In Windows 10, you can manage your notifications in a variety of ways. However, I find that turning off all notifications in Windows 10 makes me much more productive. It is easier to concentrate on your work when there are no distractions. There are two options here: enable Focus Assist during specific times when you don’t want to be distracted, or disable all Windows 10 notifications. Here’s what you’ll need to do in order to complete both tasks.
Focus Assist
Focus Assist, formerly known as Quiet Hours, was first introduced early last year as a way to pause notifications when you need to “stay focused.” Go to Settings > System > Focus assist to see the Focus Assist settings.
Focus Assist has three options available for notifications:
- Off: Get all notifications from your apps and contacts.
- Priority Only: See only selected notifications from the priority list. The rest will go straight to the action center.
- Alarms only: Hide all notifications, except for alarms.
One of the drawbacks of Focus Assist is that you have to go through all of your apps and decide which ones are “priority.” It would be more convenient if Microsoft could figure out which apps you use the most and automatically select the apps that are most important to you.
Furthermore, Focus Assist has four automatic rules that can be used to enable Focus Assist in a variety of situations:
- During these times (Priority only)
- When I’m duplicating my display (Alarms only)
- When I’m playing a game (Priority only)
- When I’m at home (Priority only)
The problem with these automatic rules is that they require you to disable some privacy settings, including location, and some people, including myself, are unwilling to give up my privacy in order to Disable All Windows 10 Notifications.
Notifications & actions
Go to Settings > Notifications & actions
In Windows 10, you can add, remove, and rearrange your Quick actions in the action center, as well as manage notifications.
Here’s how to turn off all notifications in Windows 10.
Please keep in mind that you may still need to disable notifications in third-party apps and app launchers on your Windows 10 computer.
Under Notifications, toggle these options off:
- Notifications should be displayed on the lock screen.
- On the lock screen, display reminders and incoming VoIP calls.
- After updates, and occasionally when I sign in, show me the Windows welcome experience to highlight what’s new and suggested.
- As you use Windows, get tips, tricks, and suggestions.
- Apps and other senders can send you notifications.
You’ve completed the task! You will no longer receive notifications from Windows 10.
