How to use Focus in Windows 11

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In Windows 11 version 22H2, “Focus” is a feature that helps you focus on specific tasks by reducing distractions such as badge and toast notifications and flashing apps on the taskbar.

The feature also integrates with the Clock app’s focus timer for session control. You can connect the Microsoft To Do app to select the task you want to work on and check it off once completed, and you can integrate the Spotify app to play your favorite music and help you stay focused during your session.

The Clock app even lets you build healthy habits by setting daily goals to challenge yourself.

This guide will walk you through the steps to get started with the Focus feature in Windows 11 2022 Update.

How to use Focus in Windows 11

In Windows 11 version 22H2, you’ll find at least three ways to start a focus session, including with the Quick Settings flyout, the Settings app, and the Clock app.

Quick settings floating menu

To start a focus session using the Quick Settings flyout, follow these steps:

  1. Click the date and time button in the system tray.
  • Quick Tip: You can also use the Windows Key + N keyboard shortcut.
  1. Under Calendar, select the duration of the session.

(Image credit: Future)

  1. Click the Focus button.

Focus Settings Page

To start a focus session from the Settings app, follow these steps:

  1. Open Settings .
  2. Click System .
  3. Click on the Focus page on the right side.

(Image credit: Future)

  1. Sets the duration of the session.
  2. Click the Start Focus Session button.

(Image credit: Future)

clock app

To start a focus session from the Clock app, follow these steps:

  1. Open Clock app
  2. Click Focus Sessions .
  3. Sets the duration of the session.
  4. (Optional) Check Skip Breaks if applicable.
  5. Click the Start Focus Session button.

(Image credit: Future)

Once you complete the steps, your session will begin and the app’s badges and flashing alerts will turn off. The Clock app in mini mode with the timer will appear on the screen and the notifications will turn off automatically.

How to use Focus with Spotify and Microsoft To Do

It is also possible to personalize the experience with your music by integrating the Spotify application. Plus, you can select the task you want to work on and check it off once completed by integrating the Microsoft To Do app.

To create a focus session through the Clock app in Windows 11, follow these steps:

  1. Open start .
  2. Search for Clock and click on the top result to open the app.
  3. Click Focus Sessions .
  4. Click the Sign In option in the lower left corner (if applicable).

(Image credit: Future)

  1. Sign in with your Microsoft account.
  2. Click the Install Spotify button (if applicable).

(Image credit: Future)

  1. Click the Install in Microsoft Store to install Spotify.

(Image credit: Future)

  • Quick Tip: If you just installed Spotify, you may need to restart the app to see the option. Also, you can use this feature with or without a Spotify subscription.
  1. Click the Link your Spotify button.

(Image credit: Future)

  1. Click the OK button. (You may need to sign in again.)
  2. Create or click the Select for section option to select the task from the Microsoft To Do section.

(Image credit: Future)

  1. Select a music playlist from the Spotify section.
  2. Specify how long you want the focus session to last.
  3. (Optional) Clear the Skip Breaks option.
  4. Click the Start Focus Session button.

After completing the steps, the focus session will start along with the music. To minimize the app, you can click the “Stay on top” button in the top right corner of the timer. You can stop and resume the music and control the session at any time. Additionally, the “Daily Progress” section will track your sessions throughout the day.

How to use daily Focus progress in Windows 11

The Clock app also includes a daily process widget that keeps track of your sessions to help you build a habit and challenge yourself to stay productive and get work done.

The default settings will be optimal for most users, but always change various settings. That is how:

  1. Open start .
  2. Search for Clock and click on the top result to open the app.
  3. Click Focus Sessions .
  4. Click the Edit button in the upper right corner.

(Image credit: Future)

  1. Select the daily target time.
  2. (Optional) Choose when the daily process and completed tasks should automatically reset.
  3. (Optional) Check the “Include weekends in streaks” option.

(Image credit: Future)

  1. Click the Save button.

Once you complete the steps, you can review your daily process.

How to change Focus settings in Windows 11

You can control various Focus settings through the Clock app and others from the Settings app.

clock app

In the Clock app, you can change settings for focus periods, session end and pause sounds, and integration with Spotify and To Do. That is how:

  1. Open start .
  2. Search for Clock and click on the top result to open the app.
  3. Click the Settings button in the lower left corner.
  4. Click on the Focus Periods option.
  5. Use the Focus Period setting to specify the length of the period.
  6. Use the Break Period setting to select when to apply breaks.

(Image credit: Future)

  1. Turn on the Session End Sound toggle switch to play a sound when a session ends.
  2. Click the End Session Sound setting to change the sound.
  3. Turn on the Pause End Sound toggle switch to play a sound when a session ends.
  4. Click the Pause End Sound setting to change the sound.
  5. Turn on the Spotify toggle switch to enable the integration (if applicable).
  6. Click on the Spotify Settings to manage account settings.

(Image credit: Future)

  1. Turn on the To Do toggle switch to enable Microsoft To Do integration (if applicable).

Once you complete the steps, the settings will be applied for future focus sessions.

Settings app

In the Settings app, you can disable various notification features during a focus session to reduce distractions. That is how:

  1. Open Settings .
  2. Click System .
  3. Click on the Focus page on the right side.

(Image credit: Future)

  1. Check the options you want to use with Focus:
  • Show timer in Clock app – This displays the Clock app with session information.
  • Hide badges in taskbar apps – This disables badge notifications in apps pinned to the taskbar.
  • Hide flashing on taskbar apps – This suppresses the flashing alert when an unfocused app requires your attention.
  • Enable Do Not Disturb – This disables the entire system and the app. notifications, and they will be sent directly to the notification center.

(Image credit: Future)

After you complete the steps, the settings will be applied to each session you create.

This feature is technically “Focus Sessions” but is now better known as “Focus” and don’t confuse it with the “Focus Assist” feature. Focus assist was the name of the feature to disable notifications in Windows 10, but now it has been renamed to “Do Not Disturb”.

more resources

For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10 and Windows 11, visit the following resources:

 

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by Abdullah Sam
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