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How to Configure Focus Sessions in Windows 11

Set Focus session duration and taskbar and notification preferences in Windows 11, then start a session from Settings, the taskbar, or Clock.
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Configure Focus sessions at Settings > System > Focus. Choose a duration and the session behaviors you want, then select Start focus session. Focus can also be started from the taskbar calendar and notification area or from the Clock app.

How do I set up Focus sessions in Windows 11?

  1. Open Settings > System > Focus.
  2. Set the session duration. Choose whether to show the timer in the Clock app, hide taskbar app badges, hide flashing taskbar app icons, and turn on Do Not Disturb during the session. These preferences apply to future sessions. Microsoft documents these controls in its Focus instructions and accessibility guidance.
  3. Select Start focus session.

Windows displays the session period, and Do Not Disturb turns on when configured for Focus. Taskbar badges and flashing are suppressed if you selected those options. Notifications received during the session are not deleted; you can review them later in Notification Center. Windows sends a notification when the session ends, and you can end a session early.

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How do I turn on Focus mode quickly?

To start a session without opening Settings, select the taskbar clock or notification bell, or press Windows key + N. Choose a duration and select Focus. This is useful when your saved session preferences are already set.

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How do I start a session in the Clock app?

  1. Open the Clock app and select Focus sessions.
  2. Choose a session duration and whether to include breaks.
  3. Select the option to start the session.

Clock also offers optional integrations: you can connect Spotify and choose a playlist or podcast to play when the session starts, or connect Microsoft To Do and select tasks to work on. Neither integration is required to use Focus.

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Why is Do Not Disturb still on after my Focus session?

If Do Not Disturb was already on before you started Focus, it remains on after the session ends. Focus does not turn off a Do Not Disturb state that was active beforehand. To manage it separately, open Settings > System > Notifications. Windows lets you configure automatic triggers and priority notifications for calls, reminders, and selected apps. See Microsoft’s notification and Do Not Disturb guidance.

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