If you’ve been using Windows 11 for a while, you’ve probably noticed a few “suggestions,” “tips,” or “promotions” popping up here and there. Microsoft calls them helpful recommendations, but for many users, they’re just plain annoying. From the lock screen to the Start menu, these ads can sneak into almost every corner of your desktop. Luckily, you can take control and disable annoying ads on Windows 11 with a few simple tweaks.
This post will walk you through simple methods to remove those unwanted distractions appearing on various parts of your operating system, and get a cleaner, more focused Windows experience.
1. Disable Ads from the Lock Screen
The lock screen often displays pretty images from Windows Spotlight, but sometimes, it also shows ads and promotional messages.
1. Open Settings and go to Personalization → Lock screen.
2. Select Lock screen.
3. Under the “Personalize your lock screen” dropdown, change the setting from Windows Spotlight to Picture or Slideshow.
This simple change removes the rotating promos and keeps your lock screen looking clean and personal.
2. Disable Ads from the Start Menu
Ads can also sneak into the Start menu as suggested apps or promotional tiles. Disable these by:
1. Open Settings and go to Personalization → Start.
2. Turn off Show recommendations for tips, shortcuts, new apps, and more.
Once disabled, your Start menu becomes just yours. No more sponsored content pretending to be suggestions.
3. Disable Ads from Search
Even the search bar in Windows 11 can show trending content or app promotions. Here’s how to quiet it down:
1. Open Settings → Privacy & security → Search.
2. Toggle off Show search highlights.
This hides unnecessary “trending” suggestions and keeps your search results focused on what’s actually on your PC.
4. Disable Ads from Widgets
Widgets can display sponsored content, which can feel intrusive. To turn off widget ads:
1. Right-click on the taskbar and select Taskbar settings.
2. Toggle off the Widgets.
This instantly removes widgets, including their ad content, from your view.
You can also remove unwanted widgets content altogether:
1. Click the Widgets icon on the taskbar, or press Windows key + W to open widgets.
2. Select your profile picture in the top-right corner.
3. Click Sign Out.
5. Disable Ads From File Explorer
Surprisingly, even File Explorer isn’t safe from promotional banners that suggest Microsoft services. Here’s how to silence them:
1. Open File Explorer.
2. Click the ••• (See more) menu and select Options.
3. Under the View tab, scroll down and uncheck Show sync provider notifications.
That stops those “Try OneDrive” banners from popping up at the top of your Explorer window.
6. Disable Notification Ads On Windows 11
Windows 11 uses notifications to deliver more than just system alerts. It sometimes promotes Microsoft features too.
1. Open Settings → System → Notifications → Additional settings.
2. Toggle these options off:
- Suggest ways to get the most out of Windows and finish setting up this device
- Get tips, tricks, and suggestions as you use Windows
This will stop pop-up reminders that try to get you to use Microsoft services you never asked for.
7. Disable Device Usage Settings
Windows 11 personalizes your experience based on how you say you use your PC, like for work, gaming, entertainment, and so on. This personalization can include targeted recommendations.
To turn it off:
1. Open Settings → Personalization → Device usage.
2. Toggle off all the categories.
Once disabled, Windows will stop tailoring promotional content to your selected usage habits.
8. Disable Suggested Content in The Settings
Sometimes, even the Settings app suggests apps or features you might “find useful.”
To stop that easily:
1. Go to Settings → Privacy & security → General.
2. Turn off Show me suggested content in the Settings app.
This ensures you won’t see extra tips or offers when navigating your system preferences.
9. Disable Ads from Diagnostic Data On Windows 11
Windows collects diagnostic data to improve performance, but this data also feeds personalized ads. Limiting it helps reduce ad targeting.
1. Open Settings → Privacy & security → Diagnostics & feedback.
2. Under Diagnostic data, select Required diagnostic data.
3. Turn off Tailored experiences.
This stops Windows from using your device activity to personalize ads and suggestions.
Conclusion
Learning how to disable annoying ads on Windows 11 gives you a much cleaner, distraction-free experience. By carefully turning off ads, you take back control over your PC’s interface. Each of these steps requires only minimal adjustments but can make a significant difference in improving your daily interaction with Windows 11.
If you’re ready to reduce interruptions and focus on what matters, start applying these methods one by one today. Your Windows 11 environment will feel fresher and more personal without those pesky ads constantly getting in your way.
Comment below if you have questions. You may also check our post about the proven ways to repair Windows 11 and fix common issues fast.
