How to Enable or Disable Hide Badges on Taskbar Apps with Focus Session in Windows 11
Hiding taskbar badges with Focus Sessions in Windows 11 turns off the red dots and numbers on app icons that show new messages and alerts. This tool blocks pop-ups and clears visual clutter so you can focus on your work without interruptions.
Focus Sessions is a built-in timer tool added to Windows 11 in May 2022 to help you work in blocks of time. Shutting off app badges during these sessions keeps you from getting distracted and switching away from your current task.
Go to Settings System Focus and toggle the “Hide badges on taskbar apps” option. Checking the box hides badges during Focus Sessions, while unchecking it keeps them visible. This reduces distractions by removing notification counts from app icons.
Prerequisites
- You must be using Windows 11.
- Ensure your system is updated to the latest version via Windows Update .
- You need a user account with standard permissions to change these settings.
How to Manage Taskbar Badges via Settings
Make sure your PC runs Windows 11 and has the latest updates installed via Windows Update . Standard user account permissions are all that’s required to change these settings.
Open the Settings app and navigate directly to the Focus menu by clicking ‘System’ on the left side, then selecting ‘Focus’.
3. Locate the option labeled Hide badges on taskbar apps.
4. Check the box to hide them, or uncheck it to keep them visible.
Advanced Method: Registry Editor
Advanced users can modify the system registry to achieve the same result. Exercise caution here, as incorrect edits can affect system stability.
Press the Windows key and the R key simultaneously to launch the run dialog. Type `regedit` into the box that appears and press Enter. Administrator rights are required to make changes here.
2. Navigate to this location: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Notifications\Settings\FocusAssist
Advanced Method: PowerShell
1. Right-click the Start button and choose Terminal (Admin). Administrator privileges are required to proceed.
2. Copy and paste the following command to hide badges:
Set-ItemProperty -Path "HKCU:\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Notifications\Settings\FocusAssist" -Name "HideBadge" -Value 13. Press Enter to apply the change.
Troubleshooting
Taskbar badges remaining visible usually means an active Focus Session is locking the setting. Restarting the Windows Explorer process via Task Manager forces the changes to appear immediately.
Summary
Managing taskbar badges during Focus Sessions boosts productivity. Flip this setting on or off in the Settings menu, or gain granular control with tools like the Registry Editor and PowerShell. Hiding these distractions creates a cleaner digital workspace.
Does disabling badges during a Focus Session affect all apps?
Yes, enabling the hide badges feature applies globally to all applications pinned to your taskbar. Windows does not currently support granular control to hide badges for some apps while keeping them active for others during a specific Focus Session.
Why are my taskbar badges not updating during a Focus Session?
Check if a Focus Session is active when badges remain visible. Background processes or third-party notification managers occasionally override Windows settings. Restarting the computer or checking for pending Windows updates ensures the Focus feature functions correctly.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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