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

By / September 17, 2025

Notifications are useful when you want to stay updated — but sometimes they can be overwhelming. Constant pings from apps, emails, and system alerts may distract you from work or entertainment.

If that sounds familiar, don’t worry. In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to turn off notifications on Windows 11, whether you want to mute them temporarily, disable specific apps, or block all notifications entirely.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows 11 lets you control notifications globally or per app.

  • You can use Settings, Quick Settings, Focus Assist, or Group Policy to manage them.

  • Options include disabling banners, muting sounds, or turning them off completely.

  • Focus Assist allows scheduled “Do Not Disturb” times for work or gaming.

Why Disable Notifications on Windows 11?

Notifications are helpful, but too many can:

  • Distract you during work or study.

  • Interrupt games, movies, or presentations.

  • Drain battery on laptops.

  • Cause stress from constant alerts.

Sometimes, less is more. Turning off notifications lets you focus without losing control over your system.

How to Turn Off All Notifications in Windows 11

The easiest way is via Settings.

Steps:

  1. Press Win + I to open Settings.

  2. Go to System → Notifications.

  3. Toggle the switch Off at the top.

👉 This disables all notifications from apps, emails, calendar, and system alerts.

How to Turn Off Notifications for Specific Apps

If you only want to silence certain apps (like Teams, WhatsApp, or Mail):

  1. Open Settings → System → Notifications.

  2. Scroll down to Notifications from apps and other senders.

  3. Find the app you want to mute.

  4. Toggle it Off.

📌 Example: You can keep system alerts on while silencing social media apps.

How to Stop Notification Banners and Sounds

Maybe you don’t want to turn notifications off entirely — just the pop-up banners or sounds.

  1. Go to Settings → System → Notifications.

  2. Choose the app you want to customize.

  3. Uncheck Show notification banners.

  4. Uncheck Play a sound when a notification arrives.

Now, notifications will still appear in the Action Center but won’t disturb you.

How to Use Focus Assist (Do Not Disturb Mode)

Focus Assist in Windows 11 works like Do Not Disturb on smartphones.

Steps:

  1. Press Win + I → go to System → Focus assist.

  2. Choose one of these modes:

    • Off → All notifications allowed.

    • Priority only → Only apps/contacts in your priority list.

    • Alarms only → Hides everything except alarms.

You can also schedule Focus Assist (e.g., during work hours).

How to Turn Off Notifications from Quick Settings

For fast control:

  1. Click the Quick Settings panel (Wi-Fi / volume / battery icons).

  2. Click the Focus assist button.

  3. Cycle through modes: Priority only → Alarms only → Off.

How to Disable Windows 11 System Notifications

Windows sometimes shows tips, tricks, and suggestions you don’t need.

  1. Open Settings → System → Notifications.

  2. Scroll down → uncheck options under Additional settings:

    • Show the Windows welcome experience

    • Suggest ways to get the most out of Windows

    • Get tips and suggestions when I use Windows

This removes Microsoft’s extra pop-ups.

How to Turn Off Lock Screen Notifications

Don’t want notifications showing when your PC is locked?

  1. Open Settings → Personalization → Lock screen.

  2. Under Lock screen status, set it to None.

👉 This keeps your lock screen clean and private.

Advanced Method: Turn Off Notifications via Group Policy

For IT admins or power users, you can use Group Policy Editor (Pro editions only).

  1. Press Win + R → type gpedit.msc → Enter.

  2. Navigate to:
    User Configuration → Administrative Templates → Start Menu and Taskbar → Notifications

  3. Enable policies like:

    • Turn off toast notifications

    • Turn off notifications network usage

Advanced Method: Disable Notifications via Registry Editor

⚠️ Only for advanced users (make a backup first).

  1. Press Win + R → type regedit → Enter.

  2. Go to:
    HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\PushNotifications

  3. Modify/Create DWORD (32-bit) value:

    • Name: ToastEnabled

    • Value: 0 (disable notifications)

Quick Comparison of Notification Management Options

Method Best For Speed Customization
Settings (toggle all) Total silence Fast Low
Per-app toggle Selective muting Medium High
Focus Assist Scheduled focus Fast Medium
Quick Settings Instant control Very fast Low
Group Policy / Registry IT & advanced users Slow Very high

Troubleshooting: Notifications Not Turning Off

  • Restart PC after changes.

  • Check Focus Assist schedule (may override settings).

  • Ensure you applied changes to the correct account.

  • For stubborn apps (e.g., antivirus), disable notifications inside the app itself.

Conclusion

Learning how to turn off notifications on Windows 11 gives you more control and peace of mind.

  • Use Settings for global or per-app control.

  • Try Focus Assist for distraction-free work.

  • Customize banners, sounds, and lock screen alerts.

  • Power users can use Group Policy or Registry tweaks.

With these tools, you can enjoy Windows 11 without constant interruptions.

FAQs: Windows 11 Notifications

1. Can I pause notifications temporarily?
Yes, use Focus Assist → Alarms only to pause everything except alarms.

2. How do I silence Teams notifications on Windows 11?
Go to Settings → Notifications → Microsoft Teams → toggle off or disable banners/sounds.

3. Can I stop notifications only during gaming?
Yes, enable Focus Assist → Automatic rules → When playing a game.

4. Why do I still see notifications after turning them off?
Some apps manage notifications internally. Check the app’s own settings.

5. Can I hide notifications on the lock screen?
Yes, go to Settings → Personalization → Lock screen → set status to None.

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