Notice Your Notifications

Written by Eric Wyatt (last updated September 30, 2019)

1

Windows 10 displays alert notifications automatically when an app triggers an alert. Apps such as alarm or chat applications use these alert notifications to give you a heads-up on something that might need your attention. These alert notifications, actually known as Toast Notifications, appear on your screen in the lower right corner for five seconds by default. For many users, the default five seconds is an adequate amount of time. However, if you feel you need more time than the default length, you can modify your system to display Toast Notifications for a duration that you prefer.

The method you would use to change the display time for notifications on your system is not straightforward. One might assume that this is done in the Notifications & Actions section of the Settings window, but it's not. To change the duration time, follow these steps:

  1. Press the Windows key and type (without quotes) "Ease of Access Display Settings," then press Enter. Windows launches the Ease of Access Display Settings section of the Settings dialog box.
  2. Click on the drop-down box labeled "Show Notifications for" under the "Simplify and Personalize Windows" section and choose your desired length of time. You can choose between six intervals: 5 seconds, 7 seconds, 15 seconds, 30 seconds, 1 minute, or 5 minutes. (See Figure 1.)

    3. Figure 1. The Ease of Access Display section of the Settings dialog box.

  3. 3. Close the Settings dialog box. Windows applies your changes right away.

Now with your system set with the new notification time, your Toast Notifications will show for the amount of time that is ideal for you. If you find that your new time setting is either too long or still too short, repeat the steps above and set the amount of time that is best for you.

 This tip (13681) applies to Windows 10.

Author Bio

Eric Wyatt

Eric Wyatt is a swell guy (or so his friends tell him). He is a formally trained designer and branding expert, bringing a wide range of skills to his Tips.Net articles. ...

MORE FROM ERIC

Creating a PIN for Sign-in

Add an extra level of security to your computer to protect your data. A PIN allows for added peace of mind and use.

Discover More

Grouping Tiles in the Start Menu

Arranging tiles into groups can make finding and starting your apps quicker. Discover how easy it is to group tiles in ...

Discover More

Turn Off/On Window Snap

Windows allows for a system window to "snap" to certain areas of your screen. You can easily turn this feature on or off.

Discover More
More WindowsTips

Enlarging Screen Font Size

Sometimes things appearing on the screen are a bit too small to read easily. One possible solution is to adjust the size ...

Discover More

Camera Privacy

Your computer's camera allows you to connect with people in engaging ways. Whether used to login to your computer or for ...

Discover More

Understanding Optional Features

Windows 10 includes many features that are not enabled by default. Discover how to turn on or off the optional features ...

Discover More
Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is five more than 1?

2019-09-30 09:14:49

Will

I wish for a 3 or 2 second option.

Newest Tips
Links and Sharing
OUR COMPANY
OUR PRODUCTS
OUR SITES
 

Copyright © 2026 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.