Get rid of Windows 11 ads — here’s my method

Windows 11’s built-in ads

Windows 11 includes various promotions, suggestions, and app recommendations built right into places like the Start Menu, Lock Screen, File Explorer, and even the Settings app.

While they’re sometimes labeled “tips” or “recommendations,” they can feel like ads. Fortunately, many of them can be turned off with built-in settings. This guide shows you how I did it step-by-step.

Turn off Start menu suggestions

Open Settings → Personalisation → Start, then toggle off Show recommendations for tips, app promotions, and more.

That stops unwanted app-promos appearing at the bottom of the Start Menu. You may also want to unpin any pre-installed suggestion tiles. After clearing them, your Start Menu feels much less cluttered and ad-like.

Remove Lock Screen ads and tips

Navigate to Settings → Personalisation → Lock Screen, change the background from Windows Spotlight to Picture or Slideshow, and disable Get fun facts, tips, tricks and more on your lock screen.

Spotlight often introduces promotional content or service suggestions, switching prevents that. Once done, your Lock Screen shows just the image and no extra banners.

Disable “suggestions” notifications

Go to Settings → System → Notifications → Additional settings, and turn off options like Offer suggestions on how I can set up my device and Get tips and suggestions when I use Windows.

These notifications often push Microsoft services or feature-promos rather than real app messages. Disabling them keeps your notification area clearer.

Block promotional content in Settings app

Open Settings → Privacy & security → General, and toggle off Show me suggested content in the Settings app and Let apps show me personalised ads by using my advertising ID.

This stops Microsoft from pushing its own service banners and ad-style suggestions inside Settings. After switching off, you’ll see fewer distractions in the Settings interface.

Stop File Explorer sync-provider banners

Open File Explorer, click the three-dots menu → Options → View tab, and uncheck ‘Show sync provider notifications’. This may reduce pop-ups promoting OneDrive, Microsoft 365, or other cloud services, though some may still appear depending on your system build.

These notifications often include upsells for OneDrive, Microsoft 365, or other cloud services. Disabling it means fewer pop-ups and cleaner file browsing.

Clear ads from Search highlights

Navigate to Settings → Privacy & security → Search permissions → More settings, and toggle off ‘Show Search highlights’. This reduces or removes illustrated search-home cards for trending topics, educational items, and promotional content.

Windows 11 often displays trending topics and promotional cards in Search results; this disables those. The Search panel then focuses more on your files and apps than on external content.

Disable widget panel and unwanted feeds

Open Settings → Personalisation → Taskbar and toggle off Widgets, or hide them using the taskbar context menu.

Widgets sometimes surface sponsored cards or news items that feel like ads. Removing them gives a more traditional desktop experience.

Revoke advertising ID and personalised ads

In Settings → Privacy & security → General, turn off Let apps show me personalised ads by using my advertising ID.

This stops apps from using your device’s ad profile for targeted marketing. While it doesn’t remove all ads, it reduces tracking-based suggestions and gives you more control over your data.

Audit recently installed apps for suggestions

Check apps you didn’t install or don’t recognise in the Start Menu’s Suggested section and in Settings. If you find unfamiliar apps, uninstall them.

Some apps are promoted by Microsoft or OEMs; uninstalling them can improve system cleanliness and reduce unwanted suggestions.

Consider third-party tools cautiously

Some tools (like Winaero Tweaker) claim to turn off most ads, suggestions, and telemetry in one go.

Use them only if you’re comfortable and have backups, because deep system tweaks can affect updates or stability. For most users, the built-in toggle steps above will suffice.

What to expect afterwards

Even after all the toggles, you may still see occasional Microsoft service promotions (e.g., Microsoft 365 offers) or store ads. These are harder to fully remove.

However, your PC will feel far less cluttered, and ads will drop dramatically. Make this a checklist to revisit after major Windows updates.

Annoyed by loud ads? See how California takes action to ban loud ads on Netflix, YouTube, and other streamers.

Next steps

Turning off ads in Windows 11 isn’t one-button magic, but with a handful of tweaks, you’ll make visible progress.

Start with the Start Menu, Lock Screen, and Settings app toggles, then move to File Explorer, Search, and Widgets. After doing this, your PC experience feels cleaner, faster, and more under your control.

Had enough of creepy targeted ads? Fix it with one Android setting.

After making these changes, did you notice fewer distractions on your PC, and which setting had the biggest impact for you? Tell us in the comments.

Read More From This Brand:

• Windows 11 update causing drive failures
• How to fully remove Windows 11 widgets panel
• How to securely handle your Windows 10 laptop after upgrading to Windows 11

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This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.