When digital notifications seem to pop up at every turn, staying focused can feel like an uphill battle. Those constant alerts can disrupt your workflow and make it challenging to maintain your concentration. Fortunately, many computer settings allow you to silence these distractions, helping you stay on task. By adjusting your notification preferences, you can create a more productive environment. In this article, we’ll explore simple steps to customize your settings, so you can minimize interruptions and maximize your focus.
The benefits of quieting notifications:
- Eliminates disruptions
- Reduces stress caused by the sense of urgency from notifications
- Increases productivity
- Improves focus and engagement
Both the Microsoft Edge browser and the Google Chrome browser have a Quiet Notification setting. You can stop pop-up notification prompts, yet still be alerted in a less distracting way.
The Google Chrome web browser and the Microsoft Edge web browser can be installed for free on both Windows and Mac computers.
Remember you could also keep offline solutions on hand – such as a doorknob Do Not Disturb sign – for minimizing interruptions during your focus time.
Microsoft: Quiet notification setting in the Edge web browser
- Open the Edge web browser.
- Select More (the three dots next to your profile picture)
- Choose Settings.
- Click Cookies and Site Permissions.
- Then, select Notifications.
- Enable “Quiet notification requests.” If enabled, a notification prompt will not appear. Instead, a bell icon with a red dot will appear in the web address window to alert you that the notification prompt was blocked.
- Optional: Use the back arrow to view the full list of Cookies and Site Permission settings. Consider evaluating your preferences for Ads or other items.
Microsoft Blog: Reducing distractions with quiet notification requests
Google: Quieter messaging setting in the Chrome web browser
- Open the Chrome web browser.
- Select More (the three dots next to your profile picture).
- Choose Settings.
- Click Privacy and security.
- Then, select Site Settings under the Privacy and Security heading.
- Choose Notifications under the Permissions heading.
- Enable “Use quieter messaging.” If enabled, notification prompts are blocked from interrupting you. Instead, a slashed bell icon will appear in the web address window to alert you that a notification prompt was blocked.
Google Help article: Change your default notifications settings
Google Chromium Blog: Introducing quieter permission UI for notifications
Enable Do Not Disturb in Computer Operating System Settings
Digital Support Tools focuses primarily on online assistive technology tools; those found in the productivity applications opened in an internet browser. However, it is often worth mentioning the tools built into computer operating systems (OS).
View the links below to find step-by-step instructions for enabling the Do Not Disturb feature in Windows, Chrome OS, and Mac OS.
Microsoft Support article: Turn off notification in Windows during certain times
Chromebooks: Chrome OS Accessibility Settings (scroll down to heading Support Focus, Reading, Writing then section Configure Do Not Disturb)
Apple Support article: Turn a Focus on of off on Mac
More tools for maintaining engagement in reading
- Page simplification to remove distractions
- Text-to-speech technology
- See the offline solutions for creating a distraction free environment and for maintaining engagement in reading.
Start your journey to greater efficiency
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Let’s work together to identify your unique needs and preferences, and create a plan that helps you reach your goals with confidence.
Contact me today to explore how digital support tools can make a real difference in your life. Your journey to greater efficiency and empowerment can begin now.
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