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How to Hide Content When Notifications Are on the Lock Screen in Windows 11

Richard
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Richard
Jun 22, 2026 2 min read
Mac System Preferences Notifications settings with Messages selected and alert style banners enabled

Windows notifications can be helpful for staying informed, but they can also become a distraction. You can control whether notification content appears on your Windows 11 lock screen to protect your privacy.

This setting prevents apps from displaying message previews or other sensitive details when your PC is locked. This way, anyone nearby can’t easily see your private information. For instance, apps like Mail or Microsoft Teams might show a message summary if this privacy setting isn’t enabled.

Choosing to hide notification content adds an extra layer of security. It ensures only you can see the full details of your alerts once your device is unlocked.

⚡ Quick Answer

Go to Settings > System > Notifications. For each app, click its name and turn off the “Show notification content on the lock screen” toggle to hide private information when your computer is locked.

Control Notifications for Each App

Managing Notifications Per App: Sometimes you need notifications from an app, but not every single one. Perhaps your social media apps send too many alerts, or a game keeps popping up with updates while you’re working. Windows lets you manage this on an app-by-app basis.

Hide Content on the Lock Screen

You can hide private information from appearing on your Windows 11 lock screen to keep your data safe. This setting is great for privacy. When your computer is locked, private information won’t appear on the lock screen.

  1. Open Settings

    Click the Start button (the Windows flag icon). Then click the gear icon for “Settings.” You can also press the Windows key + I on your keyboard.

  2. Go to System

    In the Settings window, click on “System” in the left sidebar.

  3. Find Notifications

    In the System settings, click on “Notifications.”

  4. Find App Settings

    Scroll down to the section “Notifications from apps and other senders.” You will see a list of apps that send notifications.

  5. Choose an App

    Click on the name of the app you want to change settings for. This takes you to its specific settings.

  6. Change the Lock Screen Setting

    Look for an option like “Show notification content on the lock screen.” There might be a toggle switch next to it. Turn this toggle OFF to hide content on the lock screen. Turn it ON to show content.

    Warning: Be careful about what information apps might show. For apps like email or messaging, it’s best to keep this setting OFF for your lock screen.
Windows 11 notifications settings tile in the Settings app.
Windows 11 notifications settings tile in the Settings app.
Notifications from apps and other senders settings in Windows 11.
Notifications from apps and other senders settings in Windows 11.

By adjusting this setting for each app, you keep your lock screen private. For example, you might want to know you received a message, but you don’t need to see the entire message or who it’s from on your lock screen.

Reference:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/notifications-and-do-not-disturb-in-windows-feeca47f-0baf-5680-16f0-8801db1a8466#id0ebd=windows_11

Summary

This guide walked you through controlling lock screen notification content on Windows 11. By navigating to Settings > System > Notifications, individual app settings can be adjusted. This helps protect your privacy by hiding sensitive information when your computer is locked.

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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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