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.
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.
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 .
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.
Step 1Go to Phone Link Settings
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.

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 .
- 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.

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.
Was this guide helpful?
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.
No comments yet — be the first to share your thoughts!