How to Enable or Disable Hide Badges on Taskbar Apps with Focus Session in Windows 11
Hiding app badges on the Windows 11 taskbar during Focus Sessions stops distracting notifications. These badges are the little red numbers or dots that show up on app icons, like for new emails or missed messages. Turning them off helps you stay focused on your work.
This setting works with Windows 11’s Focus Sessions, a feature introduced around May 2022. Focus Sessions are designed to help you block out time for deep work.
When you hide these badges, your taskbar becomes cleaner. It removes visual cues that might tempt you to switch away from your current task, helping you get more done.
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
You can hide those little notification numbers, called badges, that pop up on your taskbar apps in Windows 11 right from the Settings app. Go to Focus settings and look for the option to hide badges on taskbar apps.
2. Click ‘System’ on the left side, then select ‘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
For those comfortable with making deeper changes on their computer, you can hide taskbar badges on Windows 11 apps using the Registry Editor. This tool lets you change many Windows settings, but you need to be careful when using it.
Opening the Registry Editor allows you to change Windows settings. To open it, press the Windows key and the R key simultaneously. Then, type `regedit` into the box that appears and press Enter. The Registry Editor needs administrator rights to make changes.
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). You'll need administrator privileges 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
If you're not seeing your taskbar badges hide, double-check that you're not currently in an active Focus Session, as the setting gets locked during those times. If the changes don't appear immediately, try restarting the Windows Explorer process via Task Manager.
Summary
Managing taskbar badges during Focus Sessions is a great way to boost productivity. You can flip this setting on or off in the Settings menu, or get more granular control with tools like the Registry Editor and PowerShell. By hiding these distractions, you create a cleaner digital workspace.
Does disabling badges during a Focus Session affect all apps?
Yes, when you enable the hide badges feature, it 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?
If badges remain visible, check if your Focus Session is actually active. Occasionally, background processes or third-party notification managers might override Windows settings. Try restarting your computer or checking for pending Windows updates to ensure the Focus feature is functioning 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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