How to Set Priority Notifications for Do Not Disturb in Windows 11

What Are Notifications?

Notifications are pop-up messages from your apps, the system, or other programs. They tell you about things like new messages, reminders, or calls.

What’s New in 🪟 Windows 11?

Windows 11’s Do Not Disturb feature is part of the new Focus tools. It helps you concentrate by letting only important alerts appear. Most pop-up notifications are silenced when Do Not Disturb is on, but you can find them later in the Notification Center by pressing Windows key + N.

Why Set Priority Notifications?

Setting priority notifications in Windows 11 lets you choose which apps or contacts can break through when Do Not Disturb is on, so you don’t miss important calls or reminders.

Example of Privacy Feature for Important Notifications

Starting with the Windows 11 update version 22H2, urgent notifications have a new feature. When you’re using full-screen apps, urgent notifications will show a “View Notification” button. This helps keep your information private until you choose to see it.

How to Set Priority Notifications

Option 1Allow Calls and Reminders

1. ⚙️ Open Settings by pressing ⊞ Win+I.
2. Click System on the left. Then select Notifications on the right. Open Notifications Settings
3. Click Set priority notifications.
4. Under Calls and reminders, check or uncheck these options:

   • Show incoming calls, including VoIP
   • Show reminders, regardless of app used
5. Close Settings when done.

Option 2Add Apps to Priority Notifications

1. ⚙️ Open Settings (⊞ Win+I). Then go to System > Notifications. (Open Notifications Settings)
2. Click Set priority notifications.
3. Under Apps, click the Add apps button.
4. Select the app(s) you want to allow to send notifications during Do Not Disturb.
5. Close Settings when finished.

Option 3Remove Apps from Priority Notifications

1. ⚙️ Open Settings (⊞ Win+I). Then go to System > Notifications. (Open Notifications Settings)
2. Click Set priority notifications.
3. Under Apps, find the app you want to remove.
4. Click the three dots (More options) next to the app and select Remove.
5. Close Settings when done.

Summary

Priority notifications in Windows 11 let you pick which alerts can break through when Do Not Disturb is active. This means you won’t miss important calls or messages, while still blocking out distractions to help you focus. You can also set up custom rules for when Do Not Disturb turns on by itself.

• Better Focus: Limit interruptions while working or relaxing.
• Custom Rules: Automatically turn on Do Not Disturb based on your schedule.
• Choose What’s Important: Let calls, reminders, and apps you pick get through.
• Privacy: Important notifications show a “view” button in full-screen mode.
• Easy to Manage: Add or remove apps anytime in Settings.

By following these steps, you can customize your notifications to fit your day. Stay focused without missing what really matters.

Learn More

Windows 11 lets you set priority notifications for Do Not Disturb mode, giving you control over which app alerts can get through. If you want to learn more about how specific apps show alerts and how to manage them when Do Not Disturb is on, Microsoft has a guide called “App notification content – Windows apps.”