Most ads are tied to Microsoft services, but they can be disabled with a few adjustments.
Disable Start Menu Ads
Windows 11 often shows “Recommended” or promoted apps in the Start Menu.
- Step 1: Open Settings (
Win + I
) > Personalization > Start. - Step 2: Turn off:
- Show recommendations for tips, shortcuts, new apps, and more
- Show recently added apps (optional)
Remove File Explorer Ads
Ads appear in the “Home” section of File Explorer.
- Step 1: Open File Explorer (
Win + E
). - Step 2: Click the … (More options) menu > Options > View.
- Step 3: Under Advanced settings:
- Uncheck Show sync provider notifications.
- Uncheck Show frequently used folders in Quick access.
- Uncheck Show recently used files in Quick access.
3. Turn Off Widgets Ads
Widgets often include news and promoted content.
- Step 1: Right-click the Taskbar > Taskbar settings > Widgets > Turn off Widgets.
- Step 2 (Optional): If you still want Widgets:
- Open Widgets (
Win + W
), click your profile picture > Manage interests. - Disable Microsoft News and other feeds.
Disable Lock Screen Ads
The Lock Screen sometimes displays Spotlight images or ads.
- Step 1: Go to Settings > Personalization > Lock screen.
- Step 2: Change Personalize your lock screen to Picture or Slideshow (not Windows Spotlight).
Stop Tips & Ads in Notifications
Microsoft sends “tips” and ads via notifications.
- Step 1: Open Settings > System > Notifications.
- Step 2: Turn off:
- Offer suggestions on how I can set up my device
- Get tips and suggestions when using Windows
Block Microsoft Edge Ads
Edge promotes services like Bing and MSN.
- Step 1: Open Edge > Settings > New tab page > Customize.
- Set New tab page layout to Blank.
- Turn off Content > Shortcuts, News, and Quick links.
- Step 2: Go to edge://flags > Search for Edge Shopping > Disable all shopping features.
Disable Microsoft Store Ads
The Store app shows promotions and auto-updates.
- Step 1: Open Microsoft Store > Click your profile > App settings.
- Turn off App updates, Auto-download apps, and Show recommendations.
8. Remove Ads via Group Policy (Pro/Enterprise Only)
Use Group Policy Editor to block ads system-wide:
- Press
Win + R
, typegpedit.msc
, and press Enter. - Navigate to:
Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Cloud Content - Enable Turn off Microsoft consumer experiences.
Use Registry Editor (Advanced)
Block telemetry and ads via the Registry:
- Press
Win + R
, typeregedit
, and press Enter. - Navigate to:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ContentDeliveryManager
- Modify these keys (set to
0
):
- RotatingLockScreenEnabled
- SubscribedContent-338388Enabled (Start Menu ads)
- SubscribedContent-338389Enabled (Tips)
Disable Personalized Ads
- Step 1: Go to Settings > Privacy & security > General.
- Turn off Let apps show me personalized ads.
- Step 2: Visit Microsoft’s Ad Settings and disable personalized ads.
Remove Bloatware (Optional)
Uninstall pre-installed apps that push ads:
# Example: Remove "Solitaire & Casual Games"
Get-AppxPackage *Microsoft.MicrosoftSolitaire* | Remove-AppxPackage
Use tools like Bloatynosy to automate bloatware removal.
Use Third-Party Tools (Optional)
- Winaero Tweaker: Disable ads, telemetry, and bloatware.
- ShutUp10++: Toggle privacy and ad-related settings.
Summary Table
Ad Type | How to Disable |
---|---|
Start Menu Ads | Turn off “Recommendations” in Settings |
File Explorer Ads | Disable Quick Access in Folder Options |
Widgets Ads | Turn off Widgets or customize feeds |
Lock Screen Ads | Switch to Picture/Slideshow |
Notifications | Disable tips in Notifications settings |
Edge Ads | Set New Tab to “Blank” and disable Shopping |
Microsoft Store Ads | Adjust Store app settings |
Notes
- Some settings may reset after Windows updates. Recheck periodically.
- Avoid third-party “ad blockers” claiming to modify Windows—they may harm system files.
- For enterprise environments, use Group Policy or Microsoft Intune for centralized control.