How to use Focus on Windows 11 version 22H2

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How to use Focus on Windows 11 version 22H2: Focus is a feature in Windows 11 version 22H2 that helps you focus on specific tasks by reducing distractions such as badge and toast notifications and flashing apps in the Taskbar.

To control the session, the feature also integrates with the Clock app’s focus timer. You can integrate the Microsoft To Do app to select the task you want to work on and check it off once completed, as well as the Spotify app to play your favorite music to help you stay focused throughout the session. You can even use the Clock app to develop healthy habits by setting daily goals to challenge yourself.

This post will walk you through the steps on how to use the Focus feature on the Windows 11 2022 Update.

How to use Focus on Windows 11

On Windows 11 2022 update, you will find at least three ways to start a focus session, including the Quick Settings flyout, Settings app, and Clock app.

Quick Settings flyout

Here is how to start a focus session with the Quick Settings flyout:

Click the time and date button in the System tray.

A quick tip: You can also use the Windows key + N keyboard shortcut.

Under the Calendar, select the session duration.

Click the Focus button.

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Focus settings page

Here is how to begin a focus session from the Settings apps:

Open Settings.
Click on System.
Click the Focus page on the right side.
Set the session duration.
Click the Start focus session button

When you finish the steps, the session will begin, and badges and app flashing alerts will be turned off. The Clock app will appear in mini-mode with a timer, and notifications will be turned off automatically.

How to use Focus with Spotify and Microsoft ToDo

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

Here is how to create a focus session through the Clock app on Windows 11:

Open Start.
Search for Clock and click the top result to open the app.
Click on Focus sessions.
Click the Sign in option in the bottom-left corner (if applicable).
Sign in with your Microsoft account.
Click the Install Spotify button (if applicable).
Click the Install button in the Microsoft Store to install Spotify.

A 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.

Click the Link your Spotify button.
Click the Agree button. (You may need to sign in again.)
Create or click the Select for section option to select the task from the Microsoft To Do section.
Select a music playlist from the Spotify section.
Specify how long you want the focus session to last.
(Optional) Clear the Skip breaks option.
Click the Start focus session button.

The focus session will begin with the music when you finish the steps. To minimize the app, click the “Keep on top” button in the timer’s top-right corner. You can pause and resume music, as well as control the session, at any time. In addition, the “Daily progress” section will keep track of your sessions throughout the day.

How to use Focus Daily Progress on Windows 11

The Clock app also includes a daily process widget that tracks your sessions to assist you in developing a habit and challenging yourself to stay productive and get the job done.

The default settings will be optimal for most users, but you can always change them. Here’s how it’s done:

Open Start.
Search for Clock and click the top result to open the app.
Click on Focus sessions.
Click the Edit button in the top-right corner.
Select the daily goal time.
(Optional) Choose when the daily process and completed tasks should reset automatically.
(Optional) Check the “Include weekends in streaks” option.
Click the Save button.

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

How to change Focus Settings on 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 the settings for the focus periods, end of the session and break sounds, and integration with Spotify and To Do. Here’s how:

Open Start.
Search for Clock and click the top result to open the app.
Click the Settings button in the bottom-left corner.
Click the Focus periods option.
Use the Focus period setting to specify how long the period will be.
Use the Break period setting to select when to apply breaks.
Turn on the End of session sound toggle switch to play a sound when a session ends.
Click the End of session sound setting to change the sound.
Turn on the End of break sound toggle switch to play a sound when a session ends.
Click the End of break sound setting to change the sound.
Turn on the Spotify toggle switch to enable the integration (if applicable).
Click the Spotify setting to manage the account settings.
Turn on the To Do toggle switch to enable the Microsoft To Do integration (if applicable).

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

Settings app

Here is how to use the Settings app to disable several notification features during a focus session to reduce distractions.

Open Settings.
Click on System.
Click the Focus page on the right side.
Check the options you want to use with Focus:

Show the timer in the Clock app – This shows the Clock app with the session information.

Hide badges on taskbar apps – This disables the badge notifications in apps pinned to the Taskbar.

Hide flashing on taskbar apps – This suppresses the flashing alert when an application not in focus requires your attention.

Turn on do not disturb – This disables all system and app notifications, and they will be sent directly to the notification center.

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When you finish the steps, the settings will be applied to each session you create.

This feature is technically known as “Focus sessions,” but it is now more commonly known as “Focus,” and it should not be confused with the “Focus assist” feature. Focus Assist was the name of the feature in Windows 10 that disabled notifications, but it has now been renamed “Do not disturb.”

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