How To Disable Notifications On Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

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6 min. read

Published on November 10, 2025

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Windows 11, with its sleek interface and enhanced features, aims to keep you informed. However, the constant barrage of notifications can sometimes become overwhelming and distracting. Whether you need to focus on a task, reduce interruptions, or simply prefer a quieter digital environment, knowing how to disable notifications on Windows 11 is essential.

Fortunately, Windows 11 offers several options to manage and customize your notification settings. This guide provides a clear, step-by-step approach to disabling notifications, allowing you to regain control over your digital peace and optimize your workflow.

How Do I Turn Off Notifications in Windows 11?

Windows 11 provides a range of options for disabling notifications, from silencing them temporarily to customizing settings for individual apps. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you manage your notifications effectively.

Access Notification Settings

Open the Settings app: Click on the Start button in the taskbar, then select the “Settings” icon (it looks like a gear).
Navigate to System: In the Settings window, click on “System”.
Select Notifications: In the System settings, find and click on “Notifications”.

Disable All Notifications

Locate the “Notifications” toggle: At the top of the Notifications settings page, you’ll find a toggle labeled “Notifications”.
Turn off the toggle: Click the toggle to switch it to the “Off” position. This will disable all notifications from all apps and system processes.

Customize Notifications for Individual Apps

Scroll down to the “Notifications from apps and other senders” section: This section lists all the apps that are allowed to send notifications.
Toggle off notifications for specific apps: Find the app you want to disable notifications for and click the toggle next to its name to switch it to the “Off” position.

Use Focus Assist

Open Quick Settings: Click on the date and time in the bottom-right corner of your screen to open the Quick Settings panel.
Enable Focus Assist: Click on the “Focus assist” button. You’ll see options for “Off,” “Priority only,” and “Alarms only.”

Priority only: Allows only notifications from your priority list.
Alarms only: Blocks all notifications except alarms.

Customize Focus Assist settings (optional): To customize your priority list or schedule Focus Assist, go to Settings > System > Focus assist.

Adjust Notification Banners and Sounds

Return to the Notifications settings page: Follow the steps in “Access Notification Settings” to get there.
Disable notification banners: Uncheck the box next to “Show notifications on the lock screen” to prevent notifications from appearing on your lock screen.
Disable notification sounds: Uncheck the box next to “Allow notifications to play sounds” to silence all notification sounds.

Mute Notifications from Specific Senders

Find the App or Sender: Locate the specific app or sender within the “Notifications from apps and other senders” list.
Customize Settings: Click on the app’s name to access more detailed notification settings.
Disable Specific Notification Types: Within the app’s settings, you can often disable specific types of notifications, such as banner notifications or sound alerts, while still allowing other types of notifications.

Schedule Quiet Hours

Access Notification Settings: Navigate to the Notifications settings page as described earlier.
Find Automatic Rules: Look for the “Automatic rules” section.
Enable and Customize Quiet Hours: Turn on the “During these times” rule and set the start and end times for your quiet hours. This will automatically enable Focus Assist during the specified period.

Notification Management: A Feature Comparison

Here’s a quick comparison of different notification management methods in Windows 11:

Feature	Description	Scope	Customization Level
Disable All	Turns off all notifications from all apps and system processes.	System-wide	None
App Customization	Allows you to individually disable or customize notifications for specific apps.	App-specific	High
Focus Assist	Filters notifications based on priority or blocks all notifications except alarms. Can be scheduled or enabled manually.	System-wide	Medium
Quiet Hours	Automatically enables Focus Assist during specified times, allowing you to schedule periods of uninterrupted focus.	System-wide	Medium
Banner Control	Allows you to disable notification banners on the lock screen or in the notification center.	System-wide	Low
Sound Control	Allows you to disable notification sounds for all notifications.	System-wide	Low

Tips for Effective Notification Management

Review your app list regularly: Periodically check the list of apps sending notifications and disable notifications from apps you no longer need or find disruptive.
Use Focus Assist strategically: Schedule Focus Assist for times when you need to concentrate, such as during work hours or study sessions.
Customize app notifications: Take the time to customize notification settings for individual apps to receive only the most important alerts.
Leverage Quiet Hours: Set up quiet hours to automatically silence notifications during evenings or weekends.
Experiment and adjust: Find the notification settings that work best for your needs and adjust them as your priorities change.

Regain Control of Your Digital Environment

Managing notifications effectively is crucial for maintaining focus and productivity in Windows 11. By following these steps, you can customize your notification settings to minimize distractions and create a more peaceful digital experience.

FAQ

How do I stop pop-up notifications on Windows 11? You can disable pop-up notifications by going to Settings > System > Notifications and turning off the “Notifications” toggle or customizing settings for individual apps.

How do I turn off notifications on my lock screen Windows 11? To disable notifications on the lock screen, go to Settings > System > Notifications and uncheck the box next to “Show notifications on the lock screen.”

How do I turn off all notifications Windows 11? You can turn off all notifications by going to Settings > System > Notifications and toggling the “Notifications” switch to the “Off” position.

How do I customize app notifications in Windows 11? To customize notifications for specific apps, go to Settings > System > Notifications, scroll down to the “Notifications from apps and other senders” section, and click on the app’s name to access more detailed notification settings.

How do I enable or disable notifications in Windows 11? You can enable or disable notifications by going to Settings > System > Notifications and using the “Notifications” toggle to turn them on or off.

A Quieter Windows 11 Experience

By implementing these steps, you can tailor your notification settings to better suit your needs, ensuring that you stay informed without being overwhelmed. Take control of your digital environment and enjoy a more focused and productive experience on Windows 11.