A new feature in Windows 10’s April update lets you not be bothered by notifications when you don’t want them. We show you how to use it.
In the April update of Windows 10, Microsoft is offering a new feature that is similar to the “Do Not Disturb” mode of smartphones. This concentration assistant (focus assist in English) allows you to control Windows 10 notifications. Here’s how to use it:
Activation
There are three ways to activate the Concentration Assistant. The first is to right click on the taskbar. Then click on Concentration assistant and choose one of the three options: Off, Priority only, or Alarms only.
This allows you to display only priority notifications or those corresponding to alarms created by the Windows Clock and Alarms app.
The second way is to click on the Control Center icon, located at the far right of the taskbar. Then click on Develop to display all buttons.
Click the button several times Concentration assistant to choose between Off, Priority only, or Alarms only.
Configuration
The Concentration Assistant is also available in the settings of Windows 10. Click on the Start button, then on the small gear icon. Then click on System in Windows Settings, then on Concentration assistant in the left column. You have the choice between the three options mentioned above.
To define which notifications will be considered as priority, click on Customize your priority list.
Then click on Add contacts, as well as on top Add an application, so that the notifications of these elements are considered as priority.
Automatic rules
The concentration assistant is activated manually, but also automatically. Three rules are available in the settings. Click on their switches to activate or stop them. By clicking on each rule, you access a drop-down list to choose to display only priority notifications or only alarms.
Click on the ruler During these periods to define the times when the wizard will start automatically. You can specify the start time, end time, and recurrence (daily, weekend, non-weekend days).
The other two rules apply when you are playing or performing display duplication, for example by plugging your laptop into a TV or projector.