How to Manage Windows 11 Notifications: Turn On/Off Alerts

Get Started with 🪟 Windows 11 Notifications

Before you change settings for individual apps, it helps to know how the system is laid out. Windows has one master switch for all notifications. Below it is a list of every app that can send alerts, and each app has its own switches. Some apps, such as Teams and Messenger, also keep a second set of notification settings inside the app. If you silence an app in Windows but still get alerts, check the app’s own settings. This section covers the master switch and the general system alerts.

Windows shows alerts in two places. A banner pops up near the bottom right of the screen, and the alert is then stored in the notification center. You can switch each of these off separately for any app.

1 How to Enable or Disable Windows 11 Notifications This article provides a guide on managing notifications via the Settings app on Windows 11, detailing how to toggle the "Show me notifications in the Settings app" setting. Users can customize their notification preferences for fewer distractions or to stay informed, accommodating their personal needs. The process involves navigating through the 'Privacy & security' and 'General' settings. 6 min read · ↻ Updated Oct 2026

2 Enable or Disable Firewall Notifications in Windows 11 Windows 11's Windows Security app offers firewall and network protection notifications to keep users informed about their computer's security. Users can manage these notifications by accessing settings and toggling them on or off. Despite turning off notifications, urgent security alerts will still be sent. 3 min read · ↻ Updated Oct 2026

Control App and Text-Related Alerts

This section covers the alerts that affect how you communicate and write. Settings that warn you about camera use, correct your typing, or flag spelling errors can save you from awkward mistakes, so they are worth checking.

1. Open Settings › Privacy & security › Camera You will see a list of apps and a switch for Camera access. Review which apps are allowed to use your camera and turn off any you do not recognize.
2. Open Settings › Time & language › Typing This page holds the typing helpers.
3. Turn Autocorrect misspelled words on or off, depending on whether you want Windows to fix typos as you type.
4. Turn Highlight misspelled words on or off. When it is on, a red wavy underline appears under words Windows thinks are wrong.

These typing settings apply to apps that use the standard Windows text controls. Some apps, such as web browsers and Microsoft Office, have their own spellcheck. If you still see underlines after turning the Windows option off, change the setting inside that app.

1 How to Turn On Camera Notifications on Your Screen in Windows 11 Windows 11 can notify users when their camera turns on or off, enhancing security awareness. This feature is crucial if the camera light is obstructed, preventing unnoticed activation. Users can enable or disable these notifications via the Registry Editor by adjusting a specific setting, ensuring they remain aware of camera usage at all times. 6 min read · ↻ Updated Oct 2026

2 Enable or Disable Autocorrect in Windows 11 Windows 11 features an autocorrect function that automatically corrects spelling mistakes as you type, aiding users who occasionally misspell words or use multiple languages. Users can easily toggle this feature on or off through the Settings app or, for advanced users, via the Registry Editor, ensuring customization to personal preferences. 4 min read · ↻ Updated Oct 2026

3 How to Turn Spellcheck on or off in Windows 11 Windows 11 features a spellcheck tool that highlights misspelled words with a red wavy line. Users can easily enable or disable this feature through the Settings menu under Time & language. Advanced users can also modify it via the Windows Registry. Turning off spellcheck can help minimize distractions from false corrections. 4 min read · ↻ Updated Oct 2026

Master Microsoft Teams Notifications

Microsoft Teams sends a lot of alerts: chat messages, mentions, calls, and sounds. Managing them inside Teams keeps your workday focused. Teams has its own notification settings that work alongside the Windows ones. If a notification is switched off in Windows, Teams cannot show it, whatever its own settings say.

1. Open Teams and select the three dots (Settings and more) at the top right of the window.
2. Select Settings, then choose Notifications and activity (in the classic version of Teams, this page is called Notifications).
3. Go through the categories, such as chat, mentions, and calls, and choose how each one should alert you. You will usually see choices like a banner and feed alert, feed only, or off.

The layout differs between new Teams and classic Teams, so a label on your screen may not match the one above exactly. The idea is the same in both versions.

1 Manage Likes and Reactions Notifications in Microsoft Teams This article details the process of enabling or disabling notifications for likes and reactions in Microsoft Teams, a comprehensive collaboration platform. It includes step-by-step instructions on accessing the settings via the Teams app and adjusting your preferences based on your desired level of engagement and focus during work. 3 min read · ↻ Updated Oct 2026

2 How to Manage @Mentions Notifications in Microsoft Teams This article provides a guide on toggling notification banners for @mentions in Microsoft Teams to manage disruptions. It outlines the steps to access the notifications settings within the app and explains the choices available to either display these banners alongside activity notifications or solely in the activity feed. 3 min read · ↻ Updated Oct 2026

3 How to Manage Microsoft Teams Chat Notifications This guide details how to toggle "Chat message notifications" in Microsoft Teams on Windows 11 to manage disruptions and maintain productivity. By navigating through the app’s settings, users can choose to either receive notifications through banners or turn them off entirely, allowing for a personalized approach to focus and responsiveness. 3 min read · ↻ Updated Oct 2026

4 Manage Microsoft Teams Notifications During Calls This article outlines how to manage notifications in Microsoft Teams during calls and meetings. Teams offers myriad settings, including notification management to minimize distractions or keep you informed during meetings. Steps include launching the app, accessing settings via the profile picture, and toggling sound notifications in the 'Notifications and activity' tab. 2 min read · ↻ Updated Oct 2026

5 How to Enable or Disable Sound Notifications in Microsoft Teams on Windows 11 This article instructs on managing sound notifications for incoming calls and meetings in Microsoft Teams on Windows 11. Teams, a comprehensive collaboration platform, offers various settings, including notification management. Users can easily enable or disable sound alerts by accessing the 'Notifications and activity' tab under Settings, ensuring control over distractions and focus. 3 min read · ↻ Updated Oct 2026

6 Enable/Disable Notification Sounds in Microsoft Teams This article guides users on how to enable or disable the "Play sounds with notifications" feature in the Microsoft Teams app, providing an audible alert for new notifications. Instructions to access this setting via the app's settings menu are detailed, facilitating users in customizing their notification experience on the platform. 3 min read · ↻ Updated Oct 2026

7 How to Manage Notifications in Microsoft Teams on Windows 11 The article provides a detailed guide on managing notifications in Microsoft Teams app on Windows 11. Users can customize their notifications, such as sound, banner, or email alerts, depending on their requirements, thereby reducing distractions. Techniques include turning on/off read receipts, syncing contacts, linking mobile devices, etc. Customizing notifications allows users to receive alerts only for significant events and minimizes interruptions during the workday. They can also integrate Teams notifications with Windows Notifications for better control. 4 min read · ↻ Updated Oct 2026

Manage Notifications in Other Apps

Some popular messaging apps keep notification settings separate from Windows. Messenger is one example. To quiet an app like this, work at two levels. First, check the app's own settings, usually under a Settings or Preferences menu, where you will find a notifications section. Second, check Windows itself under Settings › System › Notifications, where you can switch off the banner or the sound for that app.

The exact menu path inside a third-party app depends on its version, and the app's developer can change it at any time. If you cannot find the option, look for a gear icon or your profile picture in the app. If the app has no usable setting, the Windows list will still let you silence it.

1 How to Manage Notifications in Messenger on Windows 11 The article guides the user on how to manage notifications in the Messenger Desktop app on Windows 11, a standalone messaging tool by Facebook. The user can turn all notifications on or off based on personal preference or circumstance, such as when in a meeting or awaiting an urgent message. The procedure includes launching the app, accessing preferences, selecting the Notifications tab, and finally toggling the mute all notifications switch. 3 min read · ↻ Updated Oct 2026

Common questions

How do I stop all notifications in 🪟 Windows 11?

To turn off all notifications at once, use the master switch.

1. Open Settings › System › Notifications
2. Find the Notifications toggle at the top of the page and switch it to Off. The options below it will collapse or grey out.

Pop-ups and sounds from most apps and Windows alerts stop immediately. To get them back, return to the same page and switch the toggle to On. Your per-app choices are kept, so you do not need to set them up again.

If you only want quiet for a while, a better choice is Do not disturb, covered below. It mutes alerts without changing any of your settings.

How do I turn off notification sounds for specific apps?

You can mute the sound for one app and still see its banner. Do this per app.

1. Open Settings › System › Notifications
2. Scroll to the list of apps and other senders, and select the app you want to quiet. A page opens with that app's options.
3. Turn off Play a sound when a notification arrives. The banner will still appear, but without the sound.

If an app is missing from the list, it has not sent a notification yet. Some apps only appear after their first alert. If the option is greyed out, check that the app's own Notifications toggle at the top of its page is on.

What are @Mentions in Teams?

@Mentions are special notifications in Microsoft Teams. They alert you directly whenever your name appears in a chat or channel. Because they are often the messages that matter most, it is worth deciding how loudly they should arrive rather than turning them off.

1. In Teams, open Settings and more (the three dots) > Settings › Notifications and activity.
2. Find the section for mentions and expand it if needed.
3. Choose how personal @mentions should appear. Typical choices are a banner with a feed entry, feed only, or off.
4. Do the same for channel mentions if you want them treated differently from personal ones.

Keeping personal @mentions on while you mute general channel activity is a good compromise. You hear about the messages meant for you and nothing else.

Can I silence notifications during meetings in 🪟 Windows 11?

Windows 11 includes Focus assist, a feature that silences notifications during scheduled times or while you are in a meeting, including meetings in apps like Teams. On the original release of Windows 11, you configure it in Settings › System › Focus assist

On newer versions of Windows 11 (22H2 and later), Microsoft replaced Focus assist with Do not disturb. You turn it on from Settings › System › Notifications, and the automatic rules are listed on that page. The rules cover things like specific times, duplicating your display, playing a game, and using an app in full-screen mode. If you do not see Focus assist, check for Do not disturb on that page.

1. Open Settings › System. Look for Focus assist. If it is not there, open Notifications instead.
2. Choose how strict you want it to be, or turn Do not disturb on.
3. Pick the automatic rules that fit how you work, such as quiet hours or full-screen apps.

While it is active, alerts go straight to the notification center instead of popping up, so you can read them later. Turn the feature off at the same place when you want normal alerts back.

How do I manage notifications for calls in Microsoft Teams?

Microsoft Teams lets you control incoming call notifications. You can choose a different sound or turn off call alerts completely, which stops interruptions during focused work.

1. In Teams, open Settings and more (the three dots) > Settings.
2. Open Notifications and activity and look for the calling options. Choose how incoming calls should alert you, or switch the alert off.
3. To change the ringtone, look for a ringtone option under the calling or devices settings. The name and location vary between Teams versions.

Turn off call alerts only if you are sure you can live without them. A missed call does not ring again, and you will not hear about it until you check Teams. Do not disturb in Windows is a safer way to get a quiet hour, because it ends on its own schedule.