How to Disable Annoying Ads in Windows 11

If you've ever found yourself drowning in ads while just trying to navigate your Windows 11 experience, take heart—you're not alone! Microsoft's push to promote its products, from Xbox Wireless Controllers to the latest Call of Duty, can feel intrusive. Fortunately, there's a way for you to hit the brakes on these incessant ads, and it only takes a minute of your time. In this article, we’re breaking down the steps to claim back your peace and quiet in the cozy corners of your operating system.

The Problem with Ads in Windows 11​

So why are ads popping up everywhere? Microsoft has carved out ample real estate in Windows 11 to promote its own products and partners. Suggestions about apps, services, and even gaming peripherals sashay across the screen, sometimes at the most inopportune moments. Your lock screen, taskbar, and Start menu all seem like a canvass for marketing strategies, leaving users wondering if they bought a Windows system or signed up for a marketing seminar.

Steps to Disable Ads Through Settings​

Let’s cut to the chase. Here’s how you can quiet those ads and suggestions:

• Open Settings: Click the Start menu, or simply press Windows + I to open the Settings.
• Notifications: Navigate to System > Notifications.
• Adjust Settings:
• Expand the Additional settings section.
• Uncheck Get tips and suggestions when using Windows.
• Optionally, you can uncheck:
• Show the Windows welcome experience after updates and when signed in to show what's new and suggested.
• Suggest ways to get the most out of Windows and finish setting up this device.
• Restart Your PC: A quick reboot will solidify those changes.

While these steps curtail the ads featuring in notifications, they don’t wipe them out entirely. You might still notice promotional content on the lock screen, in the Microsoft Store, or as suggestions scattered across the Settings menu and File Explorer.

Level Up Your Ad Blocking with Winaero Tweaker​

For those who want to take their ad-blocking efforts further, Winaero Tweaker is your friend. This is a powerful, free tool that allows users to tweak various aspects of Windows on both 10 and 11. Here’s how you can use it to turn off even more ads:

• Download Winaero Tweaker: Grab the latest version from the official website. Choose between a standard installation or a portable version if you prefer not to clutter your system.
• Launch the App: Run Winaero Tweaker and browse through the sidebar.
• Navigate to Ads: Click on Behavior, then select Ads and Unwanted Apps.
• Disable Ads:
• Ensure Disable ads in Windows is checked.
• Uncheck the remaining options, which are usually just distractions anyway.
• Restart Again: To make the changes take effect, restart your PC.

Gone are the days when your desktop feels like a virtual billboard; instead, enjoy a more serene and productive environment.

The Constant Evolution of Ads​

Despite your best efforts, it’s worth noting that Microsoft may introduce ads in new locations or formats over time. This is a common tactic in the ever-evolving digital marketing landscape. However, the community is often quick to respond, and usually, methods to block or minimize those ads emerge shortly thereafter—so stay tuned!

Final Thoughts​

Have you seen ads sprouting up like weeds in your Windows 11 experience? What’s your take on Microsoft’s ad strategy? The balance between offering a robust system and relentless advertising can be delicate. Share your thoughts in the comments below!
These simple adjustments can reaffirm your control over what you see daily on your operating system. The good news is that reclaiming your Windows experience from ads is just a few clicks away. Now, go forth and enjoy your freshly de-cluttered Windows 11 environment—sans the ads!

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Source: gHacks Technology News Do this if you want to stop ads in Windows 11 - gHacks Tech News

 

[ChatGPT]

Ah, remember the grandiloquent rollout of Windows 11? Microsoft's free upgrade from Windows 10 came with open arms, shiny UI enhancements, and promises of a better, faster, and more unified OS. But let’s call a spade a spade: when something is made to look too good to be true, it usually comes with a catch. And in the case of Windows 11, that catch is… advertisements! Yup, sprinkled through your Start Menu, File Explorer, Search, Widgets—you name it, it’s there. However, don't despair! With a bit of tweaking, you can banish most of these nuisances. This article dives into how, giving you a roadmap to restore your Windows 11 experience.
Welcome to the ad menu of horrors, brought to you by your operating system. Let’s dive into the top offensive spots and exactly how to “turn it down” a few notches.

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1. Start Menu Ads? No Thanks​

Disable “Recommended” App Suggestions​

You’ve likely noticed those not-so-subtle “suggestions” popping up in your Start Menu. Microsoft calls them “recommendations,” but in reality, these are ads disguised as helpful tips.
Here’s how to turn them off:

• Navigate to: Settings → Personalization → Start
• Toggle Off: The option labeled “Show recently added apps” and “Show recommendations in Start.”

By doing this, you’ll reclaim some sanity when launching your Favorite apps without a laundry list of suggested apps you’ve never heard of looming.

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2. Notifications Nagging You? Cut the Chatter​

You know those constant nudges from Cortana and Windows Tips? Yep, Microsoft loves throwing “alerts” to keep you up to date—but really, we just want some peace and quiet.

• Navigate to: Settings → System → Notifications
• Scroll Down: Under Notifications from apps and other senders, disable any suspicious apps sending unnecessary prompts. This includes cutting out “finish setting up your PC” nudges or “features you may like.”

Pro Tip: While you’re here, toggle off the Welcome Experience, which pops up tips after updates.

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3. File Explorer’s Inconvenient OneDrive Reminders​

Ah, OneDrive. While a legitimately useful tool for cloud backups, its in-Explorer promotions can feel too pushy. MS really wants you to get on its cloud storage ecosystem—even when you don’t care.
To mute these ads:

• Open File Explorer
• Click on the View tab, then go to Options → Change Folder and Search Options
• Select the View Tab
• Uncheck the box titled: “Show sync provider notifications.”

No more OneDrive “helping” you with suggestions you didn’t ask for.

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4. Widget Ads: Hidden in Plain Sight​

Widgets are a lovely little feature—until they turn into a news feed for ads. Whether it’s live sports, Microsoft Store suggestions, or news articles, the widgets panel can feel like spam central.
To declutter your widgets:

• Right-click the Taskbar → Select Taskbar Settings
• Disable: The Widgets toggle.

Want to keep widgets but nuke their content ads? Open Widgets. Click the profile icon and customize feeds to remove undesired sources like Microsoft News.

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5. Bloatware, Be Gone!​

If you purchased your PC from big-name manufacturers (looking at you, Dell, HP, and Lenovo), chances are you’re dealing with pre-loaded apps (aka bloatware). Besides slowing down your system, these apps often include spammy notifications.
To address:

• Navigate to: Settings → Apps → Apps & Features
• Identify bloatware apps (anything manufacturer-branded you don’t need) and uninstall them.
• Some apps have built-in notifications—go back to Notifications Settings to silence them.

Confused about an app? A quick web search can let you know if it’s necessary, or just digital fluff.

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6. Mute the Lock Screen Ads​

Microsoft’s Windows Spotlight feature rotates beautiful lock screen images. But subtle ads can lurk in Spotlight backgrounds, alongside prompts for games and apps.
Steps to disable:

• Navigate to: Settings → Personalization → Lock Screen
• Choose a static wallpaper instead of Windows Spotlight under “Personalize your lock screen.”

This will eliminate sneaky promotional content from the lock or background screen.

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7. Search Highlights: A Love-Hate Relationship​

The search bar is a powerful tool. But in recent updates, it’s been adorned with themes, web searches, and—surprise!—shopping suggestions. For a sleeker search experience:

• Navigate to: Settings → Privacy & Security → Search Permissions
• Toggle off the option titled “Search Highlights.”

This declutters the search UI, making it just about what you type—no marketing fluff tagging along for the ride.

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8. Disable Personalized Advertisements​

One of the most irksome features in Windows 11 is Microsoft tracking diagnostic data for targeting ads (yes, the ads get more personal). While you’ve already limited system ads, this step ensures your data isn’t being casually monetized.
To opt-out:

• Navigate to: Settings → Privacy & Security → General
• Turn off: “Let apps use advertising ID” and “Show me suggested content in the Settings App.”

Extend the reach:

• Go to your Microsoft Account online to disable ad personalization across Microsoft services.

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9. Remove Leftover Spotlight & Device-Usage Ads​

Windows loves “suggesting” how you can better use the OS via ads appearing in various corners, including Explore Tips. To fully eradicate these:

• Navigate to: Settings → Privacy & Security → Device Usage
• Disable any categories under device customization.

For comprehensive control, even diagnostic data toggles (under Privacy) ensure Windows is nosy no longer.

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Final Words: Who Needs Ads in Their OS Anyway?​

Let’s face it: your operating system should not double as a marketing vehicle. While we understand the monetization goals, ads splattered across the most-used areas of Windows 11 can feel intrusive. By methodically tackling these sneaky placements, you reclaim not only a cleaner interface but also your peace of mind.
Wondering if there’s a catch to disabling ads entirely? Well, not really—it’s your system after all! But do keep your eyes peeled for new updates, as settings can occasionally revert. Be ever vigilant, fellow power user, and enjoy the ad-free bliss of your digital workspace.
Have thoughts or tips to share? Drop your comments on WindowsForum.com!

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Source: Game News 24 Your Windows PCs most annoying ads are turned off by 9 tweakers - Game News 24