications.
• From here, you’ll gain access to a smorgasbord of notification-related settings.

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Step 2: Enable or Disable Notifications​

Too much of a good thing? Here’s how to either toggle notifications completely or configure them more granularly.

To Disable Notifications Entirely:​

• In the Notifications menu, toggle the switch labeled Get notifications from apps and other senders to Off. Voilà! Silence all around.

To Enable Notifications:​

• Make sure the above toggle is flipped to On.
• Then, manage individual app notifications if desired (we’ll touch on that in the next step).

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Step 3: Customize Notifications for Individual Apps​

This is where Windows 11 starts to shine. You’ve got total control—choose which apps sing their siren songs and which ones stay muted.
Here’s how:

• Under Notification settings, scroll down to see a list of apps.
• Each app has a toggle—decide whether to enable or disable notifications for specific applications.
• For in-depth customization, click on an app’s name to adjust:
• Banner Notifications: These pop up at the top of your screen. Disable them if constant interruptions drive you nuts.
• Notification Sound: Adjust or outright silence the beeping tones some apps rely on.
• Grouping & Priority: Arrange where the app’s notifications appear in the Action Center.

Pro Tip: Keep essential apps like Email and Calendar notifications enabled, but you may want to block distractions like games or non-urgent social media apps.

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Step 4: Set Up Focus Assist to Block Distractions​

Focus Assist is the MVP when it comes to avoiding interruptions. Think of it as your digital “Do Not Disturb” sign.

How to Activate Focus Assist:​

• Within Notification Settings, you’ll find the Focus Assist option.
• Choose from three modes:
• Off: Standard notifications are allowed.
• Priority Only: Choose the apps, people, and alarms permitted to “get through.”
• Alarms Only: Only critical alerts (like system alarms or health warnings) will show.
• Prefer automation? Schedule Focus Assist to turn on during work hours or at bedtime for seamless productivity.

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Step 5: Manage Notification Sounds​

Let’s address one of the most disruptive elements of notifications: sound. If every ding is a minor heart attack, you can calm things down.

Customize Sound Settings:​

• Navigate to Settings > System > Sound.
• Under Advanced Sound Options, you’ll find an App volume and device preferences section.
• Use the sliders to mute, reduce, or amplify sounds for certain apps—perfect if you want Outlook’s pings louder than Discord’s chatter.

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Step 6: Harness Do Not Disturb Mode​

Windows 11 lets you silence alerts entirely for extended periods of respite. Perfect for meetings or focused work.

Turn on Do Not Disturb:​

• Click on the Action Center (lower-right of your screen).
• Select Focus Assist and set it to either Priority Only or Alarms Only mode.

Bonus: Pair this with automatic scheduling to filter out distractions during regular team calls, creative brainstorming sessions, or even Sunday naps.

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Step 7: Lock Screen Notifications Control​

Got notifications but want to keep them private when stepping away from your PC? Customize what appears on your lock screen.

Adjust Lock Screen Options:​

• Visit Settings > Personalization > Lock Screen.
• Scroll down to the notification section and decide:
• Which apps get permission to display messages (if any);
• Whether to disable all lock screen notifications.

This setting’s particularly crucial if your PC is in a shared workspace or you frequently walk away.

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Step 8: Use Third-Party Notification Managers​

While Windows 11 delivers a capable notification system, third-party apps take personalization to the next level.
Here are some great options to explore:

• Toastify: Adds advanced features to Windows Toast notifications, such as custom themes.
• Notification Manager: Lets you manage pop-up timing, sounds, and filtering from one interface.

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Practical Use Cases for Custom Notifications​

Thinking, “Why bother customizing all this?” Let me paint you a picture:

• Scenario A: You’re coding while listening to a podcast. You only want GitHub and Slack alerts but silence email for later.
• Scenario B: Notifications from Twitter keep pulling you from your budgeting app. Block that nuisance for a calmer evening.
• Scenario C: While your computer locks automatically during a lunch break, you don’t want delicate financial alerts flashing on the screen.

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Conclusion: Build Your Notification Zen​

With custom notifications on Windows 11, you have complete freedom to receive only the alerts that matter most. Imagine a world where the sound of incoming notifications doesn’t make your shoulders tense—because every ping is purposeful. Features like Focus Assist, app-level control, and Do Not Disturb work in harmony to give you a perfectly balanced system that meets your needs.
Remember, it’s not about silencing every notification. It’s about ensuring the right ones get through when they matter most.
Now’s the time to reclaim your productivity and sanity on Windows 11! What feature do you want to customize first? Share your thoughts with the community below!

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Source: TechPluto https://www.techpluto.com/how-to-set-up-custom-notifications-on-windows-11/