Focus Assist: How to Turn Off Notifications in Windows 10

Notifications can be a major distraction when you're trying to focus on important tasks on your computer. Fortunately, Windows 10 has a built-in feature that allows you to silence notifications and maintain your concentration. Let’s go over the steps to configure it.

Step 1: Open Focus Assist Settings

To get started, open the Settings menu:

• Click the Start button and select Settings (gear icon).
• In the Settings window, choose System, then go to the Focus Assist section.

Step 2: Set Your Focus Assist Level

Windows 10 offers several focus levels, allowing you to control which notifications will be displayed:

• Off: all notifications will be shown as usual.
• Priority only: only notifications from important apps or contacts on your priority list will appear.
• Alarms only: only alarms will show, while all other notifications will be muted.

Choose the level that best matches your need for quiet time and focus.

Step 3: Set Up Automatic Rules

If you'd like Focus Assist to activate during certain times or scenarios, use the Automatic Rules feature:

• While playing a game: automatically switches to “Priority only” or “Alarms only” mode when gaming.
• When using full screen: silences notifications when watching videos, working in full-screen mode, or gaming.
• During specific hours: set a schedule for Focus Assist to turn on automatically, such as during work hours.