Many players enjoy Sea of Thieves for its immersive experience and multiplayer interactions. However, not receiving notifications can disrupt gameplay and communication. This guide helps you resolve the issue of no notifications appearing while playing Sea of Thieves on Windows 10.
Notifications keep you informed about game invites, friend requests, and important updates. Without them, you might miss key moments or messages. Fortunately, fixing this problem usually involves simple changes in your system settings.
Follow this step-by-step guide carefully, starting with the easiest solutions. Each step includes explanations so you understand why it matters. By the end, you should be able to enjoy seamless notifications again.
Whether you are new to Windows 10 or a seasoned user, this guide is designed to be clear and straightforward for everyone.
Quick Note: Before You Begin
- Check your internet connection: A stable connection is necessary for real-time notifications.
- Make sure Sea of Thieves is updated: Running the latest game version avoids bugs.
- Confirm Windows 10 is up to date: System updates can fix notification-related issues.
- Close unnecessary background apps: Some programs can interfere with notifications.
Step 1: Enable Notifications for Sea of Thieves in Windows Settings
Windows 10 allows you to control which apps can send notifications. Sometimes, the game’s notifications are disabled by default or after an update.
- Click the Start button and open Settings (the gear icon).
- Go to System and then select Notifications & actions from the left menu.
- Scroll down to the Get notifications from these senders section.
- Find Sea of Thieves in the list and make sure the toggle switch is On.
- If you don’t see Sea of Thieves listed, it could mean the game hasn’t triggered any notifications yet. Launch the game and try again.
Allowing notifications here ensures Windows can show alerts from the game outside of its interface.
Step 2: Check Focus Assist Settings
Focus Assist is a Windows feature that silences notifications during specific times or activities. If it is enabled, you may not receive any notifications while playing.
- Open Settings and go to System > Focus assist.
- Choose Off to disable Focus Assist completely, or select Priority only and add Sea of Thieves to the priority list.
- Make sure the automatic rules like During these hours or When I’m duplicating my display are turned off if you want constant notifications.
Disabling or customizing Focus Assist lets important game alerts come through without interruption.
Step 3: Allow Sea of Thieves Through Windows Firewall
Sometimes, Windows Firewall can block parts of the game’s network activity, including notification services.
- Press Windows key + R, type
control firewall.cpl, and press Enter to open Windows Firewall. - Click on Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall from the left sidebar.
- Click Change settings (you might need administrator rights).
- Scroll through the list and ensure Sea of Thieves is checked for both Private and Public networks.
- If it’s not listed, click Allow another app, browse to the Sea of Thieves executable usually found in
C:Program FilesWindowsApps, and add it manually.
Allowing the game through the firewall makes sure it can send and receive data needed for notifications.
Step 4: Reset the Xbox App Notifications (If Using Xbox App)
Sea of Thieves notifications often rely on the Xbox app and Xbox services on Windows 10. If these are not working properly, notifications may fail.
- Open Settings and go to Apps > Apps & features.
- Find the Xbox app in the list and click on it.
- Select Advanced options.
- Scroll down and click Reset. This will clear the app’s cache and settings without deleting your data.
- Restart your computer and sign back into the Xbox app.
Resetting the Xbox app refreshes notification permissions and connections.
Step 5: Run Windows Troubleshooter for Notifications
Windows includes a troubleshooter that can automatically detect and fix notification problems.
- Open Settings, then go to Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
- Click on Additional troubleshooters.
- Find and select Notifications or Windows Store Apps troubleshooter (depending on your version).
- Run the troubleshooter and follow the on-screen instructions.
This tool can identify common issues and apply fixes without manual intervention.
Alternative Method: Use the Xbox Game Bar Notification Settings
If you use the Xbox Game Bar while playing Sea of Thieves, its notification settings can affect alerts.
- Press Windows key + G to open the Xbox Game Bar.
- Click the Settings (gear icon) on the overlay.
- Go to the Notifications tab.
- Make sure notifications are enabled for game invites, messages, and alerts.
Adjusting these settings ensures you receive notifications directly from the game overlay.
FAQs
Why am I not seeing friend requests or game invites notifications?
Notifications depend on both Windows and Xbox app settings. Make sure notifications are enabled in both places, and Focus Assist is off or customized.
Do I need to keep the Xbox app running for notifications?
Yes, the Xbox app manages multiplayer and social features, so it should be running in the background.
Can antivirus software block Sea of Thieves notifications?
Some antivirus programs may block network access or notifications. Temporarily disable them to check if they are the cause.
Will reinstalling Sea of Thieves fix notification issues?
Reinstalling can help if files are corrupted, but try other steps first as it is more time-consuming.
Is this problem common after Windows updates?
Yes, sometimes updates reset notification permissions or settings. Re-check your notification preferences after updates.
When Nothing Works
If you have tried all the above steps and still face no notifications, consider these final options:
- Check official Sea of Thieves support forums: Visit Sea of Thieves Support for the latest information and patches.
- Contact Xbox support: For issues related to Xbox services or the Xbox app, their support can provide specialized help.
- Perform a system restore: If notifications stopped after a recent change, restoring Windows to an earlier point might fix the problem.
- Create a new Windows user profile: Sometimes user profiles get corrupted and cause notification issues.
Conclusion
Fixing the Sea of Thieves no notifications issue on Windows 10 involves checking and adjusting settings in both Windows and the Xbox app. Start by enabling notifications and disabling Focus Assist, then allow the game through the firewall, and reset related apps if needed. Using built-in troubleshooters and Xbox Game Bar settings can provide additional help.
By following this detailed yet straightforward guide, you can restore your game notifications and enjoy a better multiplayer experience. Remember to keep your system and game updated, and don’t hesitate to seek official support if problems persist.