How to Disable Ads on Windows 11

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How to Disable Ads on Windows 11

Windows 11, Microsoft’s latest operating system, has garnered significant attention since its unveiling due to its sleek design, improved interface, and numerous features. However, along with these advantages, users have reported a growing annoyance: ads. These ads can pop up through various channels within the OS, from the Start menu to notifications. Fortunately, there are several methods to mitigate or completely disable ads on Windows 11. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into various approaches to help you reclaim a smooth and uninterrupted user experience.

Understanding Windows 11 Ads

Before dissecting the steps to disable ads, it’s crucial to understand where these ads originate and how they affect the user experience. Windows 11 serves ads primarily through the following means:


Suggested Apps in the Start Menu:

When you access the Start menu, you may notice promotional suggestions for apps and services.


Notifications and Prompts:

Periodically, you might receive notifications related to apps from Microsoft Store or other Microsoft services.


Taskbar Recommendations:

The Taskbar might display recommendations, including advertisements for apps that the system believes will enhance productivity.


Lock Screen Ads:

The lock screen may occasionally show ad content when using dynamic wallpapers.

While these ads can be useful for discovering new applications or features, many users find them intrusive. Luckily, there are multiple strategies to reduce or eliminate them.

Disabling Ads via Settings

One of the most effective methods to disable ads in Windows 11 involves adjusting system settings. Here’s a step-by-step guide to tackling the ads:


  • Access the Settings:

    Click on the Start menu and select the gear icon (⚙️) to open Settings. Alternatively, you can press

    Windows + I

    .

  • Personalization:

    Choose the “Personalization” option from the left sidebar.

  • Start Menu:

    Find and click on “Start.”

  • Disable Suggestions:

    Toggle off the “Show suggestions occasionally in Start” option. This should help you reduce the noise from ad suggestions within your Start menu.

  • Notifications Settings:

    From the Settings window, click on “System” and then on “Notifications.”

  • Toggle Off Notifications:

    Scroll to find related apps and services under the “Notifications from apps and other senders” section. You can disable notifications from specific apps that often display ads or suggestions.

  • Taskbar Settings:

    Go back to the Settings menu, select “Personalization,” and then choose “Taskbar.”

  • Taskbar Behaviors:

    Inspect options under “Taskbar behaviors” and toggle off anything that indicates showing suggestions or ads.

  • Personalization in Settings:

    Still in the “Personalization” section, click on “Lock screen.”

  • Background Options:

    Change “Background” to “Picture” or “Slideshow” instead of “Windows spotlight.” This will disable the ads displayed through the dynamic lock screen.

Utilizing Privacy Settings

Windows 11 collects user data to tailor advertisements, which can contribute to unwanted ads. Adjusting privacy settings will help limit this data collection and thereby reduce ads.

  • From Settings, select the “Privacy & security” option from the left panel.
  • Click on “General” under the Privacy section.
  • You’ll find toggles for “Let apps use advertising ID” and other settings related to diagnostics. Turning these off means Microsoft will rely less on your preferences to suggest ads.

Disabling Personalized Ads in Microsoft Account

If you’re logged in with a Microsoft account, ads might be personalized based on your activities across Microsoft services.

  • Open a web browser, navigate to the

    Microsoft Privacy Dashboard

    , and sign in to your account.

  • Locate the section related to “Ad preferences”.
  • Toggle off “Personalized ads.”

This configuration prevents Microsoft from using your behavior data to tailor ads across all Microsoft services.

Uninstalling Pre-installed Apps

Windows 11 comes pre-loaded with several applications. Some of these applications may present ads. If you notice ad-related suggestions coming from specific apps, consider uninstalling them.

  • Open Settings and select “Apps” from the left sidebar.
  • Click on “Installed apps.”
  • Scroll through the list and identify apps such as Xbox Game Bar, Microsoft News, or any third-party applications that display ads.
  • Click on the three dots next to the app name and select “Uninstall.”

This won’t necessarily affect system performance but will help eliminate some potential sources of ads.

Using Group Policy Editor

If you’re using Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise, the Group Policy Editor provides another way to block ads effectively.

  • Press

    Windows + R

    to open the Run dialog.
  • Type

    gpedit.msc

    and press Enter.
  • Navigate to the following tree:

    User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Start Menu and Taskbar

    .
  • Locate policies like “Do not show tips and suggestions when using Windows” and “Do not allow ads in the Start Menu”.
  • Double-click on the policy, set it to “Enabled,” and click “OK.”

Employing Registry Editor

For advanced users, modifications to the Windows Registry can also disable ads. This method should be approached carefully, as improper changes in the Registry can cause system issues.

  • Press

    Windows + R

    , type

    regedit

    , and hit Enter.
  • Find the following path:

    HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwarePoliciesMicrosoftWindows

    .
  • If the Windows key does not exist, you will need to create it.
  • Right-click, select New → Key, and name it “Explorer.”
  • In the newly created Explorer key, create a new DWORD (32-bit) value named

    NoLockScreen

    . Set the value to

    1

    .

Final Thoughts

Windows 11 has indeed made strides in user interface and functionality, but ad interference remains a concern for many users. This guide offers you robust strategies, from basic settings adjustments to advanced methods like modifying the registry and using the Group Policy Editor.

While ads can sometimes be useful in promoting relevant applications and features, it’s essential to strike a balance between a personalized experience and uninterrupted interactions. By following the steps outlined, you should be able to significantly reduce or eliminate ads in your Windows 11 environment, making your computing experience smoother and more enjoyable. As operating systems continue to evolve, staying informed about their features and functionalities will empower you to create the best possible setup for your individual needs.

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