In the wake of continued user complaints about Windows 11, it’s clear that many users find certain features—especially regarding notifications and ads—quite bothersome. As Microsoft increasingly promotes its services within the Windows ecosystem, users often face a barrage of prompts and recommendations that can detract from their overall experience. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to make your Windows 11 experience smoother and less intrusive. Here’s how you can minimize the annoyances associated with the latest version of Windows.
(https://www.zdnet.com/a/img/resize/a144e9edc229250048e1426d1d8f2bf7de8f51ea/2024/08/16/0cf096a3-8cc1-4b7c-ba2f-2d119a8cea70/gettyimages-164191362.jpg?auto=webp&fit=crop&height=675&width=1200%5B/IMG[/url]) Source: ZDNet .
1. Silence Account Notifications
When you use a Microsoft account, Windows attempts to market its services like Microsoft 365 more aggressively. To reduce these account-related notifications, you can navigate to:- Settings > Personalization > Start
- Turn off the option that says, "Show account-related notifications occasionally in Start." This action should help reduce unwanted notifications urging you to sign in to your Microsoft account.
2. Turn Off OneDrive Backup
OneDrive is useful, but the default setting can be more annoying than convenient. By default, Windows 11 tries to back up your Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders automatically to OneDrive, which may not fit everyone’s needs. To turn off this feature:- Right-click the OneDrive icon in File Explorer.
- Click on OneDrive > Manage OneDrive Backup.
- Toggle off the switches for all folders. For those who prefer keeping data only local or using a different backup strategy, adjusting these settings can be crucial.
3. Uninstall Third-Party App Shortcuts
Upon setting up Windows 11, you might discover various third-party app shortcuts pinned in your Start menu, including apps like Spotify and Grammarly. To remove these shortcuts:- Right-click the app icon you wish to uninstall.
- Click on Uninstall. While these app shortcuts do not take up much space, they can add to the clutter. Removing unwanted shortcuts helps streamline the interface.
4. Turn Off Recommendations
Windows 11 often suggests apps that it thinks you will like based on its algorithms. If you find these recommendations unhelpful, you can easily turn them off:- Go to Settings > Personalization > Start
- Disable the option that says, "Show recommendations for tips, shortcuts, new apps, and more." By disabling this feature, you'll reduce the clutter of unwanted recommendations, improving the visual appeal of the Start menu.
5. Hide Ads in Microsoft Edge
Microsoft Edge can be a source of annoyance with its ads appearing between other content on its Start page. To manage these ads, you can change the content settings:- Open a new tab in Edge.
- Click the gear icon in the upper right corner.
- Switch the Content setting to Off. This change minimizes the chances of encountering unsolicited advertisements while browsing.
6. Remove Ads from the Widgets Feed
Windows 11’s Widgets page can also be riddled with ads and sponsored content. Fortunately, you can customize this feed:- Press Windows key + W to open the Widgets pane.
- Click the gear icon in the upper right corner.
- Adjust the setting under Show or hide feeds to turn off My feeds. You can also disable the Widgets icon altogether by heading over to:
- Settings > Personalization > Taskbar, and then turn off the Widgets switch. This will prevent accidental openings of the Widgets pane and thus eliminate the ads.
7. Hide Windows Copilot
Windows Copilot, which is still in its preview phase, is another element that can be distracting for users who do not intend to use it. To remove this AI assistant from your taskbar:- Go to Settings > Apps > Installed Apps.
- Locate Copilot in the list, click on the three dots next to its entry, and select Uninstall. By taking these steps, you can significantly reduce the number of intrusions in your Windows 11 interface, allowing for a more seamless and enjoyable computing experience.
Conclusion
By addressing these seven areas, Windows 11 users can reclaim control over their system and eliminate some of the frustrating aspects imposed by aggressive marketing preferences. The recommended settings adjustments may initially seem tedious but can greatly enhance the user experience in the long run. For more details and visual references, you can check the original article on ZDNet https://www.zdnet.com/article/seven-ways-to-make-windows-11-less-annoying/.
