How to Set Priority Notifications for Do Not Disturb in Windows 11
In Windows 11, you can set priority notifications for Do Not Disturb. This means you choose specific apps or contacts that can bypass the silence.
Do Not Disturb, which was called Focus Assist in Windows 10 and earlier, silences most incoming alerts. This helps you concentrate on your work or gaming.
Windows 11 allows you to create custom priority lists. This ensures that critical notifications, like those from your calendar or a specific communication app, still appear when Do Not Disturb is active.
You can select apps and people to add to your priority list. This gives you complete control over what breaks through the silence.
Go to Settings, then System, and select Notifications. Click “Set priority notifications” to allow specific apps or reminders to bypass Do Not Disturb. You can add or remove apps from this priority list to customize what interruptions you receive.
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 makes Do Not Disturb smarter by adding it to Focus tools, helping you concentrate by showing only important alerts.
When Do Not Disturb is on, you won’t see most notification pop-ups. However, you can always check them later in the Notification Center by pressing ⊞ Win+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.
Important things like alarms will always come through no matter what.
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
- Open Settings by pressing ⊞ Win+I.
- Click System on the left. Then select Notifications on the right. Open Notifications Settings
- Click Set priority notifications.
- Under Calls and reminders, check or uncheck these options:
- Show incoming calls, including VoIP
- Show reminders, regardless of app used
- Close Settings when done.
Option 2Add Apps to Priority Notifications
- Open Settings (⊞ Win+I). Then go to System > Notifications. (Open Notifications Settings)
- Click Set priority notifications.
- Under Apps, click the Add apps button.
- Select the app(s) you want to allow to send notifications during Do Not Disturb.
- Close Settings when finished.
Option 3Remove Apps from Priority Notifications
- Open Settings (⊞ Win+I). Then go to System > Notifications. (Open Notifications Settings)
- Click Set priority notifications.
- Under Apps, find the app you want to remove.
- Click the three dots (More options) next to the app and select Remove.
- Close Settings when done.
Summary
Setting priority notifications for Do Not Disturb in Windows 11 helps you focus by letting you choose what’s important, like calls or specific apps, to get through without interruption.
- 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
For more details about app notifications, check out this official Microsoft article: App notification content – Windows apps
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.
[…] How to Set Priority Notifications for Do Not Disturb in Windows 11 How to Enable or Disable Clipboard History in Windows 11 […]