How to use Focus Assist on Windows 11

Windows 11 offers various productivity tools, and Focus Assist is one of the most significant features designed to enhance your work efficiency by minimizing distractions. Below is a comprehensive guide on how to use Focus Assist on Windows 11.

1. How to Turn On Focus Assist on Windows 11

1.1 Via Settings

1. Go to Settings from the Start menu and click Best match to open the settings.
2. Click System from the sidebar, then select Focus Assist.
3. Under the Focus Assist tab, choose one of the available modes: Off, Priority only, or Alarms only.
4. Check the box under Alarms only to view missed notifications.

In Priority only mode, notifications from chosen apps can still be displayed, while Alarms only mode restricts all notifications except alarms. To customize your priority list, click on Customize priority list.

1.2 Using Action Center

1. Open the Action Center by clicking on the system tray icon in the taskbar.
2. Toggle between different Focus Assist modes by repeatedly clicking its icon.

If the Focus Assist icon isn’t visible, click the pencil icon to add it.

2. Automatically Block Notifications

2.1 Set a Schedule

1. Access Settings via the Start menu and open it.
2. Click System > Focus Assist.
3. In the Automatic rules tab, enable During these times to turn on Focus Assist automatically at specific intervals.
4. Select the Start time and End time for Focus Assist.
5. Choose your repeat preference (Daily, Weekends, or Weekdays) from the Repeats menu.
6. Set the Focus level using the drop-down menu (Alarms only or Priority only).

2.2 Additional Settings

1. To customize Focus Assist while gaming or using full-screen apps, go to Settings > System > Focus settings.
2. Adjust the settings as needed, and select your preferred Focus level.

If you wish to receive notifications when Focus Assist is activated automatically, check the box next to Show a notification in the action center when focus assist is turned on automatically.

3. Conclusion

In summary, Focus Assist on Windows 11 is a powerful tool that helps to minimize distractions, enabling you to concentrate better on important tasks. By following the steps outlined above, you can effectively manage notifications and use Focus Assist to enhance your productivity.

We hope this article helps you understand how to use Focus Assist on Windows 11. For more useful tips and tricks related to Windows 11, visit our blog!