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How to Enable or Disable Mobile Device Notification Previews on Hover in Start Menu on Windows 11

Richard
Written by
Richard
Jul 18, 2026 Updated Sep 16, 2026 2 min read
How to Enable or Disable Mobile Device Notification Previews on Hover in Start Menu on Windows 11
How to Enable or Disable Mobile Device Notification Previews on Hover in Start Menu on Windows 11

Mobile device notification previews on hover in the Start menu on Windows 11 let you view phone alerts, battery percentage, and text messages directly from your desktop. This built-in feature uses the Phone Link app to connect Android and iOS devices to Windows 11 Build 22621 or later without unlocking your phone.

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You can turn these pop-up alerts on or off through the main Settings app in a few clicks. Managing this feature helps protect your privacy when you share your screen or keeps your taskbar clean.

⚡ Quick Answer

Open the Phone Link app, click the settings gear icon, select “Start menu personalization,” and toggle “Notification previews” on or off under the “Notifications” section to control what you see in the Start menu .

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Control Notification Previews in the Start Menu

Now that your phone is linked, let’s manage the notification previews on your Start menu . Here you decide if you want to see the full content of your phone’s alerts or a quick summary.

With your phone linked and visible in the Phone Link app, locate the settings icon. This gear icon opens the Phone Link settings menu, where PC and phone interactions are managed.

Phone Link app settings gear icon on Windows 11
Phone Link app settings gear icon on Windows 11

Step 2Find Start Menu Settings

In the Phone Link settings, look for an option related to how your phone displays or is managed on the Windows Start menu . Click on “Start menu personalization.” This section lets you control how your phone appears and what information it shows on your Start menu.

Step 3Change Notification Preview Settings

You can manage Windows 11 notification previews in the Phone Link app settings to choose how much detail appears on your screen. Open the app settings, go to features, and find the notifications section. From there, you can turn previews on or off so your phone alerts show either the full message or a simple summary when you look at the Start menu .

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  • Turn On Notification Previews: If you want to see the full content of your phone's notifications when you hover over your phone's icon in the Start menu, make sure this option is turned ON. This is usually the default.
  • Turn Off Notification Previews: If you don't want to see the full details of your notifications on the Start menu, turn this option OFF. You'll still get notifications, but you'll need to open the Phone Link app or check your phone to see the full message.
Windows 11 Start menu notification preview for linked phone
Windows 11 Start menu notification preview for linked phone

Step 4Save Your Changes

Changes to this setting apply automatically without requiring a manual save. You can now test it out!

Summary

Managing Windows 11 notification previews lets you control what information pops up from your phone on your computer screen. You can turn on previews to read incoming messages right away, or turn them off to keep your screen private and free from distractions while you work on your PC using the Phone Link app.

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Tags: #Windows 11
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Richard

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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