Microsoft plans to reduce one of Windows 11’s most irritating features: push notifications. The pop-ups from preloaded Windows applications are a source of annoyance for users, and can sometimes disrupt workflow. Windows 11’s Focus Assist feature already allows users to reduce unwanted notifications, but it can also cut out notifications they want to receive. However, the latest preview build available to Windows Insiders promises a ‘smart opt-out’ feature. This means Windows 11 will ask if users want to disable notifications from an application when it pings them, but only if they haven’t used the app for a while.
The feature aims to reduce the frequency of pop-ups from apps that a user hasn’t used for some time. The solution is simple but effective: if users don’t engage with an app for a month or longer, Windows 11 will recommend disabling notifications for that app. The ‘smart’ feature also allows for Do Not Disturb mode to allow first- and third-party apps to ask users if they’d like to allow ‘important’ notifications only.
Microsoft hopes the new feature will improve the user experience and reduce the annoyance factor that many people feel towards the pop-ups. However, some app-makers may try to take liberties with what they classify as an ‘urgent’ notification. The latest Statcounter figures show that Windows 11’s adoption is steadily climbing despite a rocky start and users’ love of Windows 10. The new feature may encourage more users to upgrade, as it promises a more seamless and less frustrating experience.
The ‘smart opt-out’ feature in Windows 11 is a welcome development, especially for those who find constant notifications an unnecessary distraction. The new feature is expected to arrive in live builds of Windows 11, and will hopefully remember opt-out choices when logging into a new machine. Microsoft continues to improve Windows 11, and with the new feature, users can look forward to a better experience.
