How to Disable Ads in Windows 11: 6 Simple Steps

Ads. They’re everywhere—on your favorite websites, your social media feeds, your apps, and now even baked into your operating system. Yes, Microsoft has seriously leaned into the advertising game with Windows 11, slipping in ads and "suggestions" into nooks and crannies you might not expect, like the Lock Screen, Start menu, and even File Explorer. But you don’t have to settle for this subtle (or not so subtle) invasion of your OS sanctum.
While some might argue that these "personalized offers" may have some marginal utility, most users would likely agree: they’re intrusive and unwelcome. Lucky for you, there are several effective ways to turn off these ads systematically. Grab your digital toolbox as we dive into the six key DIY methods to clear up ad-infested spaces in Windows 11.

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1. Freeing Your Lock Screen from Ads​

Your Lock Screen has evolved over the years from a simple gateway to your desktop to a promotional canvas for Microsoft's ecosystem. Cutesy facts, tips, or app suggestions may seem benign, but they can prey on your curiosity and push you toward Microsoft's Edge browser or other products.

How to Disable Lock Screen Ads:​

• Open the Settings app by typing "Settings" on the search bar (or hit Win + I).
• Select Personalization from the menu on the left.
• Click on Lock Screen.
• Under Personalize your lock screen, switch to Image or Slideshow as the format.
• Uncheck the box for Get fun facts, tips, tricks, and more on your lock screen.

Why This Matters: These so-called tips not only veer into ad territory but can also create unnecessary distractions when you're just trying to log in.

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2. Cleaning the Start Menu of Recommendations​

The Start menu should be your productivity launchpad for apps and files—not a billboard for Microsoft Store offerings or apps you didn’t ask for. Windows 11’s “Pinned” section can include app suggestions or even outright ads if left unchecked.

How to Declutter Start Menu Recommendations:​

• Open your Start Menu.
• Right-click on any unwanted app suggestions (e.g., LinkedIn or Candy Crush). If the context menu says "Uninstall," you’ve struck ad gold—these are not actual apps but promoted content.
• Select Uninstall to remove.
• Go back to Settings > Personalization > Start.
• Turn off the toggle for Show recommendations for tips, shortcuts, new apps, and more.

Quick Tip: The Start screen's layout can still retain manually pinned apps, so this won't impact your workflow.

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3. Silencing Search Ads in Windows Search​

Ever type something into the Windows Search bar only to be bombarded with suggested web searches or apps? That’s Microsoft Search acting as both your digital bloodhound and an unsolicited product pusher. For better focus, here’s how to take away its megaphone.

How to Disable Search Ads and Highlights:​

• Open Settings > Privacy & Security.
• Navigate to Search Permissions under Privacy settings.
• Locate More Settings, and toggle off Show search highlights.

Technical Note: "Search Highlights" are essentially curated content that combines trending topics and ad-based suggestions—all under the guise of being helpful.

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4. Evicting Ads from File Explorer​

Yes, even the humble File Explorer isn't sacred anymore. Ads promoting Microsoft's cloud service, OneDrive, can pop up disguised as sync suggestions. Fortunately, there's an escape hatch here too.

How to Block File Explorer Ads:​

• Open File Explorer (Win + E).
• Click on the three dots in the toolbar and select Options.
• In the dialog box, go to the View tab.
• Scroll down and uncheck Show sync provider notifications.

Pro Tip: Turning this off doesn’t disable OneDrive—it just halts the constant nagging about it.

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5. Turning Off Personalized Ads Based on Your Activity​

Microsoft collects activity data to tailor ads to your tastes (yay …?). While some users might see relevance as a silver lining, you're still being monitored. If that crosses a line for you, disable these "personalization" features fast.

How to Block Activity-Based Personalization:​

• Open Settings > Personalization.
• Scroll down to Device Usage.
• Turn off every toggle that doesn’t feel relevant. For most users, it’s safer to opt out entirely.

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6. Decluttering the Settings App from Suggested Content​

If you've noticed suggestions popping up even in the Windows Settings app, you’re not alone—Microsoft's advertising tentacles extend even here. These suggestions can be frustratingly persistent unless you manually zap them.

How to Remove Suggested Settings Content:​

• Open Settings > Privacy & Security > General.
• Find the following options and uncheck them:
• Let apps show me personalized ads using my advertising ID.
• Show me suggested content in the Settings app.

Feel free to disable the remaining toggles if you want broader privacy safeguards.

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Broadening the Conversation: Why is Microsoft Pushing Ads in the First Place?​

Microsoft has framed these ads and recommendations as part of a broader effort to "enhance user experience" and promote its ecosystem (particularly Edge and OneDrive). Yet, these ads blur the line between convenience and control, prompting many users to criticize the experience as invasive.
From a business standpoint, these ads fuel product adoption and boost Microsoft’s revenue streams. But for end-users, it boils down to whether you're comfortable with your Operating System taking liberties in serving ads based on your activity.

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Final Thoughts: Taking Back Control​

Let’s face it—no one installs an operating system expecting it to double as an advertising platform. While these small tweaks won’t make Windows 11 ad-free (there are still third-party apps to consider), they offer a meaningful step toward reclaiming your desktop for productivity rather than promotion.
Have more personalization habits or ad-busting tips you’d like to share? Chime in on the forum and join the discussion! Let’s make Windows work for us, not the other way around.

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Source: Tech Junkie Six Ways to Get Rid of Ads in Windows 11