Hardware FixRecommendedDevice not working? Your driver may be the problemCheck updates for common hardware issues.Fix DriversOctober DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsPC HealthRecommendedCrashes, freezes, slowdowns? Check your PC nowSpot repairable issues before they interrupt work.Check PC×
Skip to content
Redmond desk3 min

How to Manage App Notification Settings in Windows 11

Choose which apps can interrupt you in Windows 11, adjust banners and sounds, or use Do Not Disturb and Focus for a quieter session.
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

To control which apps can interrupt you in Windows 11, open Start > Settings > System > Notifications. From there, you can turn off notifications for a specific app, stop its pop-up banners while keeping alerts in Notification Center, mute its sounds, or use Do Not Disturb for a temporary quiet period. These are notification settings—not privacy permissions for access to your camera, microphone, or location.

How do I turn off notifications for one app in Windows 11?

  1. Open Start > Settings > System > Notifications. Microsoft Support uses this Windows 11 path for notification controls: Manage notifications in Windows 11.
  2. Under Notifications from apps and other senders, select the app.
  3. Turn the app’s notifications off. The main Notifications switch at the top of Settings affects notifications globally; use the app list below it to change one sender without disabling notifications for everything.

You can also switch off a sender from an alert: open Notification Center by selecting the taskbar clock or notification bell, or press Windows key + N. Open the more menu on one of that app’s notifications and choose Turn off all notifications. This disables future notifications from that sender; it is different from clearing the alert already on screen.

How do I stop pop-up notifications but keep them in Notification Center?

Open the app’s settings at Start > Settings > System > Notifications. Turn Show notification banners off and leave Show notifications in notification center on. This separates pop-up presentation from Notification Center delivery, so the app’s alerts should remain available there, subject to the app and Windows configuration.

What can I change for an app’s notifications?

Select the app under Notifications from apps and other senders to see its available controls. Depending on the app and Windows configuration, you can manage:

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

  • Whether the app can send notifications.
  • Whether it shows notification banners or appears in Notification Center.
  • Whether notification content is hidden on the lock screen.
  • Whether notifications play a sound.
  • Its notification priority, if offered.

Windows offers Top, High, and Normal priorities. Microsoft says only one app can be set to Top priority; High notifications appear above Normal notifications in Notification Center.

How do I turn off notification sounds?

In the app’s notification settings, turn Play a sound off. This mutes that app’s notification sounds without requiring you to disable its notifications or hide its banners. For a temporary break from interruptions across apps, use Do Not Disturb instead.

How do I quiet notifications temporarily?

Use Do Not Disturb for a quiet period

Turn on Do Not Disturb from Notification Center for an immediate quiet period, or review its automatic rules at Start > Settings > System > Notifications. Windows can enable it on a schedule or in listed situations, including when duplicating a display, gaming, using a full-screen app, or during the first hour after a Windows feature update.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

In Do Not Disturb settings, configure priority notifications if you want selected apps, calls, or reminders to get through. While it is on, other notifications go to Notification Center. Allowed alarms, reminders, and selected apps can still show banners.

Use Focus for a timed work session

For a defined session, open Start > Settings > System > Focus. Focus settings include session duration, showing the timer in Clock, hiding app badges or flashing on the taskbar, and turning on Do Not Disturb. Focus is session-based; for an ongoing preference such as disabling one app or its sound, change that app under Notifications.

Are notification settings the same as app permissions?

No. System > Notifications controls how ordinary app alerts are delivered and displayed. Settings > Privacy & security controls access to capabilities such as location, microphone, and camera. To review a capability permission, open Privacy & security and choose the relevant permission. Microsoft notes that some desktop apps do not appear on that page, so its controls cannot be used to manage every desktop app’s access.

Rank #2
Dell Latitude 5420 14" FHD Business Laptop Computer, Intel Quad-Core i5-1145G7, 16GB DDR4 RAM, 256GB SSD, Camera, HDMI, Windows 11 Pro (Renewed)
  • 256 GB SSD of storage.
  • Multitasking is easy with 16GB of RAM
  • Equipped with a blazing fast Core i5 2.00 GHz processor.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Why can’t I change notifications on my work computer?

An organization’s administrator may manage some settings on a work or school PC. Microsoft specifically notes this can apply to some Windows Security notification settings; it does not mean every restricted control will show the same message or behave identically. If a notification setting is unavailable or locked, contact your organization’s IT administrator about the device’s policy. Interface labels may also change in later Windows updates; the path and labels here reflect Microsoft Support guidance accessed October 4, 2026.

Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1
Bestseller No. 2
Dell Latitude 5420 14' FHD Business Laptop Computer, Intel Quad-Core i5-1145G7, 16GB DDR4 RAM, 256GB SSD, Camera, HDMI, Windows 11 Pro (Renewed)
Dell Latitude 5420 14" FHD Business Laptop Computer, Intel Quad-Core i5-1145G7, 16GB DDR4 RAM, 256GB SSD, Camera, HDMI, Windows 11 Pro (Renewed)
256 GB SSD of storage.; Multitasking is easy with 16GB of RAM; Equipped with a blazing fast Core i5 2.00 GHz processor.
$285.00
Bestseller No. 3
HP 14' HD Laptop, Windows 11, Intel Celeron Dual-Core Processor Up to 2.60GHz, 4GB RAM, 64GB SSD, Webcam, Dale Pink (Renewed)
HP 14" HD Laptop, Windows 11, Intel Celeron Dual-Core Processor Up to 2.60GHz, 4GB RAM, 64GB SSD, Webcam, Dale Pink (Renewed)
14" diagonal, 1366x768 resolution, HD BrightView LED, Glossy NON-TOUCH Display
$245.99
Rank #4
Windows 11 Laptop with i3 Processor 15.6" Work Laptop for College Students
  • 【Efficient Performance】 Powered by Intel Core i3 processor (2 cores, 4 threads, up to 3.4GHz) with 12GB RAM and 256GB SSD. Handles multitasking, office software, online classes, and HD video streaming smoothly. Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 620
  • Backlit Keyboard & Complete Package】Comes with a cool backlit keyboard. Comes with awebcam, dual stereo speakers (8Ω/1.0W each), DC charger, and user manual – ready for late-night studying, online classes, video conferencing, and daily productivity
  • 【Vibrant Display】 15.6-inch Full HD (1920x1080) anti-glare screen with 16:9 aspect ratio delivers crisp images and vivid colors – perfect for studying, watching lectures, or entertainment. Thin-bezel design maximizes viewing area
  • 【Fast Connectivity & Expansion】 Equipped with WiFi 6 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.2 for stable, high-speed wireless. Features 3 x USB 3.0, HDMI 2.1, Type-C (supports PD3.0 fast charging), and a TF card slot expandable up to 2TB – easily connect external monitors, mice, drives, or expand storage for all your files
  • 【Long Battery Life & Portable】 Built-in 11.55V 5000mAh/57.75Wh high-capacity battery delivers approximately 7 hours of mixed-use battery life – enough for a full day of classes and assignments. Lightweight at just 1.63kg (3.6 lbs) and 19.5mm thin, plus a compact packing size – easily slips into a backpack for campus, library, or coffee shop
Rank #3

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More from the Wire

  1. World desk4 min
    How to Spot an AI Voice Scam Before Sending MoneyDon’t rely on how a caller sounds. Pause, call back through a known number, and verify the emergency with another trusted person before sending money.
  2. Mountain View desk4 min
    Google’s SynthID Detector: How to Check AI-Generated Images, Video and AudioGoogle’s SynthID Detector looks for an embedded watermark in supported images, video and audio. Here is what its results do—and do not—show.
  3. Redmond desk20 min
    How to create a link to File or Folder in Windows 11Windows 11 gives you several ways to point to a file or folder without moving or duplicating it. You can create a desktop shortcut,…
Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You DownFree scan - exact matches
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?Free scan - under a minute

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.