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How to remove annoying ads from Windows 11

How to remove annoying ads from Windows 11
Leri Koen

Leri Koen

  • Updated:

Just like its predecessor, Windows 11 does have ads. Despite the negative feelings around annoying ads, the developers at Microsoft are continuing their quest of injecting ads directly into the operating system. As if users weren’t bombarded with ads whenever they open their browsers or an app on the device, now these ads are even coming directly from the operating system. 

It may feel like there is no escape, but you can enjoy Windows 11 ad-free by changing a few settings. Unfortunately, there isn’t just a single setting to despicable that will solve this issue, but rather a few different ones.

Removing annoying ads from Windows 11

For these methods, check to see which one you need the most and follow the guidelines mentioned.

  1. Eliminating ads from Windows 11’s lock screen

    How to remove annoying ads from Windows 11

    The lock screen is another place that Windows pushes ads on the user. While these may seem innocent enough initially, they can become annoying very quickly. They’re disguised under the phrase ‘Facts, tips, tricks and more’, but in the end, they’re just ads. Here’s how to remove ads from the lock screen.

    – Go to ‘Settings’

    Go to your ‘Settings’ on Windows 11. You can get here by clicking on the ‘Start’ button, followed by clicking on the familiar gear icon representing ‘Settings’. Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcut ‘Win + I’.

    – Choose ‘Personalization’

    In the left sidebar, click on the ‘Personalization’ option.

    Choose ‘Lock Screen’

    From the options provided, click on ‘Lock Screen’.

    Disable ‘Get fun facts, tips, tricks and more on your lock screen.’

    • Disable the toggle labeled ‘Get fun facts, tips, tricks and more on your lock screen.’
  2. Removing ads from Windows 11’s notifications

    How to remove annoying ads from Windows 11

    Windows 11 was created so that it can show ads disguised as ‘Suggestions’ or ‘Tips’. These ads can appear as pop-ups and notifications in various places on your computer. Let’s see how you can get rid of these annoyances.

    Go to ‘Settings’

    Navigate to your settings once more. You can access settings through your start menu or by using the keyboard shortcut ‘Win + I’.

    Select ‘System’

    In the left sidebar, click on ‘System’.

    Choose ‘Notifications’

    In the menu window, click on ‘Notifications.’

    Disable ‘Offer suggestions on how I can set up my device’

    Scroll down and disable the toggle labeled ‘Offer suggestions on how I can set up my device.’

    Disable ‘Get tips and suggestions when I use Google’

    Also, make sure to disable the toggle labeled ‘Get tips and suggestions when I use Google.’

  3. Removing ads from Windows 11’s settings

    How to remove annoying ads from Windows 11

    Not even the settings menu managed to escape the relentless onslaught of ads. Although these ads aren’t as common, there is still a switch that means that anyone can see ads in settings at some point. To avoid this altogether, here’s how you can disable these ads.

    – Go to ‘Settings’

    Open your settings menu by selecting it in the start menu or using the keyboard shortcut ‘Win+I’.

    – Select ‘Privacy and Security

    In the left sidebar, click on ‘Privacy and Security.

    – Choose ‘General’

    In the menu, window click on ‘General’.

    – Disable ‘Show me suggested content in the settings app’

    Disable the toggle labeled ‘Show me suggested content in the settings app’.

    – Disable ‘Let apps show me personalized ads by using my advertising ID’

    While you’re here, you might as well ensure your privacy is secured by disabling the toggle labeled ‘Let apps show me personalized ads by using my advertising ID’.

Start using Windows 11 ad-free

It’s very annoying to have ads thrown in your face every way you turn. With ads now being built-in to operating systems, it can seem like there is no escape. However, by changing a few settings, you can enjoy all the great features of Windows 11 without the pesky ads.

Leri Koen

Leri Koen

Born and raised in South Africa I am the mother of two busy kids and one loving husband. Since leaving school I immediately started working and have been involved in many different industries where I learned a wide range of skills. Some of my skills range from marketing to management and even teaching special needs children, particularly those with severe developmental delays. I am a self-proclaimed holiday nut, taking any chance I can get to decorate and celebrate major holidays such as Easter, Halloween and Christmas, often planning these months in advance! I have a wide range of passions that I persue (as often as I can) such as reading, writing, bonsai, crafting, creating natural beauty products, listening to music and playing games (prefered platforms being PC and Xbox).

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