Before you start
- Windows 11 or Windows 10
Method 1 Turn off notifications from an app
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Step 1: From the notification
When a notification appears, click ⋯ (or right-click it in the notification centre) and choose Turn off all notifications for [app].
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Step 2: From Settings
Go to Settings > System > Notifications and switch off the apps you don’t want to hear from.
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Step 3: Fine-tune an app
Click an app’s name to keep its notifications but hide banners, turn off sounds, or hide them on the lock screen.
Method 2 Silence everything for a while
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Step 1: Do not disturb
Click the date/time on the taskbar and the bell icon, or go to Settings > System > Notifications > Do not disturb.
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Step 2: Set automatic rules
Under Turn on do not disturb automatically, choose times (e.g. outside working hours), when duplicating your display, while gaming, or when using an app in full screen.
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Step 3: Allow priority notifications
In Set priority notifications, choose calls, reminders and apps that can still break through.
Method 3 Stop Windows tips and promotions
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Step 1: Open additional settings
At the bottom of Settings > System > Notifications, expand Additional settings.
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Step 2: Untick everything you don’t want
Untick Show the Windows welcome experience…, Suggest ways to get the most out of Windows… and Get tips and suggestions when using Windows.
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Step 3: Clean up Start and lock screen
In Settings > Personalization > Lock screen, turn off Get fun facts, tips, tricks and more. In Personalization > Start, turn off recommendations for tips and apps.
Troubleshooting
An app still shows pop-ups
Some apps use their own pop-up windows rather than Windows notifications. Turn them off in the app’s settings.
Notifications are off but I need one app
Turn notifications back on at the top of Settings, then turn off every app except the one you want.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Action Center in Windows 11?
It’s split in two: notifications open from the date/time, and Quick Settings from the Wi-Fi/volume icons.
Will I miss calendar reminders?
Add your calendar app to priority notifications so reminders still appear during Do not disturb.
Summary
Turn off noisy apps in Settings > System > Notifications, use Do not disturb with priority exceptions, and untick Windows tips under Additional settings.
