How to Disable Annoying Ads on Windows 11

Annoying ads in Windows 11 appear across the lock screen, Start Menu, widgets, notifications, and even the Settings app. These promotional messages can disrupt productivity and clutter the user experience. Fortunately, Windows 11 offers built-in options to disable most of these ads.

How to Disable Annoying Ads on Windows 11

These methods work not only on Windows 11 but are also applicable (with slight variations) to Windows 7, 8, and 10.

Method 1: Disable Ads from the Lock Screen

The lock screen may display promotional content and tips from Microsoft.

Steps:

1. Press Win + I to open Settings
2. Go to Personalization → Lock Screen
3. Under Personalize your lock screen, select Picture or Slideshow
4. Uncheck “Get fun facts, tips, tricks, and more on your lock screen”

Method 2: Disable Ads from the Start Menu

Windows may show suggested apps or promotions in the Start Menu.

Steps:

1. Open the Start Menu
2. Right-click on the unwanted app
3. Select Unpin from Start or Uninstal

• If uninstalling, confirm by clicking Uninstall

Method 3: Disable Ads from Search

Windows Search can show web results and promotional highlights.

Steps:

1. Press Win + I → Privacy & Security → Search permissions
2. Scroll to More settings
3. Toggle Off “Show search highlights”

Method 4: Disable Ads from Widgets

Widgets may show sponsored news and content.

Option A: Disable Widgets Completely

1. Press Win + I → Personalization → Taskbar
2. Toggle Off Widgets

Option B: Disable Widget Content

1. Press Win + W to open Widgets
2. Click the Profile icon (top-right)
3. Click Sign out

Method 5: Disable Ads from File Explorer

File Explorer may display ads for OneDrive or Microsoft 365.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + E to open File Explorer
2. Click the three-dot menu → Options
3. Go to the View tab
4. Uncheck “Show sync provider notifications”
5. Click Apply → OK

Method 6: Disable Notification Ads

Microsoft may send promotional notifications.

Steps:

1. Press Win + I → System → Notifications
2. Scroll down and expand Additional settings
3. Uncheck all promotional and suggestion options

Method 7: Disable Device Usage-Based Ads

Windows personalizes ads based on how you use your device.

Steps:

1. Press Win + I → Personalization → Device usage
2. Turn Off all listed options (Gaming, Creativity, Entertainment, etc.)

Method 8: Disable Suggested Content in Settings App

The Settings app itself may show promotional suggestions.

Steps:

1. Press Win + I → Privacy & Security → General
2. Toggle Off “Show me suggested content in the Settings app”

Method 9: Disable Ads from Diagnostic Data

Microsoft may use diagnostic data to personalize ads.

Steps:

1. Press Win + I → Privacy & Security → Diagnostics & feedback
2. Expand Tailored experiences
3. Toggle Off “Let Microsoft use your diagnostic data…”

Also Read

• How to Protect Your Privacy on Windows?
• How to Block Ads on your Android Phone or Tablet?
• How to Scan for Hardware Changes on Windows 11?