How to Disable Annoying Ads on Windows 11?

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.

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How to Enable or Disable Check Boxes to Select Items in Windows 11

• 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:

1. Press Win + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.
2. Navigate to:
   Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Cloud Content
3. Enable Turn off Microsoft consumer experiences.

Use Registry Editor (Advanced)

Block telemetry and ads via the Registry:

1. Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
2. Navigate to:
   HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ContentDeliveryManager
3. 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

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.