Starting with Windows 11 build 22557, Microsoft reimagined focus assist experiences on Windows. It is now called Do not disturb.
Do not disturb makes it easy to silence notifications. Additionally, you can set priority notifications to control whether calls, reminders, and specific apps break through when do not disturb is on. Focus is a new experience that enables everyone to stay in the moment and minimize distractions on their PC. To help you stay on track, focus integrates with the Clock app for other focus tools, such as a focus timer and calming music.
This tutorial will show you how to customize the focus assist priority list for your account in Windows 11.
Notifications are alerts from apps, system, and other senders.
Focus assist allows you to avoid distracting notifications when you need to stay focused, and is set by default to activate automatically under certain conditions.
To stay focused, you can choose which notifications you would like to see and hear, and the rest will go straight to the Notification Center (Win+N) where you can see them any time.
- Off - Get all notifications from your apps and contacts.
- Priority only (on) - See only selected notifications from the priority list.
- Alarms only (on) - Hide all notifications, except for alarms.
You can turn on Show a summary of what I missed when focus assist was on to be sent a notification when you exit from focus assist about what was redirected to Action Center. Deselect this to deactivate this notification.
Here's How:
1 Open Settings (Win+I).
2 Click/tap on System on the left side, and click/tap on Focus assist on the right side. (see screenshot below)
3 Click/tap on the Customize priority list on the right side under Focus Assist > Priority only. (see screenshot below)
4 Perform the following actions you want to customize your priority list for notifications: (see screenshot below)
Calls, texts, and reminders
- Check or uncheck Show incoming calls, including VoIP.
- Check or uncheck Show reminders, regardless of app used.
Only apps (ex: Mail, Skype, Calling, Messaging) that support this feature will show notifications from contacts (people) you add.
- Check or uncheck Show notifications from pinned contacts on taskbar.
- Add or remove contacts from your People app.
Show notifications only from the apps you add.
- Add or remove apps.
5 When finished, you can close Settings if you like.
That's it,
Shawn Brink
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