Windows 11 introduced significant design enhancements and intuitive features compared to its predecessor, Windows 10. However, it's not without its frustrations—specifically, the presence of ads within the Start menu. For those who find these ads annoying, there are options available to disable them, allowing you to enjoy a cleaner and more straightforward user interface. This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to turn off ads in the Windows 11 Start menu, utilizing both the built-in Settings app and a third-party tool known as OFGB (Oh Frick, Go Back!).
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## Understanding the Presence of Ads in Windows 11
### Overview of Ads in Windows 11
Ads in Windows 11 are designed to promote apps and features within the operating system. These ads can appear as recommendations in the Start menu and within various Windows applications. While the intention behind these ads might be to enhance user experience by introducing new tools or features, many users feel that they detract from productivity and clutter the interface.
Despite the annoyance they can cause, one silver lining is that these ads aren't permanent. Microsoft provides methods to disable these advertisements, allowing for a more streamlined experience.
### Historical Context
Since the release of Windows 8, Microsoft began integrating advertising features into its ecosystem, initially in the form of app promotions in the Start screen. This trend continued into Windows 10, with ads appearing in various forms throughout the operating system.
Though often met with user disapproval, Microsoft has retained the ability to display ads as part of its revenue model. As Windows continues to evolve, users have demanded more control over the content they see, leading to the development of features that allow them to disable unnecessary promotions.
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## Method 1: Disable Start Menu Ads From the Settings App
If you're looking for a straightforward way to stop seeing ads in your Start menu, you can do so directly through the Windows Settings app. Follow these steps to disable Start menu and app recommendations:
1. Open Settings: Press the Windows key + I on your keyboard or click on the Start menu and select Settings.
2. Navigate to Personalization: In the left sidebar, select Personalization.
3. Access Start Menu Settings: Scroll down in the right pane and click on Start.
4. Adjust Layout Settings: Under the Layout section, select More Pins.
5. Toggle Off Recommendations:
- Turn off the following toggles:
- Show recommended files in Start, recent files in File Explorer, and items in Jump Lists.
- Show recommendations for tips, shortcuts, new apps, and more.
By following these steps, you will no longer see those pesky ads in your Start menu, creating a more focused workspace.
---
## Method 2: Use OFGB (Oh Frick, Go Back!)
For users looking for a more comprehensive solution to eliminate ads from their Windows experience, the open-source tool called OFGB (Oh Frick, Go Back!) is an excellent option. Created by a frustrated Linux user named Maddy, this tool aims to remove ads not just from the Start menu, but from various parts of the Windows 11 environment.
### Features of OFGB:
- Disable ads in the Start Menu.
- Remove ads from the Lock Screen.
- Get rid of ads in File Explorer.
- Stop ads from appearing in the Settings app.
- Disable Bing results in Search.
Here’s how to get started with OFGB:
1. Download OFGB:
- Visit the official OFGB Releases page on GitHub.
- Scroll down to the Assets section and download the appropriate version for your system (either ARM or x86).
2. Bypass Browser Warnings:
- Your browser may warn you regarding the file download since the developer is not widely recognized. To proceed:
- Click the ellipses (three dots) next to the warning and select Keep.
- If further prompts appear, choose Show more > Keep anyway.
3. Install and Run OFGB:
- After downloading, right-click on the downloaded file and select Run anyway.
- When the application runs, you can check the options you want to disable and then close the program. Some options may require administrative access to apply changes.
### The Open-Source Advantage
Using an open-source tool like OFGB offers the benefit of transparency and community support. Users can modify the software, report bugs, or even contribute to its development, which can lead to improvements based on user feedback.
---
## Final Words
Disabling ads in the Windows 11 Start menu can significantly enhance your user experience. Whether you choose to adjust settings through the built-in features or opt for a dedicated tool like OFGB, you can reclaim control over what you see in your operating system.
While many users might find the Settings app sufficient to remove unwanted advertisements, FORGB presents a broader solution that eliminates ads across various platforms within Windows 11. Ultimately, the choice comes down to personal preference and comfort with using additional software.
If you have any insights, questions, or experiences regarding turning off ads in your Windows 11 Start menu, feel free to share them in the comments below! Additionally, consider subscribing to our community for further tech tips and updates.
Enjoy a cleaner Start menu!
---
### Tags:
- Windows 11
- Start Menu
- Ads Removal
- OFGB
- Microsoft
By exploring these options, Windows users can enhance their interaction with the operating system while mitigating distractions caused by unwanted ads.
Source: DigitBin How to Turn Off Ads in Windows 11 Start Menu
---
## Understanding the Presence of Ads in Windows 11
### Overview of Ads in Windows 11
Ads in Windows 11 are designed to promote apps and features within the operating system. These ads can appear as recommendations in the Start menu and within various Windows applications. While the intention behind these ads might be to enhance user experience by introducing new tools or features, many users feel that they detract from productivity and clutter the interface.
Despite the annoyance they can cause, one silver lining is that these ads aren't permanent. Microsoft provides methods to disable these advertisements, allowing for a more streamlined experience.
### Historical Context
Since the release of Windows 8, Microsoft began integrating advertising features into its ecosystem, initially in the form of app promotions in the Start screen. This trend continued into Windows 10, with ads appearing in various forms throughout the operating system.
Though often met with user disapproval, Microsoft has retained the ability to display ads as part of its revenue model. As Windows continues to evolve, users have demanded more control over the content they see, leading to the development of features that allow them to disable unnecessary promotions.
---
## Method 1: Disable Start Menu Ads From the Settings App
If you're looking for a straightforward way to stop seeing ads in your Start menu, you can do so directly through the Windows Settings app. Follow these steps to disable Start menu and app recommendations:
1. Open Settings: Press the Windows key + I on your keyboard or click on the Start menu and select Settings.
2. Navigate to Personalization: In the left sidebar, select Personalization.
3. Access Start Menu Settings: Scroll down in the right pane and click on Start.
4. Adjust Layout Settings: Under the Layout section, select More Pins.
5. Toggle Off Recommendations:
- Turn off the following toggles:
- Show recommended files in Start, recent files in File Explorer, and items in Jump Lists.
- Show recommendations for tips, shortcuts, new apps, and more.
By following these steps, you will no longer see those pesky ads in your Start menu, creating a more focused workspace.
---
## Method 2: Use OFGB (Oh Frick, Go Back!)
For users looking for a more comprehensive solution to eliminate ads from their Windows experience, the open-source tool called OFGB (Oh Frick, Go Back!) is an excellent option. Created by a frustrated Linux user named Maddy, this tool aims to remove ads not just from the Start menu, but from various parts of the Windows 11 environment.
### Features of OFGB:
- Disable ads in the Start Menu.
- Remove ads from the Lock Screen.
- Get rid of ads in File Explorer.
- Stop ads from appearing in the Settings app.
- Disable Bing results in Search.
Here’s how to get started with OFGB:
1. Download OFGB:
- Visit the official OFGB Releases page on GitHub.
- Scroll down to the Assets section and download the appropriate version for your system (either ARM or x86).
2. Bypass Browser Warnings:
- Your browser may warn you regarding the file download since the developer is not widely recognized. To proceed:
- Click the ellipses (three dots) next to the warning and select Keep.
- If further prompts appear, choose Show more > Keep anyway.
3. Install and Run OFGB:
- After downloading, right-click on the downloaded file and select Run anyway.
- When the application runs, you can check the options you want to disable and then close the program. Some options may require administrative access to apply changes.
### The Open-Source Advantage
Using an open-source tool like OFGB offers the benefit of transparency and community support. Users can modify the software, report bugs, or even contribute to its development, which can lead to improvements based on user feedback.
---
## Final Words
Disabling ads in the Windows 11 Start menu can significantly enhance your user experience. Whether you choose to adjust settings through the built-in features or opt for a dedicated tool like OFGB, you can reclaim control over what you see in your operating system.
While many users might find the Settings app sufficient to remove unwanted advertisements, FORGB presents a broader solution that eliminates ads across various platforms within Windows 11. Ultimately, the choice comes down to personal preference and comfort with using additional software.
If you have any insights, questions, or experiences regarding turning off ads in your Windows 11 Start menu, feel free to share them in the comments below! Additionally, consider subscribing to our community for further tech tips and updates.
Enjoy a cleaner Start menu!
---
### Tags:
- Windows 11
- Start Menu
- Ads Removal
- OFGB
- Microsoft
By exploring these options, Windows users can enhance their interaction with the operating system while mitigating distractions caused by unwanted ads.
Source: DigitBin How to Turn Off Ads in Windows 11 Start Menu
