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 alert you to new messages, reminders, or calls.

What’s New in 🪟 Windows 11?

Do Not Disturb is part of the newer Windows 11 focus tools designed to cut down on distractions by letting only important alerts appear. Missed an alert while the feature was active? Press Win+N to open the Notification Center and review everything you missed.

Why Set Priority Notifications?

Setting priority notifications in Windows 11 lets you choose which apps or contacts break through when Do Not Disturb is active, preventing missed calls or reminders.

Critical items like alarms always come through no matter what.

Example of Privacy Feature for Important Notifications

Starting with Windows 11 update version 22H2, urgent notifications include a new feature. When running full-screen apps, urgent notifications display a "View Notification" button to keep 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 break through when Do Not Disturb is active. This configuration prevents missed calls or messages while blocking distractions to maintain focus. Custom rules also govern when Do Not Disturb turns on automatically.

• 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.

Following these steps tailors notifications to fit your daily routine and maintains focus without missing what matters.

Learn More

Windows 11 lets you set priority notifications for Do Not Disturb mode, giving you control over which app alerts get through. Microsoft provides additional documentation titled "App notification content - Windows apps" for learning how specific apps show alerts and how to manage them during Do Not Disturb periods.