Can't turn off HP Focus Mode

[OPpkSta]

I remember when initally setting up my laptop selecting "focus mode" as I thought it sounded sensible... But in reality it's totally useless as it prevents you looking at two tabs side by side. So I've been trying to turn it off. I've accessed the HP Command Centre but there is no option to disable it as others have made reference to when they have the same issue. I've checked and it appears my version of Command Centre is up to date (v. 1.11.60.0). If anyone can help I would be hugely appreciative!!

(Copied and pasted from another frustrated user who (like others) didn't get their question answered on this)

[Nal_NR]

Hi @OPpkSta,

Welcome to the HP Support Community. 

I'd be glad to help you! 

To be able to answer you effectively, we need some information.

May I have the exact name and product number of the unit? Do not share any of your personal information such as serial, phone number, email ID, etc.

[OPpkSta]

HP Spectre x360 14 inch 2-in-1 Laptop PC 14-eu0000 IDS Base Model

[Nal_NR]

Hi @OPpkSta ,

Thanks for sharing the details. 

If you're unable to turn off HP Focus Mode on your HP Spectre x360 14-inch 2-in-1 laptop, here's how you can troubleshoot the issue:

Use HP Command Center:

• Open the HP Command Center application from your Start menu or search bar.
• Navigate to the Focus Mode section.
• Toggle the switch to Off and confirm any prompts.

Check Keyboard Shortcuts:

• On some HP laptops, Focus Mode can be toggled via a shortcut key. Check your function keys for a symbol that might indicate this feature.
• Press the key (often combined with Fn) to toggle it off.

Update HP Command Center:

• Ensure that your HP Command Center app is up to date.
• Open the Microsoft Store, search for HP Command Center, and update if an option is available.

Disable via BIOS Settings:

• Restart your laptop and press Esc repeatedly during boot, then select F10 to access the BIOS.
• Check for any settings related to Focus Mode and disable it.

Uninstall/Reinstall HP Command Center:

• Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & Features, locate HP Command Center, and uninstall it.
• Reinstall it via the Microsoft Store.

Reset System Settings:

• If the issue persists, consider resetting the laptop's settings:
  • Go to Settings > System > Recovery > Reset this PC and choose the appropriate reset option.

Hope this helps! Keep me posted for further assistance

Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.

[RP479 · Accepted solution]

The issue that none of the people affiliated with HP seem to understand is that the Focus Mode setting inside of the Command Center disappeared at some point this fall. I got my x360 Spectre in the summer. Thought this setting seemed interesting. Hate it. Couldn't find a setting. Finally found the references to Focus Mode so I knew what I was looking for. Found the LACK of it in the Command Center. It's a kludgy work-around, but there are two things you can do. To kill it for a session (you have to do this anytime you restart or log off), open the task manager (right-click on the taskbar), go to Details, slide down until you see HP.FocusMode.exe and end the task.

The second option is still kludgy, but it helps keep it tamped down. I created a new text file and added the line below, then saved it as KillFocusMode.cmd.

TASKKILL /F /IM HP.FocusMode.exe

Though you could create a shortcut and run it manually whenever you want, I chose to schedule a new Task and set it to run at Startup (1 min delay) and then every 15 minutes.

Best wishes. I wish that HP would grant us the ability to turn this feature on and OFF.

[OPpkSta]

THANK YOU - Thank you so much for finally providing an actual answer when HP couldn't!