Open Settings > Focus. Select Do Not Disturb or create a new focus mode, such as Work, Sleep, or a custom focus. Choose which contacts and apps are allowed to send notifications. Optionally, you can set the focus mode to turn on automatically at certain times, locations, or when using specific apps.
Focus Mode / Do Not Disturb
Minimizes distractions by filtering or silencing notifications and interruptions.
What does this setting do?
Focus Mode or “Do Not Disturb” reduces audible and visual interruptions from alerts, notifications and other system messages. This helps maintain concentration and allows tasks to be completed without constant disruptions. Most systems allow exceptions for important contacts or apps and support scheduled activation times. Note: Some operating systems offer a full focus mode, while others provide only limited versions of “Do Not Disturb”.
Instructions for different systems
Open Settings > Sound & vibration > Do Not Disturb and turn it on. Set exceptions for calls, messages, or apps as needed.
You can also use Focus Mode:
Open Settings > Digital Wellbeing & parental controls > Focus Mode and select apps to pause during focused time.
Note: Labels and menu paths may vary slightly depending on the device.
Windows does not provide a full focus mode comparable to iOS or macOS. Instead, it offers features to reduce notifications. Open Settings > System > Notifications
Options:
Do not disturb
Temporarily or automatically suppresses notifications.Focus
Reduces notifications, hides app badges, and can be enabled for a set period of time.
Note: These features help reduce interruptions but provide fewer customization options than focus modes on iOS or macOS.
Open the Control Center or System Settings > Focus. Select Do Not Disturb or create a custom focus profile. You can define allowed contacts, set app filters and create schedules.
Often mentioned in relation to the following conditions:
- ADHD – Attention-deficit / hyperactivity-related difficulties such as distractibility, impulsivity, or sensitivity to visual motion.
- ADD – Attention-deficit difficulties without hyperactivity, often involving reduced focus and slower processing.
- Anxiety Disorder – Heightened sensitivity to sudden changes, alerts, flashing content or notifications.
- Social Anxiety – Sensitivity to social cues or overwhelming information, benefiting from calmer UI patterns.
- Autism (mild) – Mild autism-spectrum traits with sensory sensitivities to light, sound, motion or complex interfaces.
- Chronic Fatigue – Persistent physical and mental exhaustion with limited energy availability. Attention, processing speed, and resilience are often reduced over extended periods.
Commonly used for the following difficulties:
Difficulty Maintaining Focus
Distractions from movement, colors or notifications can interrupt focus. Reducing visual noise and limiting alerts supports sustained attention.
Notification Overload
Frequent notifications can disrupt focus and lead to stress. Limiting alerts or enabling focus modes helps maintain control and calm.
Stress Sensitivity
Sudden visual or audio cues can cause stress reactions. Reducing alerts, minimizing motion and predictable UI behavior improve emotional comfort.
Cognitive Overload
Complex or information-heavy interfaces can be overwhelming. Simplified layouts, reduced distractions and focus modes help manage cognitive load.
Overwhelm from Social or Interactive Elements
Social feeds, chat bubbles or interactive prompts can feel overwhelming. Minimal modes and reduced social notifications support emotional balance.
Other settings frequently used together
Notification Summaries / Reduced Alerts
Reduce Background Activity / Power Saving Assist
Background Sounds
Auto-Rotate Lock
Haptic Feedback Intensity
Key Repeat Rate
Reading Mode / Reader View
Reduce Brightness / Dark Mode
Reduce Loud Sounds
Simplified UI Mode
Speech-to-Text
Text-to-Speech
Greyscale Mode
Relation to WCAG guidelines
For setting to be effective, a website or app often must be technically implemented in such a way that it respects operating system and browser settings.
Developers and designers should follow the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). The following WCAG criteria are particularly relevant for this setting:
2.2.12.2.2