How to use Focus to avoid distractions in Windows 11
Check out how to get started with Focus to remove distractions on Windows 11.
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OnWindows 11, “Focus” is a feature that helps you to pay attention to specific tasks by reducing distractions, such as badge and toast notifications and flashing apps in the Taskbar.
The feature also integrates with the Clock app focus timer to control the session. You can connect the Microsoft To Do app to select the task you want to work on and check it off once complete, and you can integrate the Spotify app to play your favorite music to help you stay even more focused throughout the session.
The Clock app even allows you to build healthy habits by setting daily goals to challenge yourself.
In thisguide, I will outline the steps to use the Focus feature on Windows 11.
How to use Focus on Windows 11
On Windows 11, there are at least three ways to start a focus session: the Quick Settings flyout, the Settings app, and the Clock app.
Quick Settings flyout
To start a focus session with the Quick Settings flyout, use these steps:
Focus settings page
To begin a focus session from the Settings app, use these steps:
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Clock app
To start a focus session from the Clock app, use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, the session will start, and badges and app flashing alerts will be disabled.
You can also click the"Keep on top"button on the top right of the focus widget to open the Clock app in mini-mode. In the widgets, you can pause the session, and there’s an option to show the time remaining.
How to use Focus with Spotify and Microsoft To Do
Integrating the Spotify app allows you to customize the experience with your music. In addition, you can select the task you want to work on and check it off once it’s completed by integrating the Microsoft To Do app.
To create a focus session through the Clock app on Windows 11, use these steps:
After you complete the steps, the focus session will start alongside the music. You can minimize the app by clicking the"Keep on top"button in the top-right corner of the timer. You can stop and resume music and control the session at any time. Also, the “Daily progress” section will track your sessions throughout the day.
How to use Focus daily progress on Windows 11
The Clock app also includes a daily process widget that tracks your sessions to help you build a habit and challenge yourself to stay productive and get the work done.
The default settings will be optimal for most users, but you always change various settings with these instructions:
Once you complete the steps, you can review your daily process.
How to change Focus settings on Windows 11
You can control various Focus settings through the Clock app and others from the Settings app.
From Clock app
In the Clock app, you can change the settings for the focus periods, end-of-session and break sounds, and integration with Spotify and To Do. Follow these instructions to do this.
Once you complete the steps, the settings will apply for future focus sessions.
From Settings app
In the Settings app, you can disable several notification features during a focus session to reduce distractions. Follow these instructions to do this.
After you complete the steps, the settings will apply to each session you create.
This feature is technically “Focus sessions,” but it’s now better known as “Focus,” and don’t confuse it with the “Focus assist” feature. Focus assist was the name of the feature to disable notifications on Windows 10, but it has now been renamed to “Do not disturb.”
More resources
For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10 and Windows 11, visit the following resources:
Mauro Huculak has been a Windows How-To Expert contributor for WindowsCentral.com for nearly a decade and has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides. He also has an IT background and has achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, VMware, and CompTIA. He has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years.
