How to Use Windows 10 Focus Assist (Step-by-Step)

Focus Assist (called Quiet Hours in earlier builds) automatically hides notifications when you need to concentrate, during presentations, or while you’re gaming. This guide walks you through turning it on, setting automatic rules, and customizing what gets through, so you can work without interruptions.

What You’ll Need

• A PC running Windows 10 (version 1709 or later; the feature is built-in, no download needed)
• Administrator access if you want to change settings for all users (usually not required for personal use)

Step-by-Step

1. Open Focus Assist settings. Click the Start button, then select the Settings gear icon. In the Settings window, click System, then choose Focus assist from the left sidebar. Alternatively, right-click the notification icon (the speech bubble) in the taskbar and select Focus assist to jump straight to the settings page.
2. Turn on Focus Assist manually. At the top of the Focus assist page, you’ll see three options: Off, Priority only, and Alarms only. Select Priority only to see notifications only from apps and contacts you’ve marked as important. Select Alarms only to hide everything except alarms (useful during a presentation or when you need total silence).
3. Set your priority list. If you chose Priority only, click the Customize priority list link below that option. Here you can add contacts (from the People app) and apps (like email or messaging) whose notifications should still appear. Toggle on Show notifications from these apps and check the apps you want to allow.
4. Configure automatic rules. Scroll down to the Automatic rules section. You’ll see toggles for During these times, When I’m duplicating my display, and When I’m playing a game. Turn on any rule you want to use.
5. Set your active hours (for the time rule). If you enabled During these times, click the rule to set a start and end time, choose whether it repeats every day or only on weekends, and pick the level (Priority only or Alarms only). You can also check Show a summary of what I missed while Focus assist was on to get a recap later.
6. Adjust display and game rules. For the When I’m duplicating my display rule (useful for presentations) and When I’m playing a game rule, click each one and choose the same level options. These rules activate automatically when the condition is met.
7. Test your settings. To verify everything works, trigger a rule (like starting a game) or manually turn on Focus Assist from the Action Center. Send yourself a test notification from an app not on your priority list—it should not appear as a toast, but you’ll see it in the Action Center when you open it.

Common Mistakes

• Not adding apps to the priority list. If you select Priority only but never customize the list, you’ll get almost no notifications—even from apps you might want. Always set up your priority list first.
• Using Alarms only when you meant Priority only. Alarms only hides everything except alarms, which can cause you to miss important messages. Double-check which mode you’re in.
• Forgetting to turn it off. If you manually turn on Focus Assist, it stays on until you turn it off. You might wonder why you’re not getting notifications hours later—check the Action Center icon.
• Expecting automatic rules to work when the app is in fullscreen. The game rule works with most games, but some fullscreen apps might not trigger it. Use the manual toggle if you’re unsure.

Tips

• Use the Action Center shortcut. Click the notification icon in the taskbar, then click the Focus assist button to cycle through Off, Priority only, and Alarms only quickly.
• Set a daily schedule. If you have set work hours, use the During these times rule to automatically mute notifications during your deep-work block.
• Check the missed notifications summary. When Focus Assist is on, notifications are stored in the Action Center. Click the bell icon to see everything you missed.
• Customize for presentations. The When I’m duplicating my display rule is perfect for meetings—it automatically hides notifications when you plug in a projector or second monitor.

Troubleshooting

• Focus Assist won’t turn on. Make sure your Windows 10 is updated to at least version 1709. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and check for updates. If it’s still not working, restart your PC.
• Notifications still appear even when Focus Assist is on. Check if the app is on your priority list. If it is, that’s expected. Also, some system notifications (like security alerts) may bypass Focus Assist by design.
• Automatic rules don’t trigger. For the game rule, make sure the game is running in fullscreen or borderless windowed mode. For the display rule, ensure your display is actually duplicated (not extended). If rules still fail, try toggling the rule off and on again.
• I can’t find the Focus assist settings. In older Windows 10 versions, it was called Quiet hours. Search for “Focus assist” in the Start menu, or go to Settings > System > Notifications & actions and look for the link.
• Focus Assist is on but I still get sounds. Focus Assist only suppresses notifications, not all sounds. If you want to mute sounds, you’ll need to use the volume mixer or turn on Do Not Disturb in the app itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Focus Assist block calls and texts?

It blocks notifications from apps, but calls and texts from your phone (if linked via Your Phone) may still come through depending on the app’s settings. You can add or remove apps from the priority list to control this.

Can I set Focus Assist to turn on automatically every day?

Yes. Enable the During these times rule, set your start and end times, and choose “Every day” from the repeat dropdown.

Will Focus Assist silence alarms?

No. Alarms from the Alarms & Clock app will still sound even in Alarms only mode. That’s the point—you’ll never oversleep because of Focus Assist.

How do I see missed notifications after Focus Assist turns off?

Open the Action Center (click the notification icon in the taskbar). You’ll see all the notifications that were suppressed while Focus Assist was active.

Does Focus Assist work with full-screen apps like games?

Yes, if you enable the When I’m playing a game rule. It works with most games, but some older or unusual fullscreen apps might not trigger it. You can always manually turn on Focus Assist as a fallback.

Can I allow notifications from specific contacts only?

Yes. In the Customize priority list, under Contacts, you can add specific people from your People app. Their calls and messages will still show up as notifications.

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