How to Turn Off Notifications in Windows 11 or 10?

Turning off notifications in Windows 11 or 10 is a simple way to create a cleaner and less distracting computer experience. Whether you want to disable all alerts, mute specific apps, stop notification sounds, or use Focus Assist and Do Not Disturb features, Windows provides multiple ways to control interruptions. 

In this guide, you will learn how to turn off notifications in Windows 11 or 10 step by step. 

How to Turn Off Notifications in Windows 11 or 10?

To turn off notifications in Windows 11 or 10, open the Settings app and go to System, followed by Notifications. From there, switch off the Notifications toggle to disable all alerts. You can also customize notification settings for individual apps, disable notification sounds, hide lock screen alerts, or enable Focus Assist for fewer interruptions.

Windows 11

Step 1: Open the Settings App

The first thing you need to do is open the Windows Settings menu. This is where most system customization options are located.

Click the Start button on the taskbar. After the Start menu opens, click the Settings icon that looks like a gear. You can also press the Windows + I keyboard shortcut to open Settings instantly.

Once the Settings window appears, you will see different categories on the left side of the screen. These sections help organize all Windows features and controls.

Beginners often find this area confusing at first, but do not worry because the notification settings are easy to locate.

Step 2: Go to the Notifications Settings

Inside the Settings window, click System from the left sidebar. The System section contains display, sound, power, and notification options.

Now look toward the right side and click Notifications.

This page controls every notification-related setting in Windows 11. At the top of the page, you will notice a master toggle labeled Notifications.

If this option is enabled, Windows and apps can send alerts and pop-ups.

Step 3: Turn Off All Notifications

To completely disable notifications, click the toggle beside Notifications so it changes to the Off position.

Once disabled, Windows will stop showing alerts from apps, system messages, reminders, and other notifications.

This is the fastest way to create a distraction-free environment on your computer.

Many users prefer this method while gaming, recording videos, writing documents, or attending meetings because it prevents interruptions from appearing on the screen.

Keep in mind that turning notifications off entirely may cause you to miss important alerts such as emails, calendar reminders, or security messages.

Step 4: Disable Notifications for Specific Apps

If you do not want to turn off every notification, Windows 11 allows you to disable alerts from individual applications.

Scroll down the Notifications page until you see a list of apps.

Each app includes its own notification toggle. You can switch off notifications for apps that frequently bother you while keeping important ones enabled.

For example, you might disable notifications for games or social media apps while leaving notifications active for email or antivirus software.

This method gives you better control over your desktop experience.

Step 5: Turn Off Notification Sounds

Sometimes the notification sound is more distracting than the actual pop-up message.

On the Notifications settings page, expand the notification options section and locate Allow notifications to play sounds.

Uncheck or disable this option.

After doing this, notifications may still appear visually on the screen, but your computer will no longer play alert sounds.

This is useful if you work in a quiet office, study environment, or shared room where notification sounds become annoying.

Step 6: Hide Notifications on the Lock Screen

Windows 11 can display notifications even when your PC is locked. This may expose personal messages or app alerts to anyone near your computer.

Inside the Notifications settings area, locate the lock screen notification options.

Disable settings such as:

Show notifications on the lock screen

Show reminders and incoming calls on the lock screen

Turning these options off improves privacy and keeps sensitive information hidden when the computer is locked.

Step 7: Enable Do Not Disturb Mode

Windows 11 includes a feature called Do Not Disturb that temporarily silences notifications.

To enable it, open Settings, go to System, and click Notifications. Near the top of the page, turn on Do Not Disturb.

While enabled, notifications are muted and hidden from appearing on your screen.

You can also schedule Do Not Disturb automatically during specific times, gaming sessions, presentations, or while using certain apps.

This feature is especially helpful for students, remote workers, and gamers.

Windows 10

Step 1: Open Windows Settings

In Windows 10, start by clicking the Start button in the bottom left corner of the screen.

Select the Settings icon from the menu. You can also press Windows + I on your keyboard to open Settings quickly.

The Settings window will appear with several categories.

Step 2: Open the System Category

Click System inside the Settings window.

The System section contains options related to display settings, notifications, sound, multitasking, and power management.

After opening System, look at the left sidebar and click Notifications & actions.

This is where Windows 10 manages alerts and notifications.

Step 3: Disable Notifications Completely

At the top of the page, you will see a toggle labeled Get notifications from apps and other senders.

Turn this switch off.

After disabling it, Windows 10 will stop sending most notifications and desktop pop-ups.

This instantly creates a cleaner and less distracting desktop environment.

Step 4: Turn Off App Notifications Individually

If you only want to stop notifications from certain apps, scroll down to the app notification list.

Here, Windows displays every installed application capable of sending alerts.

Turn off the apps you no longer want notifications from.

For instance, you may disable alerts from shopping apps, games, or unnecessary software while keeping communication apps enabled.

This method is recommended for users who still want important updates without constant interruptions.

Step 5: Disable Notification Sounds

Windows 10 also allows you to silence notification sounds.

Under the notification settings area, look for options related to sounds and alerts.

Disable sound notifications if you prefer a quieter computer experience.

This can significantly reduce distractions while still allowing notifications to appear silently.

Step 6: Turn Off Lock Screen Notifications

If you use your computer in public or shared spaces, you may not want personal notifications visible on the lock screen.

Locate the lock screen notification settings and disable them.

This prevents emails, reminders, and app messages from appearing before you log in.

It is a simple but useful privacy feature.

Step 7: Use Focus Assist in Windows 10

Windows 10 includes a feature called Focus Assist, which works similarly to Do Not Disturb mode in Windows 11.

To enable it, open Settings, go to System, and select Focus Assist.

You can choose different modes, such as:

• Off
• Priority only
• Alarms only

Priority mode allows only selected notifications to appear, while Alarms only blocks nearly everything except alarms.

Focus Assist can also activate automatically during gaming, presentations, or specific times of day.

Additional Ways to Manage Notifications in Windows

Using Quick Settings in Windows 11

Windows 11 allows you to access notification controls faster through Quick Settings.

Click the date and time area on the taskbar to open the Notification Panel. From there, you can quickly enable or disable Do Not Disturb mode without opening the full Settings app.

This is useful for temporary changes.

Using Action Center in Windows 10

In Windows 10, click the notification icon in the taskbar to open the Action Center.

Here, you can access quick actions, including Focus Assist settings.

This provides a faster way to control interruptions without navigating through multiple menus.

Turning Off Browser Notifications

Sometimes, browser notifications from websites are the main source of distractions.

Browsers like Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Mozilla Firefox allow websites to send alerts.

To stop these notifications, open your browser settings and locate the Notifications permissions section. Remove or block websites that send unwanted alerts.

This can greatly reduce random desktop pop-ups.

FAQs

Can I turn notifications back on later?

Yes. You can return to the Notifications settings anytime and re-enable notifications with a single toggle.

Will disabling notifications affect antivirus alerts?

If you completely disable notifications, some antivirus alerts may not appear immediately. It is usually better to keep important security-related notifications enabled.

Does turning off notifications improve PC performance?

The performance difference is usually small, but reducing notifications can slightly lower background activity and improve focus.

What is the difference between Do Not Disturb and turning notifications off?

Turning notifications off completely disables alerts. Do Not Disturb silences notifications temporarily without permanently disabling them.

Can I disable notifications only during gaming?

Yes. Both Windows 10 and Windows 11 include automatic Focus Assist or Do Not Disturb settings that activate during gaming sessions.

Why do website notifications keep appearing?

Your web browser may have permission to send notifications from certain websites. You can block these sites through browser notification settings.