How to Disable Annoying Ads on Windows 11?

Here’s how to remove ads and promotional content from Windows 11, including Start Menu suggestions, File Explorer ads, Widgets, and notifications.

Bertie Atkinson

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:

  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)


Summary Table

Ad TypeHow to Disable
Start Menu AdsTurn off “Recommendations” in Settings
File Explorer AdsDisable Quick Access in Folder Options
Widgets AdsTurn off Widgets or customize feeds
Lock Screen AdsSwitch to Picture/Slideshow
NotificationsDisable tips in Notifications settings
Edge AdsSet New Tab to “Blank” and disable Shopping
Microsoft Store AdsAdjust 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.
Share This Article