If you’re a Windows 11 user, you know the deal—notifications pinging at all hours, grabbing your attention, and dragging your focus down a rabbit hole of distractions. From endless app alerts to annoying system "tips" that show up just as you're getting into the zone, notifications can feel more like your digital adversary than a helpful feature. But fear not. With a few tricks and tweaks, you can tame your notification overload and turn your Windows 11 experience from chaos to calm.
Here’s everything you need to know to declutter your notification flow, get productive, and keep only the alerts that matter in your life.
To customize notifications for each app:
To get rid of those pesky tips:
Here’s how to disable them:
To change this:
Focus Sessions:
To configure your priority list:
Windows users, it’s time to reclaim your productivity one notification setting at a time. As chaotic as modern tech gets, remember—you’re the boss of your digital world. So go on, master those settings, and experience your sleekest workflow yet!
Got other tips or tricks for taming Windows 11? Let’s hear them in the forum comments below—your fellow Windows warriors need you.
Source: MakeUseOf How I Tamed Windows 11 Notifications
Here’s everything you need to know to declutter your notification flow, get productive, and keep only the alerts that matter in your life.
1. Manage Notifications on a Per-App Basis
Ever feel like social media apps or shopping platforms are shouting at you every five minutes? The first step to regaining control is identifying the culprits and cutting off their megaphones. Thankfully, Windows 11 makes this super easy with per-app notification settings.To customize notifications for each app:
- Head to Settings > System > Notifications.
- Scroll down to the “Notifications from apps and other senders” section.
- Toggle individual apps on or off depending on their importance.
2. Turn Off Windows' “Tips and Suggestions” Alerts
Let’s be honest—Microsoft’s “helpful” tips are only cute for about a week. After that, these pop-ups start feeling more like the tech version of an overly chatty co-worker. If productivity is the goal, say goodbye to these interruptions.To get rid of those pesky tips:
- Open Settings > System > Notifications.
- Scroll down to the Additional settings section.
- Uncheck the boxes related to tips, tricks, and suggestions for optimizing Windows.
3. Disable Browser-Based Notifications
Browser notifications—those sneaky things that pop up about sales, breaking news, or new videos—can feel like inbox spam but worse, because they’re harder to ignore. The good news is you can shut them off at the source.In Google Chrome:
- Go to Settings > Privacy and security > Site settings > Notifications.
- Set the option to Don’t allow sites to send notifications.
In Microsoft Edge:
- Navigate to Settings > Cookies and site permissions > Notifications.
- Disable notifications or block specific sites.
4. Stop Lock Screen Notifications
For many users, lock screen notifications serve no purpose but to make noise while you're away grabbing coffee. Let’s clean things up.Here’s how to disable them:
- Open Settings > System > Notifications.
- Uncheck the box labeled Show notifications on the lock screen.
5. Customize the Dismissal Time for Notification Banners
If you feel like Windows' default notification banners vanish just as you're starting to process them, don’t worry. Windows 11 offers an adaptable setting to tweak how long banners linger on your screen.To change this:
- Open Settings > Accessibility > Visual effects.
- Use the drop-down menu under "Dismiss notifications after this amount of time" to set a duration—anything from 5 to 30 seconds.
6. Activate Do Not Disturb Mode
Sometimes, the solution is simple: block out all notifications altogether. Windows 11 makes this easy with its Do Not Disturb feature, which silences everything—apps, system sounds, and even little pop-up badges.- Press Win + N to open the Notification Center.
- Turn on Do Not Disturb from the options at the top.
Automation Tip:
You can configure Do Not Disturb to activate during specific times or activities:- Go to Settings > System > Notifications.
- Under “Turn on Do Not Disturb automatically,” check conditions like full-screen mode or gaming sessions.
7. Make the Most of Focus Sessions
If Do Not Disturb is the digital equivalent of a closed door, Focus Sessions is a fortress with an extra moat for good measure. Available via the Clock app, this productivity feature blocks interruptions while promoting a structured work rhythm.Focus Sessions:
- Temporarily stop all notifications.
- Prevent taskbar icons from flashing or showing badges.
- Integrates seamlessly with Spotify to set a calming soundtrack for work.
- Syncs with Microsoft To Do for task management.
8. Set Priority Notifications
Even when you’re in deep work mode, some notifications are too important to miss—like a deadline reminder or an urgent message from Slack. That’s where priority notifications come in.To configure your priority list:
- Go to Settings > System > Notifications > Set priority notifications.
- Click Add apps and select apps or contacts (e.g., WhatsApp or your calendar) that are critical.
Final Thoughts: From Noisy to Noble Windows 11
With these tips, you can turn your Windows 11 notifications from a disorganized free-for-all into a perfectly curated alert system. Whether you’re managing work deadlines, diving into deep focus, or simply enjoying a movie night without interruptions, these tweaks ensure the distractions stay off your desk and out of your mind.Windows users, it’s time to reclaim your productivity one notification setting at a time. As chaotic as modern tech gets, remember—you’re the boss of your digital world. So go on, master those settings, and experience your sleekest workflow yet!
Got other tips or tricks for taming Windows 11? Let’s hear them in the forum comments below—your fellow Windows warriors need you.
Source: MakeUseOf How I Tamed Windows 11 Notifications
