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How do I disable Focus Assist?

Anonymous
2023-08-09T19:58:43+00:00

I see instructions on how to deactivate it but, despite the instructions, there is NO deactivate selection.

I find it hard to believe this feature (sic) is beyond our control, besides modifying its behavior somewhat. I don't even know how it gets turned on! I'm assuming I have "fat fingered" something to turn it on but can't find how to turn it off. Quite annoying!

Please! Someone from Microsoft tell us what to do! An admission of a mistake would be nice!

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Settings

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  1. Aymeric-B 29,265 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2023-08-09T20:51:13+00:00

    Hello ! I'm Aymeric, and I'm here to help !

    Since the Build 22557, Microsoft has reimagined how Focus Assist work on Windows 11. It is now integrated with the Clock app, and it works with Focus sessions. It also work with the Do Not Disturb mode. You cannot disable it like before, but in the Focus settings, you can hide the taskbar timer if needed. Also, it is a totally optional experience : if you do not want to use it, you're not forced to.

    If you enable a Focus session by mistake, just click on the Windows clock at the bottom-right corner of your screen and choose "End session".

    Feel free to ask if you have any other question !

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  1. Anonymous
    2023-12-30T23:31:54+00:00

    It is fine that MS want to OFFER new features in Windows.

    But it is a pure PEST that new garbage is mixed so deep so you can not select a simple thanks but no thangs, and get rid of it. Just like e.g. Cortana, Bing and Edge. WHY do you want to ram such stuff down our throats?

    And by get rid of it, I do NOT mean disable, I mean uninstall!! (Or even better ASK before infesting my pc with all kind of new stuff I most likely do not want)

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  2. Anonymous
    2023-08-09T22:23:02+00:00

    Thanks.

    It is not an obvious action, but now that I've seen it, I won't forget. Who knew that "Focus" was a session (whatever a "session" is)? Who knew that it couldn't be disabled/deactivated from its main menu, among all the other Focus settings?

    I find it ironic that this feature, designed to minimize intrusions, is so intrusive itself!

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  3. Anonymous
    2024-03-02T00:30:32+00:00

    A common answer seems to be, "If you don't like it, don't use it." The trouble with that is it clutters up the system with things you don't use so they are like trip hazards scattered about. When you trip over one it has consequences you were not aware of.

    After you trip over one of these things a few times, you can avoid it but now using Windows is like tiptoeing through a mind field. Even if you now know where (some of?) the mines are it is still a dangerous walk.

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  4. Anonymous
    2024-04-07T18:17:41+00:00

    How bout give people the option to customize their windows experience how they choose instead of forcing people to use what YOU want them to use. I absolutely hate the Focus Assist being intergrated into such an important and very well used calendar and I believe most people feel the same.

    Personally i will find a way to delete it or disable it at the risk of corrupting the calendar.... i will download a different calendar app if i have to and will get back to doing my Lynx homework and start promoting that.

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