There’s one thing that makes Windows 11 users want to go back to Windows 10 – all the ads. In Windows 11, ads are everywhere – in the Start menu, across your lock screen, in File Explorer. And this can get annoying really fast. That’s why this guide will teach you how to remove ads in Windows 11.
How to Turn Off Ads on Windows 11
Unfortunately, Windows 11 doesn’t offer a single button to rid you of all ads at once. This option only exists with third-party tools. However, you don’t want these tools poking around your system. It’s simply unsafe. If they make a mistake, you might have a hard time fixing it. That’s why it’s better to remove these ads one by one. Here’s how.
In Windows 11, the Start menu will advertise other Microsoft services to you. For example, if you use Dropbox to store files, Microsoft might suggest switching to OneDrive. Here’s how to remove these ads.
Step 1: Go to “Settings” in your “Start” menu.
Step 2: Select “Personalization.”
Step 3: Click on “Start” in the left sidebar.
Step 4: Disable the slider next to “Show recommendations for tips, shortcuts, new apps, and more.”
Windows 11: Remove Ads From the Lock Screen
Windows users usually see the lock screen as the perfect place to display a slideshow of their favorite photos. Microsoft, however, sees it as a giant billboard. Here’s how to prevent the company from ruining your favorite moments with ads and suggestions.
Step 1: Go to “Settings.”
Step 2: Click on the “Personalization” tab.
Step 3: Navigate to the “Background” dropdown menu.
Step 4: Select “Picture” or “Slideshow.”
Step 5: Disable the “Get fun facts, tips, and more from Windows and Cortana on your lock screen” slider.
Windows 11: Remove Ads From Search
At first, the “Search Highlights” feature might seem useful. It shows you all the trending searches based on your interests, important events around the world, and files you’ve recently used. However, Microsoft has also inserted suggestions for its services, which can be seen as ads. If these annoy you, you can remove them in a few simple steps.
Step 1: Launch the “Settings” app.
Step 2: Go to “Privacy & security.”
Step 3: Click on “Search” under “Permissions” on the right window pane.
Step 4: Go to the “More settings” section.
Step 5: Toggle off “Show search highlights.”
Windows 11: Remove Ads From Notifications
Occasionally, Microsoft will send you pop-up ads for its services. Here’s how to eliminate these frustrating notifications.
Step 1: Visit “Settings.”
Step 2: Go to “System.”
Step 3: Click on the “Notifications” tab on the right side of your screen.
Step 4: Scroll down to “Additional settings.”
Step 5: Disable the following three options: “Get tips and suggestions,” “Show the Windows welcome experience,” and “Suggest ways to get the most out of Windows.”
Windows 11: Remove Ads From the Settings App
Even the Settings app – the app you use to remove most of these pesky ads – isn’t free of them. Here’s how to liberate it.
Step 1: Open the “Settings” app.
Step 2: Select “Privacy & security.”
Step 3: Go to “General” under “Windows permissions.”
Step 4: Disable the slider next to “Show me suggested content in the Settings app.”
Windows 11: Remove Ads From the File Explorer
You probably don’t want to see ads while you’re browsing your files. Here’s how to make your File Explorer ad-free.
Step 1: Launch the “File Explorer.”
Step 2: Go to the “View” tab at the top of your screen.
Step 3: Open the three-dot menu.
Step 4: Click on “Options.”
Step 5: Go to the “View” tab in the “Folder Options” pop-up window.
Step 6: Under “Advanced Settings,” scroll down to the “Show sync provider notifications” box and uncheck it.
Step 7: Select “OK.”
Windows 11: Remove Ads From Individual Apps
The apps you install on your computer can target you with ads. Here’s how to stop them.
Step 1: Go to “Settings.”
Step 2: Press the “Privacy & security” tab.
Step 3: Go to the “General” section.
Step 4: Turn off the “Let apps show me personalized ads by using my advertising ID” slider.
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