Summary of "Hands-On Windows 146: Windows 11 Puts the Not in Notifications"
Release Date: June 26, 2025 | Host: Paul Thurrott | TWiT.tv
Introduction
In the episode titled "Windows 11 Puts the Not in Notifications," host Paul Thurrott delves into the complexities and frustrations surrounding the notification system in Windows 11. Drawing from personal experiences and user feedback, Paul aims to uncover why Windows 11 notifications often fall short of user expectations and offers practical solutions to enhance the overall notification experience.
The Frustration with Windows 11 Notifications
Paul begins by sharing an incident that sparked his deep dive into Windows 11's notification system. He recounts encountering an unfamiliar notification that left him perplexed and led him to spend additional time online searching for ways to disable it—a clear indicator of the system's current shortcomings.
"Windows 11 notifications are terrible." [00:15]
He compares the Windows notification system unfavorably to mobile operating systems like Android and iOS, highlighting that managing notifications often becomes a tedious task of incessantly turning them off as they arise.
Specific Examples of Notification Issues
1. Slow Charger Notification
Paul illustrates his point by discussing a specific notification about his laptop's charging speed. Despite using a compatible 100-watt charger, Windows 11 persistently notifies him of a "slow charger," which he finds both unnecessary and confusing.
"I don't understand what this thing's all about." [01:30]
He criticizes the notification settings for forcing users into a binary choice: either disable all notifications from the "Power and Battery" app or navigate through convoluted settings to try and find a more nuanced option.
"That's a terrible choice. It's not turn off this kind of notification. It's turn off all notifications from this app or service." [02:30]
2. OneDrive Memories Notification
Another example Paul provides is the daily prompt from OneDrive encouraging him to view his photos—a feature he deems irrelevant on his computer.
"It wants me to enjoy my memories on my computer, which is not where I do that kind of a thing." [03:00]
He points out the lack of an easy way to disable this specific notification without silencing all OneDrive alerts, which could lead to missing important sync errors or updates.
Navigating Windows 11 Notification Settings
Paul guides listeners through the current process of managing notifications in Windows 11, emphasizing its inefficiency and lack of granularity.
"If you're familiar with the Android or the iPhone iOS, you probably know that most notifications are terrible." [00:15]
He explains that while users can access the general notification settings to toggle notifications for individual apps, the options are limited to broad, all-or-nothing choices. This design flaw makes it challenging to disable specific notifications without affecting the entire app's alert system.
Practical Solutions and Recommendations
Despite the challenges, Paul offers actionable strategies to reclaim control over Windows 11 notifications:
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Utilize the "Do Not Disturb" Feature:
- For temporary relief from notifications, especially during focused work sessions.
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Per-App Notification Customization:
- Spend time in the notification settings to selectively enable or disable notifications for individual apps based on their relevance.
- Example: Disable OneDrive's memory alerts while keeping critical security notifications active.
"Just go through, do it one time... leave notifications on, but curate it to the list that you want." [05:00]
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Disable Unnecessary Suggestions and Recommendations:
- Turn off Windows' built-in suggestions and recommendations to reduce unsolicited prompts that clutter the notification center.
"Suggestions, recommendations. Turn it off and you'll be a happier, saner person." [07:30]
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Accessing App-Specific Settings:
- For apps like OneDrive, Discord, or Slack, navigate to their individual settings within the app to fine-tune notification preferences beyond what Windows offers.
Conclusion
Paul wraps up the episode by reiterating the importance of personalizing notification settings to enhance user experience in Windows 11. While acknowledging that the current system requires an initial investment of time to configure, he emphasizes that the benefits of a streamlined and relevant notification system far outweigh the effort.
"You can make them work for you. It's a little bit of work, but it's a one time thing and you should be pretty good going forward." [07:50]
He encourages listeners to approach notification management proactively, ensuring that their workflow remains uninterrupted by unnecessary alerts.
Final Thoughts
"Windows 11 Puts the Not in Notifications" serves as a comprehensive guide for users grappling with the intricacies of Windows 11's notification system. Through relatable examples and practical advice, Paul Thurrott empowers listeners to take meaningful steps toward a more organized and less intrusive notification experience.
Note: Advertisements and non-content sections from the original podcast transcript have been excluded to maintain focus on the episode's core discussions.