I’ve always been a bit of a tech enthusiast, so when Microsoft introduced OneDrive, I was eager to get on board. Initially, the cloud storage service was everything I needed: a reliable way to store files, photos, and important documents, all accessible from any device. However, there was one feature that began to grate on my nerves over time – the “On This Day” memories notifications.
It all started innocently enough. One day, while I was working on a project, I received a notification from OneDrive. It was a cheerful reminder of the photos I had taken on that very date in years past. I didn’t think much of it at the time. It was a nice touch, a way to reminisce about the past. However, as days turned into weeks, the notifications became increasingly frequent, and rather than bringing a smile to my face, they started to become an unwelcome interruption.
At first, I tried to ignore them. I figured they were a minor nuisance that I could easily overlook. But soon, it became clear that these reminders were disrupting my workflow. Every time I received a notification, I was pulled away from what I was doing, even if just for a few seconds. My productivity began to suffer, and I realized that I needed to do something about it.
I started by diving into OneDrive’s settings, hoping there might be an easy way to turn off these notifications. The interface looked familiar, as I’d used it many times before for managing files and settings, but I hadn’t explored this particular aspect. After some searching, I discovered that turning off “On This Day” notifications wasn’t as straightforward as I had hoped.
The notifications were part of OneDrive’s built-in features designed to enhance user experience by reminding us of past memories. While this is a lovely idea, it wasn’t suited to my needs. The notifications had become a constant distraction, and I was determined to find a solution.
Here’s how I managed to turn off the “On This Day” notifications, step by step:
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Open OneDrive Settings: I started by launching the OneDrive app on my computer. I right-clicked the OneDrive cloud icon in the system tray, which brought up a context menu. From there, I selected “Settings.”
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Navigate to the Notifications Tab: In the settings window, there was a series of tabs at the top. I clicked on the “Settings” tab, which was the second one in the list. This tab included options related to notifications and other preferences.
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Adjust Notification Settings: Under the “Settings” tab, I scrolled down until I found the section related to notifications. There were several options listed, including toggles for different types of alerts. I looked for anything related to “On This Day” or memories and found an option that mentioned “Photo Memories.”
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Turn Off Photo Memories Notifications: I unselected the checkbox next to the “Photo Memories” notification option. This was the specific setting responsible for the “On This Day” reminders. With this checkbox unchecked, I hoped that the notifications would cease.
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Confirm and Apply Changes: After making the change, I clicked “OK” to apply the new settings. I closed the settings window and returned to my work. For good measure, I also restarted OneDrive to ensure that the new settings took effect.
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Verify Changes: Over the next few days, I kept an eye out for any new notifications. To my relief, the “On This Day” reminders had stopped appearing. It was a small victory, but one that made a significant difference in my daily routine.
By taking these steps, I was able to regain control over my notifications and minimize distractions. The change wasn’t just about stopping the reminders; it was about improving my productivity and ensuring that my workflow remained uninterrupted.
In hindsight, I appreciated the intention behind the “On This Day” feature. It’s a great way to look back on memories, but it needed to be something I could control more effectively. If you find yourself in a similar situation, I hope this guide helps you make the same adjustment and regain focus in your daily tasks.