Dealing with ads on Windows 11 can be super annoying, especially when they pop up in the Start menu, lock screen, or even inside some apps. It’s kind of weird how Microsoft pushes these suggestions or advertisements, even when you just really want a clean workspace. Luckily, there are a few settings you can tweak to cut down on this clutter — it’s not a perfect ad-blocker, but you’ll definitely notice a cleaner, less intrusive experience. This guide digs into the main spots you should check and change, so your machine is less chatty and more your own.
How to Disable Ads on Windows 11
Follow these steps, and hopefully, your Windows 11 device will stop bothering you with promotional stuff. Not every ad is gone, but doing this will cut down a lot of the automatic suggestions and personalized ads that Microsoft loves throwing in your face. The process involves digging into the settings — which is kind of a maze, honestly — but it’s worth it for the peace and quiet.
Disable advertising ID to stop personalized ads
This is the core trick. The “advertising ID” is what Windows uses to show you targeted suggestions, from app promos to ad banners. Killing this off helps keep your data private, and surprisingly, it’s not tucked away in the most obvious place. You’ll find it under Settings > Privacy & Security > General. Once you turn it off, apps won’t get your info to guess what you might like. On some setups, this toggle might not seem to do much immediately — because Windows sometimes resets these options after updates, or a reboot might bring it back. But overall, it’s a good step.
Stop showing suggestions in the Start menu
There’s also a setting to disable those “recommendations” that pop up on your Start menu. To turn this off, head over to Settings > Personalization > Start and switch off “Show suggestions occasionally”. Sometimes, it’s just a case of flicking that switch and then rebooting — though don’t be surprised if it comes back after an update or two. Windows seems to be really persistent about nudge notifications, but this definitely helps declutter.
Turning off tips and suggestions in other parts of Windows
It’s worth also poking around in Settings > System > Notifications and disable “Get tips, tricks, and suggestions as you use Windows.” Because, of course, Windows has to make it harder than necessary by scattering these tips all over different menus. Also, some third-party tools or scripts, like the handy Winhance project, can help automate some of these changes if you’re comfortable with command line or registry editing. But honestly, the basic toggles are enough for most users.
One thing to keep in mind — tracking cookies and ad settings don’t always stay dead after system updates. So, it’s a good idea to review these options from time to time, especially after Windows updates or major reinstallations.
Tips for Disabling Ads on Windows 11
- Check settings after updates: Windows loves to reset these toggles, so it’s worth a quick glance every few weeks.
- Switch to a local account: If you’re really tired of personalized ads, switching from your Microsoft account to a local account can cut down ad targeting. Just go to Settings > Accounts > Your Info.
- Use third-party blocking tools: Ad-blockers or firewall rules (like Pi-hole) can help filter out some ad traffic, especially in Edge or other browsers.
- Review app permissions: Sometimes, apps request access to data that helps personalize ads. Limiting permissions can be a small but effective step.
- Keep Windows updated: Some updates improve privacy controls or add new options to block ads, so stay current.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I totally get rid of all ads on Windows 11?
Not quite. Microsoft loves to sneak ads into Windows, especially in certain apps or the lock screen, so you might never be totally ad-free. But these tweaks help a lot.
Does turning off ads slow down my PC or affect performance?
Nope. It’s mainly about reducing background data and notifications. Sometimes it even makes Windows feel slightly snappier because less stuff is running in the background.
Do I need to redo all this after Windows updates?
Probably — that’s windows for ya. Updates tend to reset some privacy and ad-related settings, so a quick check every now and then is not a bad idea.
Are third-party ad blockers safe?
Most reputable ones are okay, but beware of shady VPNs or extensions. Stick with trusted solutions, and you’ll be fine.
If I want ads back, just toggle everything again?
Exactly. All of these settings are reversible. Just flip the switches back on if you decide you want personalized tips or suggestions again.
Summary
- Dig into Settings > Privacy & Security > General and toggle off the advertising ID.
- Head over to Personalization > Start to disable suggestions in the menu.
- Turn off tips and tricks in System > Notifications.
- Keep in mind updates might reset these, so check periodically.
Wrap-up
Disabling ads on Windows 11 isn’t a magic fix, but it’s pretty straightforward once you get the hang of poking around in the settings. The biggest impact comes from turning off the advertising ID and suggestions — after that, it’s mostly a matter of maintenance. Windows still sneaks some ads in here and there, but you’ll notice a much cleaner interface and less distraction. Could be worth the few minutes it takes to tweak these options. Fingers crossed this helps keep your focus where it belongs — on your work, not the promos.