KeyRoutines
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How to turn on a focus mode on Windows 11 with one key

Make a KeyRoutines routine with a Hotkey trigger, a Toggle step and an If on Remembered value is. Turning on runs Close app, Mute an app, Quiet mode and Show desktop with your editor kept; turning off unmutes, ends Quiet mode and reopens the apps with Open app.

Steps

  1. 1

    Add a Hotkey trigger and Toggle

    Pick a chord such as Ctrl+Alt+F, then add Toggle for a value named focus.

  2. 2

    Branch on the value

    Add an If with Remembered value is focus on.

  3. 3

    Focus on

    In the If branch, add Close app for Discord and Steam, Mute an app for Slack, Quiet mode on, and Show desktop with your editor in the apps to leave alone. End with Show banner "Focus on".

  4. 4

    Focus off

    In the Else branch, add Mute an app to unmute Slack, Quiet mode off, Open app for Discord, and Show banner "Focus off".

Tips

  • Quiet mode quiets KeyRoutines' own popups and scheduled routines; turn on Windows' Do not disturb for other apps' notifications.
  • Need a timer as well? See the focus timer how-to, which ends the block by itself.

Questions

Can it put my windows back exactly?
Within one run, yes, with Restore layout. Across two presses, a KeyRoutines Pro Mode remembers and puts back what it changed.
Is it free?
Yes. Every block here is in the free version.

Blocks this routine uses

Trigger · HotkeysFree

Hotkey

Hotkey starts a routine when you press a keyboard shortcut or mouse button. It's the most common way to run a routine, from a single app launcher key to a whole streaming setup on one combination.

Step · Flow and routinesFree

Toggle

Toggle flips a remembered value between on and off. Paired with an If, it turns one hotkey into a two-way switch, like the free version of an AFK toggle.

Condition · Flow and routinesFree

Remembered value is

Remembered value is reads a value saved by Remember or Toggle and answers a simple question about it. It's how a single hotkey knows whether to switch something on or put it back.

Step · AppsFree

Close app

Close app shuts down the programs you pick, or every open app except the ones you want to keep. People put it at the end of a work session, before a game, or anywhere a cluttered taskbar gets in the way.

Step · AudioFree

Mute an app

Mute an app silences one program, such as Spotify, Discord or a browser, without touching the master volume. People use it to quiet music when a call starts, or to silence a noisy app while something else keeps playing.

Step · NotificationsFree

Quiet mode

Quiet mode turns KeyRoutines' own quiet mode on, off, or the other way round. It's made for Gaming Mode and focus routines, so KeyRoutines doesn't pop up while you're busy.

Step · WindowsFree

Show desktop

Show desktop minimizes every window except those of the apps you choose. Unlike Windows' own Show desktop, it can keep your important apps visible, work on one monitor only, and put everything back afterwards.

Step · AppsFree

Open app

Open app starts a program, a Store app, a shortcut or a game from your library. It is the first step of most setup routines, from a morning work session to a full streaming setup.

Step · NotificationsFree

Show banner

Show banner puts a large text message on screen for a set time. Unlike a Windows notification, it still shows when a borderless full-screen app is in front, and it never takes the mouse or keyboard.

More how-to guides

Build this routine in KeyRoutines

Free from the Microsoft Store for Windows 11 and 10. Pro is a one-time upgrade.

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