Affiliate links on Android Authority may earn us a commission.Learn more.

How to use notifications in Windows 10

July 06, 2025

Notifications in Windows 10 can be a great tool, like flashing quick social updates, work-related messages, email alerts, reminders, and more. But they can be a pain as well, popping up during video conferences or heated shootouts in your favorite PC game. In this Windows 10 tips article we’ll show you how to use notifications in Windows 10 to get the best experience out this handy feature.

Read more:How to update Windows 10 and resolve update problems

Windows 10 new notification icon - How to use notifications in Windows 10

In this guide you’ll find out how to snooze notifications, turn off notifications, and even move the pop-up. Here’s everything you need to know about how to use notifications in Windows 10.

How to dismiss notifications in Windows 10

  1. On the taskbar, locatethe “message” Action Center iconnext to the system clock. If this is a full white icon, you have new notifications. If you have an icon with a white outline, there are no new notifications.2. If you have notifications,click the message iconto open the Action Center.

  2. As shown above, you can clickClear all notificationsto remove everything until the next notifications arrive.

Windows 10 close notification - How to use notifications in Windows 10

How to mute notifications in Windows 10

  1. Click onthe “message” iconlocated to the right of the system clock on the taskbar. This opens the Action Center.2. ClickExpandif you don’t see more than four squares on your Actions panel. You’re looking for theFocus assistaction button with the moon icon.

How to customize Focus Assist in Windows 10

  1. Right-click on theFocus assistaction button. You can also open theSettingsapp and navigate toSystem > Focus assist.2. Scroll down toAutomatic rules.3. As shown above, you have four settings you can toggle on and off.

How to change the time notifications appear in Windows 10

1.Click Startand thenthe “gear” iconlocated on the left side of the Start Menu to open theSettingsapp.2. SelectEase of Access.

How to turn off notifications in Windows 10

1.Click Startand thenthe “gear” iconlocated on the left side of the Start Menu to open theSettingsapp.2. SelectSystem.

How to turn off specific notifications in Windows 10

How to customize app notifications in Windows 10

How to move the notification pop-up in Windows 10

Note: This Windows 10 tweak requires editing the registry, meaning any change you make — on purpose or by mistake — could cause issues. Edit at your own risk.

  1. In Cortana’s search field on the taskbar, typeRegistry Editor.2.Select the Registry Editordesktop program in the results.

Windows 10 close grouped notifications - How to use notifications in Windows 10

3. On the left, expandHKEY_CURRENT_USER.

4. ExpandSoftware.

5. ExpandMicrosoft.

6. ExpandWindows.

7. ExpandCurrentVersion.

8.Highlight Explorerbut don’t expand.9. On the right panel,right-clickin a blank area, selectNew, and thenDWORD (32-bit) Value.10. Name this new value asDisplayToastAtBottom.

  1. Right-click on the new entry and chooseModify.12. Change the value data to1.13. ClickOK.14.Closethe Registry Editor.15.Restartyour PC.

Windows 10 Focus assist button - How to use notifications in Windows 10

That’s all for our how to use notifications in Windows 10 guide. For more Windows 10 guides, check out these articles:

Thank you for being part of our community. Read ourComment Policybefore posting.

Windows 10 Focus assist priority mode - How to use notifications in Windows 10