Microsoft will introduce a new feature to reduce third-party software notifications in Windows 11

The current notification system in Windows 10 and Windows 11 is quite functional, accommodating both system-generated and third-party software notifications through the Notification Center, including those originating from browser-based web pages.

With the support for web page notifications in browsers like Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge, numerous websites, upon receiving user consent, can display updates or transaction content via the system’s Notification Center.

However, an overabundance of notifications can be distracting. Thus, Microsoft has added a Focus mode to the Notification Center. In Focus mode, only urgent notifications will appear in the bottom-right corner, while other notifications will be automatically collapsed in the Notification Center and displayed numerically.

Users cannot perpetually rely on Focus mode, so Microsoft is developing a new feature called Smart opt-out, which will likely employ machine learning to automatically filter out less important notifications, allowing only critical ones to be displayed.

Smart opt-out will suggest that users disable notifications from infrequently used applications. For example, if a user has not opened Outlook for a month, they may receive a message inquiring whether they wish to disable Outlook notifications.

Notifications from frequently used applications should not be disabled, although users can manage notification permissions themselves. Some applications inherently do not require notification features and therefore do not necessitate notification permissions.

To reduce distractions, consider these two approaches:

First, navigate to Settings, System, Notifications, and Notifications from Apps and Other Senders, and disable notification permissions for unnecessary applications.

Second, disable notifications from various websites. This action requires adjustments in the browser settings. For example, in Chrome, go to Settings, Privacy and Security, Site Settings, and Notifications. Here, you can prohibit non-essential websites from sending notifications, significantly reducing disruptions.

As for the Smart opt-out feature, users will need to await further development by Microsoft. Once testing is complete, the feature will be gradually rolled out to the official Windows 11 release channel.

Via: windowslatest