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.
Here’s how to turn them off:
To mute these ads:
To declutter your widgets:
To address:
Steps to disable:
To opt-out:
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!
Source: Game News 24 Your Windows PCs most annoying ads are turned off by 9 tweakers
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.
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.
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.
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.”
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.”
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.”
- Go to your Microsoft Account online to disable ad personalization across Microsoft services.
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.
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!
Source: Game News 24 Your Windows PCs most annoying ads are turned off by 9 tweakers
