Changing App Notifications

Windows provides a number of built-in apps, all accessible through the Start screen (Windows 8) or the Start menu (Windows 10). In addition, you can add other apps by visiting the online Microsoft Store. Some apps are self-contained, only interacting with you when you are running the app. Other apps can notify you when things are happening. For instance, your e-mail app may let you know when you receive e-mail or a weather app may let you know if a weather warning is issued.

The number of different notifications you receive can be, at times, overwhelming. Fortunately, Windows allows you to manage from which apps you want to receive notifications. If you are using Windows 8, this is handled through your system's PC Settings area. You can bring up this area in several ways:

• Keyboard. Press Win+I (to display the Settings pane) and then choose the Change PC Settings link. If you prefer, you can press Win+C to display the Charms bar at the right of the screen, choose the Settings option (to display the Settings pane), and then choose the Change PC Settings link.
• Mouse. Move the mouse to the very upper-right or lower-right corners of the screen. Windows displays the Charms bar, in which you should click the Settings option. Windows then displays the Settings pane where you can finally click the Change PC Settings option.
• Touch. Swipe in from the right edge of the screen to display the Charms bar. At the bottom of the bar choose Settings to display the Settings pane. Finally, touch the Change PC Settings link.

With the PC Settings area displayed, click Notifications at the left side of the screen. At the right side of the screen you can then specify, on an app-by-app basis, if you want to receive notifications or not. (See Figure 1.)

Figure 1. Windows allows you to control which apps provide notifications.

In addition, at the top of the right side of the screen you can specify where and how you want to receive your notifications.

If you are using Windows 10, the process of changing notifications is handled just a bit differently. The easiest way to bring up the proper settings area is to type, in the search box, "notifications." Among the search results you should see an option for "Notifications & Actions Settings." This is the option you want to choose. When you do so, you'll see the Settings dialog box appear. (See Figure 2.)

Figure 2. The Windows 10 Settings dialog box for changing notifications.

In order to control which apps send you notifications, scroll down in the dialog box. Just as in Windows 8 you'll find the ability to set, on an app-by-app basis, if you receive notifications or not. When you are done with the settings, close the dialog box and your changes should be immediately implemented.

 This tip (12980) applies to Windows 8 and 10.