To turn off notifications in Windows 10, select Start > Settings > System > Notifications & actions and turn off Get notifications from apps and other senders. To silence only some apps, leave it on and turn off the apps you don’t want to hear from.
Applies to: Windows 10. Checked against Microsoft Support on September 25, 2026.
Turn off all notifications
- Select Start > Settings > System > Notifications & actions.
- Turn off Get notifications from apps and other senders.
You can also clear the tips on the same page, such as Get tips, tricks, and suggestions as you use Windows.
Turn off notifications for certain apps
On the same page, scroll to Get notifications from these senders and turn off the apps you don’t want. Select an app’s name for more options, such as turning off its sounds or banners.
You can also do it from a notification: open the action center with Windows logo key + A, select the … or settings button on a notification, and select Turn off all notifications for that app.
Silence notifications for a while with Focus assist
- Select Start > Settings > System > Focus assist.
- Choose Priority only or Alarms only.
- Under Automatic rules, turn on rules such as When I’m duplicating my display or When I’m playing a game.
Missed notifications wait in the action center.
Turn off Windows tips and suggestions
Some pop-ups come from Windows itself rather than apps. On the Notifications & actions page, clear these:
- Get tips, tricks, and suggestions as you use Windows
- Show me the Windows welcome experience after updates and occasionally when I sign in
- Suggest ways I can finish setting up my device
To stop suggestions in the Start menu too, go to Settings > Personalization > Start and turn off Show suggestions occasionally in Start.
Turn off website notifications in your browser
- Microsoft Edge: open Settings > Cookies and site permissions > Notifications. Remove sites under Allow, or turn off Ask before sending to block all requests.
- Google Chrome: open Settings > Privacy and security > Site settings > Notifications, and remove sites or choose Don’t allow sites to send notifications.
Unexpected ads that look like Windows alerts usually come from a site you allowed by mistake.
Which notifications to keep
Turning everything off is tempting, but a few are worth keeping on: Windows Security, so you hear about threats and blocked files, and backup or sync apps such as OneDrive, so you know when they stop working. Calendar reminders are also useful if you rely on them. Turn off the rest app by app.
Troubleshooting
- An app keeps showing notifications after you turned it off. The app may have its own notification setting. Check its settings menu, or uninstall it if you don’t use it.
- Notifications don’t appear at all, even ones you want. Focus assist may be on. Select the Action Center icon and check the Focus assist tile.
- Settings changes don’t stick. On a work PC, your organization may manage notifications. Restart the PC and check again.
Frequently asked questions
How do I turn off notifications on the lock screen?
On the Notifications & actions page, clear Show notifications on the lock screen.
Why do I still see website notifications?
Those come from your browser. Turn them off in your browser’s site settings.
If browser or ad pop-ups are the problem, see how to stop pop-ups on Windows 10.
Many notification settings are also in Action Center. See how to open Action Center in Windows 10.
On Windows 11, see how to turn off notifications in Windows 11.
Microsoft’s guide is Notifications and Do Not Disturb in Windows. More help is on our Windows Help & Guides page.
How do I turn off notification sounds but keep the pop-ups?
On the Notifications & actions page, select an app and turn off Play a sound when a notification arrives. Do this for each app you want to keep quiet.
How do I hide the number badge on Action Center?
Right-click the Action Center icon at the right end of the taskbar and select Don’t show number of new notifications.
Can I set quiet hours every day?
Yes. In Focus assist, turn on During these times and choose a start and end time, such as overnight.
Related: how to set reminders on Windows 11.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.