MSN notifications help you stay updated with breaking news, weather alerts, sports scores, finance updates, and other personalized content. If MSN notifications stop working in Windows 11 or Windows 10, you may no longer receive timely alerts, even though the MSN app or website continues to function normally. This issue can occur after a Windows update, changes to notification settings, disabled background permissions, corrupted app data, or network connectivity problems.
In many cases, the problem is caused by Windows notifications being disabled, Focus Assist or Do Not Disturb blocking alerts, outdated MSN apps, or incorrect notification permissions. Fortunately, most notification issues can be resolved by checking Windows settings, updating the app, resetting it, or repairing system files.
This guide explains the best methods to fix MSN Notifications Not Working in Windows 11 and Windows 10.
What Causes MSN Notifications to Stop Working?
MSN notifications rely on both Windows notification services and the MSN application or website. If either one is misconfigured, notifications may not appear.
Common causes include:
- Windows notifications are disabled
- MSN app notifications are turned off
- Do Not Disturb or Focus Assist is enabled
- Background app permissions are disabled
- Corrupted MSN app data
- Outdated MSN application
- Network connectivity problems
- Incorrect date and time settings
- Corrupted system files
- Windows notification service issues
Method 1: Enable Windows Notifications
If Windows notifications are disabled, the MSN app cannot display alerts.
Verify that notifications are enabled before troubleshooting the MSN app itself.
Follow these steps:
- Press Windows + I to open Settings.
- Click System.
- Select Notifications.
- Turn on the Notifications toggle.
- Scroll through the app list.
- Verify that MSN or Microsoft Start notifications are enabled.
- Close Settings.
- Restart the computer.
Check whether MSN notifications begin appearing.
Method 2: Turn Off Do Not Disturb
Do Not Disturb suppresses notifications from most apps, including MSN.
Disabling this feature allows notification banners to appear normally.
Follow these steps:
- Open Settings.
- Click System.
- Select Notifications.
- Turn off Do Not Disturb.
- Close Settings.
- Wait for a new notification.
If Do Not Disturb was blocking alerts, notifications should now appear.
Method 3: Verify MSN Notification Permissions
The MSN app must have permission to send notifications through Windows.
Checking these permissions ensures the app is allowed to display alerts.
Follow these steps:
- Open Settings.
- Go to System > Notifications.
- Scroll to the installed apps.
- Select MSN or Microsoft Start.
- Turn on notifications.
- Enable Show notification banners.
- Enable Show notifications in Notification Center.
- Close Settings.
Test whether notifications now work correctly.
Method 4: Update the MSN App
Using an outdated version of the MSN or Microsoft Start app may cause notification problems.
Installing the latest version ensures compatibility with Windows.
Follow these steps:
- Open the Microsoft Store.
- Click Library.
- Select Get updates.
- Install available updates for MSN or Microsoft Start.
- Restart the computer.
- Launch the updated app.
Check if notifications are restored.
Method 5: Repair or Reset the MSN App
Corrupted application files can prevent notifications from working properly.
Repairing or resetting the app restores it to a working state without requiring a complete reinstallation.
Follow these steps:
- Open Settings.
- Click Apps.
- Select Installed apps.
- Locate MSN or Microsoft Start.
- Click the three-dot menu.
- Select Advanced options.
- Click Repair.
- If the issue remains, click Reset.
- Restart the computer.
Sign back into the app if prompted.
Method 6: Check Background App Permissions
If Windows prevents the MSN app from running in the background, it may be unable to receive new notifications.
Allowing background activity ensures the app can check for updates even when it isn’t open.
Follow these steps:
- Open Settings.
- Click Apps.
- Select Installed apps.
- Locate MSN or Microsoft Start.
- Open Advanced options.
- Verify that background activity is allowed if the option is available.
- Restart the computer.
Wait to see whether new notifications are delivered.
Method 7: Check Date, Time, and Internet Connection
Incorrect system time or an unstable internet connection can interfere with notification delivery.
Ensuring accurate system settings helps Windows communicate properly with Microsoft’s servers.
Follow these steps:
- Open Settings.
- Click Time & language.
- Select Date & time.
- Enable Set time automatically.
- Verify the correct time zone.
- Connect to a stable internet connection.
- Restart the MSN app.
Check for new notifications afterward.
Method 8: Repair Windows System Files
Corrupted Windows components may affect the notification system.
Running the System File Checker and DISM tools repairs damaged operating system files.
Follow these steps:
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
- Run:
sfc /scannow- Wait for the scan to finish.
- Then run:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth- Restart the computer.
After Windows restarts, check whether MSN notifications work.
Method 9: Install the Latest Windows Updates
Microsoft frequently releases updates that improve notification reliability and app compatibility.
Keeping Windows up to date helps prevent notification-related issues.
Follow these steps:
- Open Settings.
- Click Windows Update.
- Select Check for updates.
- Install all available updates.
- Restart the computer.
- Open the MSN app.
- Verify that notifications are working.
This ensures Windows is running the latest notification framework.
Conclusion
If MSN notifications are not working in Windows 11 or Windows 10, the issue is usually caused by disabled notification settings, Do Not Disturb, outdated apps, background permission restrictions, or corrupted app data. Start by confirming that Windows notifications and MSN app notifications are enabled, then disable Do Not Disturb if necessary. Updating or repairing the MSN app, allowing background activity, and verifying your internet connection often resolve notification issues. If the problem continues, repairing Windows system files and installing the latest Windows updates can restore normal notification functionality. Following these methods should help you receive MSN news, weather, finance, and sports alerts reliably again.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why am I not receiving MSN notifications?
The most common causes are disabled Windows notifications, Do Not Disturb, notification permissions being turned off, outdated app versions, or corrupted app data.
2. Does resetting the MSN app delete my Microsoft account?
No. Resetting the app removes its local data and settings, but your Microsoft account remains intact. You may simply need to sign in again.
3. Can Windows updates fix MSN notification problems?
Yes. Microsoft regularly releases updates that improve notification services, app compatibility, and overall system stability.
4. Why do notifications work sometimes but not always?
Intermittent notification problems can result from unstable internet connections, background app restrictions, temporary server issues, or Focus settings that suppress notifications during certain activities.
