- The action center and quick settings allow access in seconds to key features such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, airplane mode, or brightness.
- En Windows 10 are customized from System > Notifications and actions, and in Windows 11 from the Quick Settings panel and notification settings.
- It is possible to add, remove, and reorder quick actions, as well as fine-tune which notifications are displayed and from which applications.
- Advanced users can even completely disable the action center through the Windows registry if needed.
If you work long hours on the computer, you've probably noticed that wasting time going into the settings menus over and over again is a real pain. Windows 10 and Windows 11 include the Action Center and Quick Settings precisely to avoid that constant trip through menus. and have what you use most often at hand.
This side panel with notifications and action buttons works much like a mobile phone's quick access curtain. Android. From it you can activate Wi-Fi, connect to a VPNSwitch to tablet mode, set a period without notifications, or open the full settings with a single click.Let's see how to customize it to your liking, without leaving anything out.
What is the Action Center and Quick Settings in Windows?
In Windows 10, they talk about Activities CenterIn Windows 11, it has been divided into two elements: the Quick Settings panel on one side and the notification center on the other. In both cases the idea is the same: to concentrate system notifications and shortcuts to key functions in an accessible area of the taskbar.
In Windows 10, the action center is opened from the speech bubble icon at the far right of the taskbar or by pressing Windows key + A. When you unfold it, you'll see system and app notifications at the top, and a grid of quick action buttons at the bottom. to activate or deactivate functions without having to enter more menus.
In Windows 11 the design changes slightly. The old speech bubble icon combination is replaced by two distinct zones: the date and time area for notifications, and the battery, network, or volume area for Quick SettingsBy clicking on these icons, or using keyboard shortcutsFloating panels open with the same ideas as in Windows 10.
Quick actions can be many and vary depending on the team. A laptop usually has more buttons than a desktop PC because it includes specific options such as power saving mode, screen brightness, or switching power modes.On a desktop computer you might see fewer features, focused on connectivity, projection, or configuration.
Accessing and using the Quick Settings panel in Windows 11
In Windows 11, the old action center has been split to simplify daily use. The Quick Settings panel groups quick actions and is opened by clicking on the battery, network, or volume icon located to the right of the taskbar., or using the corresponding key combination depending on the device.
Once this panel is open, you will see a series of square or rectangular buttons. Tapping on one of these quick actions instantly activates or deactivates the function, and when it appears in blue it means it is turned on., while gray indicates that it is turned off.
From this same panel you can access the settings related to that function. If you right-click on a quick action and choose Go to Settings, Windows takes you directly to the detailed settings section for that feature. (for example, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, airplane mode, screen, etc.).
In addition, the Quick Settings panel is fully customizable. It includes an Edit Quick Settings button that lets you add, remove, or rearrange the various buttonsso that you only see what really interests you and in the order that is most convenient for you.
How to customize quick actions in Windows 11
To adapt the Quick Settings panel to your daily needs, the first step is to enter edit mode. Click the battery, network, or volume icon in the taskbar, and in the bottom corner of the panel, click Edit quick settings to activate customization mode.
Once in edit mode, each quick action tile will display a small delete icon. If you click on that icon, you remove the action from the panel, although you can always add it back later. from the add button. This is useful for removing features you never use and preventing the panel from becoming a mess.
At the bottom of the panel, while you are editing, you will see the option + Add. Clicking it displays a list of all the quick actions available on your computer.From wireless connectivity to display modes, settings access, projection, etc. You just have to select the ones you want to appear on the panel.
If the button + Add If it appears in gray, it means you have already placed the maximum number of quick actions allowed. In that case, to add a new one you will have to delete one of the ones that are already in use.so that you always maintain a manageable panel.
Finally, you can rearrange the quick actions simply by dragging each button to your preferred position. This order remains the same and is what you'll see every time you open Quick Settings, so it's a good idea to put the most important things at the top. For faster access with the mouse, finger, or quick access gestures if you use a touchscreen.
Configure notifications and notification center in Windows 11
The other major block inherited from the old action center in Windows 11 is the notifications block. The notification center opens when you click on the Date and Time area in the taskbar or by pressing the Windows + N key combination., displaying a side column with messages from the system and your applications.
If you want to fine-tune which notifications are displayed and how, you need to go into the corresponding settings. In the Windows search bar, type Notifications and actions settings and select the result that appears to open that section of the Settings app.where all notification options are concentrated, including how to manage notifications from WhatsApp and Focus Assist.
In the main section you will see a master switch Notifications. By enabling or disabling it, you can allow or block all notifications globally, as well as adjust options such as whether they are displayed in the lock screen, whether banners appear or only in the notification centerAnd if you want to play a sound when you receive a notification.
Below you will find the block Notifications from apps and other senderswhich is where you really gain fine control. There you'll find a list of all the apps and services that can send notifications, and you can enable or disable them one by one as you see fit.ideal for silencing apps very heavy and keep only what's important.
If you go into the specific settings of an application in the list, you will have additional options. You can decide how many recent notifications are shown at once, whether you want them grouped, the priority of their alerts compared to the rest, and whether they should make a sound or only appear visually.This way, you can give certain critical apps maximum visibility while making others much less noticeable.
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