Windows notifications come from apps and from Windows itself. You can shut everything off with one switch, or silence only the apps that interrupt you while keeping alerts you still care about.
This applies to Windows 10 and Windows 11. Permanent notification settings are separate from temporary Focus/Do Not Disturb modes.
Does This Affect You?
If pop-ups, sounds, or Action Center entries keep interrupting work, start by muting specific noisy apps. Turning off every notification is faster, but it can also hide useful security, email, calendar, or chat alerts.
Turn Off All Notifications
- Open Settings > System > Notifications. On Windows 10, use System > Notifications & actions.
- Turn off the main Notifications switch. On Windows 10, it may say Get notifications from apps and other senders.
- Windows immediately stops notification banners and notification-center entries.
- Turn the switch back on later if you want notifications again.
Turn Off One App at a Time
- Open Settings > System > Notifications.
- Scroll to notifications from apps and other senders.
- Turn off the switch beside the app you want to silence.
- On Windows 11, click the app name for finer controls such as sound, lock screen, banners, and notification-center behavior.
Hide Notifications on the Lock Screen
- Open notification settings.
- Open Additional settings or the lock screen notification section for your Windows version.
- Turn off reminders, incoming VoIP calls, or lock-screen notification content.
- Notifications can still appear after you sign in; this mainly protects privacy while the PC is locked.
More Notification Controls
Clear Notification History
Open Notification Center from the taskbar date/time area, then clear old notifications. You can also stop individual apps from saving notifications there.
Turn Off Windows Tips
In notification settings, disable Windows tips, suggestions, and setup prompts if you only want to remove Microsoft’s own nudges.
Silence the Sound Only
Open an app’s notification settings and turn off notification sounds while keeping visual alerts enabled.
Sources
- Microsoft Support: Change notification settings in Windows
- Microsoft Support: Turn Focus assist on or off
- Microsoft Learn: Notifications and Action Center overview