Tech Tip - Use Focus Mode In Windows 11 To Boost Your Productivity

Are there times when you need to really get your head down and crack on with work without getting distracted or disturbed by pop ups or messages getting displayed on your computer?  Did you know there is a new feature in Windows 11 where you can put the computer into Focus Mode where it will suppress any distractions popping up on your computer for a set period of time.  

Here is how to use it:

• In Windows 11, click on Start, then select Settings
• Click on System
• Click on Focus (on the right hand menu options)
• From here you can choose the settings which include
  • How long you want Focus to run for (default is 30 minutes) and can be adjusted using the plus and minus buttons either side of the duration amount
  • Decide if you want to show the timer clock in the clock application on the task bar showing how long you have left in focus mode
  • Whether or not to hide the popup notification and badges that appear on the task bar
  • Enable or disable application flashing on the task bar (an application may flash if it has a notification)
  • Enable or disable "Do not disturb" when running focus mode
• When you have set the settings and duration to your liking, click on the "Start Focus Session" button at the top of the screen
• If you need to end the session early, you can either click on the Pause button or go into Settings, System, Focus and click the "Stop Focus Session" button

Give it a go, it is surprising how much more you can get done when in focus mode and not having your computer interrupt you with badges and popups.