How to Disable Notifications on Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

By / September 16, 2025

Notifications can be helpful when you want to stay updated, but they can also be distracting when you’re trying to focus. Windows 11 offers flexible options to manage, mute, or completely disable notifications. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to disable notifications on Windows 11 step by step, covering different methods so you can choose what works best for you.

📌 Summary: Key Takeaways

  • Windows 11 lets you disable notifications globally, per app, or temporarily.
  • You can use Settings, Focus Assist / Do Not Disturb, Quick Settings, or advanced tools like Group Policy.
  • Notifications can be turned off permanently or customized for specific apps.
  • Disabling notifications helps improve focus, productivity, and gaming experiences.

Why Disable Notifications in Windows 11?

  • 🎮 For gaming: Prevent pop-ups from disrupting gameplay.
  • 📝 For work/study: Stay focused without distractions.
  • 🔕 For peace of mind: Reduce unnecessary interruptions.
  • 🔒 For privacy: Stop sensitive info from showing up as pop-up alerts.

Method 1: Disable Notifications via Settings

The simplest way is to use the Windows Settings app.

Steps:

  1. Press Win + I to open Settings.
  2. Navigate to System > Notifications.
  3. Toggle the Notifications switch to Off.

✅ This disables all notifications system-wide.

Method 2: Turn Off Notifications for Specific Apps

Don’t want to disable all notifications? You can manage them per app.

Steps:

  1. Open Settings > System > Notifications.
  2. Scroll down to Notifications from apps and other senders.
  3. Toggle Off for apps you don’t want notifications from.

Method 3: Use Focus Assist / Do Not Disturb

Windows 11 includes Do Not Disturb (formerly Focus Assist) for temporary relief.

Steps:

  1. Open Settings > System > Notifications.
  2. Click Turn on Do Not Disturb.
  3. You can also schedule quiet hours under Turn on Do Not Disturb automatically.

Alternatively, open Quick Settings (Win + A) and enable Do Not Disturb.

Method 4: Disable Notification Banners Only

You can stop pop-up banners but still keep notifications in the Action Center.

Steps:

  1. Open Settings > System > Notifications.
  2. Select the app you want to adjust.
  3. Uncheck Show notification banners.

Method 5: Turn Off Lock Screen Notifications

Notifications on the lock screen can reveal personal information.

Steps:

  1. Go to Settings > Personalization > Lock screen.
  2. Under Lock screen status, set it to None.

Method 6: Disable Notifications via Quick Settings

If you need a quick toggle:

  1. Press Win + A to open Quick Settings.
  2. Click the Do Not Disturb (bell) icon.

This instantly disables notifications until you turn them back on.

Method 7: Advanced – Using Group Policy Editor

Available only on Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, Education editions.

Steps:

  1. Press Win + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.
  2. Navigate to:
    User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Start Menu and Taskbar > Notifications
  3. Double-click Turn off toast notifications.
  4. Select Enabled > Apply > OK.

Method 8: Advanced – Using Registry Editor

For Windows 11 Home users (use carefully).

Steps:

  1. Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
  2. Navigate to:
    HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\PushNotifications
  3. Right-click → New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
  4. Name it ToastEnabled and set the value to 0.
  5. Restart your PC.

⚠️ Warning: Editing the registry incorrectly can cause issues. Create a backup first.

Method 9: Disable Sounds for Notifications

If sounds annoy you more than banners:

  1. Open Settings > System > Notifications.
  2. Select an app.
  3. Uncheck Play a sound when a notification arrives.

Method 10: Mute Notifications While Gaming

For gamers:

  • Use Game Mode: Go to Settings > Gaming > Game Mode and enable it.
  • Combine with Do Not Disturb to block all pop-ups.

Troubleshooting Notification Settings

  • Notifications not turning off? Check if Focus Assist schedules are overriding settings.
  • Still getting app alerts? Some apps have their own internal notification settings (e.g., email apps).
  • No notification sound? Verify system volume and sound settings.

Which Method Should You Use?

  • For total silence → Disable notifications globally.
  • For selective control → Turn off per-app notifications.
  • For temporary focus → Use Do Not Disturb.
  • For IT admins → Group Policy or Registry Editor.

Pro Tips

  • Use Win + N to quickly open the Notification Center.
  • Combine Do Not Disturb with Focus sessions in Windows 11 Clock app for productivity.
  • If you disable all notifications, set reminders elsewhere (phone, calendar).

Conclusion

Managing notifications in Windows 11 gives you control over distractions. Whether you want to disable all alerts, mute specific apps, or use Do Not Disturb mode, Windows 11 makes it easy. Choose the method that best fits your workflow, and enjoy a cleaner, distraction-free desktop experience.

FAQs

1. How do I completely disable notifications on Windows 11?

Go to Settings > System > Notifications and toggle Notifications to Off.

2. Can I turn off notifications for only one app?

Yes. In Settings > Notifications, scroll to the app and toggle it off.

3. What’s the fastest way to mute notifications temporarily?

Press Win + A and enable Do Not Disturb.

4. Will disabling notifications affect alarms and reminders?

No. Alarms set in the Clock app will still work even if notifications are off.

5. Can I hide notifications only on the lock screen?

Yes. Go to Settings > Personalization > Lock screen and disable lock screen notifications.

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