How to Remove Ads and Pop-Ups from Windows 11 in Under 10 Minutes

Reclaim Your Desktop from Microsoft's Intrusive Promotions

Windows 11 is a powerful operating system, but it comes with an annoying downside: built-in advertising. From 'suggested apps' in your Start menu to promotional pop-ups on your lock screen and even inside File Explorer, Microsoft has integrated ads into nearly every corner of the user interface. Fortunately, you don't have to live with this digital clutter. In less than 10 minutes, you can toggle off these settings and enjoy a clean, distraction-free Windows experience.

Step 1: Disable Lock Screen Ads and Fun Facts

Microsoft uses the Windows Spotlight feature on your lock screen to push advertisements for games, movies, and OneDrive subscriptions. Here is how to turn them off:

• Press Windows Key + I to open your Settings app.
• Navigate to Personalization in the left sidebar, then click on Lock screen.
• Locate the Personalize your lock screen dropdown menu. If it is set to 'Windows Spotlight', change it to Picture or Slideshow.
• Once selected, uncheck the box that says 'Get fun facts, tips, tricks, and more on your lock screen'.

Step 2: Clean Up 'Recommendations' in the Start Menu

The Start menu frequently displays 'promoted' apps under the Recommendations section, which are essentially ads for software you haven't installed.

• In the Settings menu, go to Personalization and click on Start.
• Toggle off the switch for 'Show recommendations for tips, shortcuts, new apps, and more'.
• Toggle off 'Show recently added apps' to further declutter your Start menu layout.

Step 3: Silence Notification Pop-Ups and 'Tips'

Windows 11 regularly sends push notifications offering tips on how to use Microsoft services like Edge or Bing. Disable these system-level prompts:

• Go to System in the left sidebar, then click on Notifications.
• Scroll all the way to the bottom and click on Additional settings to expand the menu.
• Uncheck all three options: 'Show the Windows welcome experience...', 'Suggest ways to get the most out of Windows...', and 'Get tips and suggestions when using Windows'.

Step 4: Ban Ads from File Explorer

Even your system's file manager isn't safe from advertising. Microsoft uses File Explorer to advertise OneDrive, Microsoft 365, and other subscription services. Let's turn them off:

• Open File Explorer (Press Windows Key + E).
• Click on the three dots (See more) icon on the top menu bar, and select Options.
• In the Folder Options window, click on the View tab.
• Scroll down the list of Advanced settings until you find 'Show sync provider notifications'.
• Uncheck this box, click Apply, and then click OK.

Step 5: Turn Off Tailored Experiences and Diagnostic Data Ads

By default, Windows tracks your usage data to serve personalized ads across your operating system. You can stop this telemetry tracking easily:

• In Settings, navigate to Privacy & security, then click on Diagnostics & feedback.
• Expand the Tailored experiences section.
• Toggle the switch to Off to prevent Microsoft from using your diagnostic data to show personalized ads and recommendations.

Enjoy a Clean, Focused Windows Experience

By toggling off these five settings, you have successfully stripped away the bloated advertising layer of Windows 11. Your operating system will now feel faster, look cleaner, and respect your attention without nagging you to buy subscriptions or download bloatware apps you don't need.