Objective:
Explains how to set up and use Focus Assist in Windows to manage notifications and minimise interruptions.


Steps:


For Windows 10:

  1. Open Focus Assist Settings:

    • Go to Settings > System > Focus Assist.

  2. Choose Focus Assist Mode:

    • Off: All notifications will be shown.
    • Priority Only: Only notifications from apps on your priority list will show.
    • Alarms Only: Only alarms will be shown.

  3. Set Automatic Rules:

    • Scroll down to Automatic rules and toggle them on or off based on your preferences.
    • During these times: Set specific times for Focus Assist to activate.
    • When duplicating my display: Useful for presentations, this option enables Focus Assist when projecting your screen.
    • When playing a game: Focus Assist will automatically turn on to reduce interruptions during gameplay.

  4. Customise Priority List (Optional):

    • To adjust which apps can show notifications in Priority Only mode, click on Customize your priority list and add or remove apps.

For Windows 11:

  1. Open Focus Assist (Focus) Settings:

    • Go to Settings > System > Focus.

  2. Enable Focus Sessions:

    • To start a Focus session directly, click on Focus session in the Focus settings, which will enable a focused mode and temporarily hide notifications.

  3. Adjust Focus Assist Modes:

    • Under Focus Assist settings, select between Priority Only and Alarms Only.

  4. Customise Priority List (Optional):

    • Like Windows 10, add or remove apps to your priority list for Priority Only mode.

  5. Set Focus Session Duration (Optional):

    • In Focus > Focus session, choose the duration of your focus period. This feature also integrates with the Clock app to help with time management.