How to Disable Notifications? Windows 11 is a common question for users who want a cleaner, quieter, and more focused computer experience. Windows 11 comes with many helpful notifications, but sometimes they can be distracting or unnecessary. Whether you’re working, gaming, or just tired of constant pop-ups, turning off notifications can make your PC feel faster and less stressful. In this guide, I’ll explain simple methods anyone can follow.
Why Disable Notifications on Windows 11?
Windows notifications help you stay updated, but they can also interrupt your workflow or appear at the wrong time. Many users disable notifications because:
- They appear too frequently
- They interrupt work or games
- They cause distractions during meetings or classes
- Some apps send unnecessary alerts
- Pop-ups slow down the device over time
The good thing is that Windows 11 allows full control over notifications. You can disable them completely or only for specific apps.
How to Disable Notifications Completely
If you want to stop all notifications on your Windows 11 device, follow these steps:
1. Open Windows Settings
- Click the Start menu
- Go to Settings
- Select System
2. Go to Notifications
- On the left side, click Notifications
- You will see a main toggle for all notifications
3. Turn Off Notifications
Switch the toggle from On to Off.
This immediately disables all app notifications, reminders, banners, and sounds across your entire system.
How to Disable Notifications for Specific Apps
If you want to keep important notifications but remove only certain ones, Windows allows detailed control.
1. Open Settings → System → Notifications
Scroll down to the list of installed apps.
2. Choose the App You Want to Silence
You’ll see apps such as:
- Teams
- Chrome
- Edge
- Calendar
3. Turn Off Each App’s Notification Toggle
You can disable apps one by one.
This is helpful if you only want to stop annoying or unnecessary apps.
How to Disable Notification Pop-Ups (Banners)
Sometimes you want to keep notifications but hide the pop-up banners. Here’s how:
- Open Settings
- Go to System → Notifications
- Select the app you want to modify
- Uncheck Show notification banners
This keeps notifications in the Action Center without interrupting you on the screen.
How to Disable Notification Sounds
If sound is your main issue, you can turn off only the alert noises:
- Go to Settings → System → Notifications
- Select any app
- Turn off Play a sound when a notification arrives
This allows silent notifications.
Use Focus Assist to Temporarily Disable Notifications
Windows 11 includes Focus Assist, a feature that silences notifications during certain activities.
How to Turn On Focus Assist
- Go to Settings → System → Focus Assist
- Choose a mode:
- Off
- Priority Only (allows only important notifications)
- Alarms Only
Automatic Rules
You can set notifications to turn off automatically:
- During gaming
- When duplicating your screen
- During set hours
- While using apps in full-screen mode
This is very helpful for meetings, presentations, and online classes.
How to Disable Lock Screen Notifications
If you don’t want notifications to appear before unlocking your PC:
- Open Settings
- Go to Personalization → Lock Screen
- Turn off Notifications on the lock screen
This prevents private messages from showing publicly.
How to Disable Tips and Suggestions from Windows
Windows sometimes shows pop-ups with tips or recommendations. You can turn them off too:
- Open Settings
- Go to System → Notifications
- Uncheck the boxes:
- “Offer suggestions on how I can set up my device”
- “Get tips and suggestions as you use Windows”
This removes Microsoft’s promotional notifications.
Final Thoughts
Disabling notifications on Windows 11 is an easy way to create a calm, distraction-free environment. Whether you want to turn off everything or customize alerts app by app, Windows offers flexible options. With just a few steps, your computer can become cleaner, quieter, and better suited to your workflow. Try adjusting your notification settings and enjoy a more focused Windows 11 experience.