By Lydia | Last Updated
Frequent advertisements in Windows 11 significantly impact our daily use experience. To achieve an ad-free environment in Windows 11 through appropriate settings, here are ways to disable Windows 11 ads in different areas:
The search bar in Windows 11 often displays Bing search recommendations. Disabling this will clean up the interface, leaving only quick access to system settings and commonly used apps.
Steps: Start > Settings > Privacy & security > Search permissions > Turn off "Show search highlights".
After locking the screen using Win + L shortcut, the lock screen may display notifications such as weather and traffic updates. To make a cleaner lock screen interface:
Step 1: Start > Settings > Personalization > Lock screen.
Step 2: Under "Personalize your lock screen", choose a picture or slideshow, then uncheck "Get fun facts, tips, tricks, and more on your lock screen".
Step 3: In the dropdown menu under "Lock screen status", select "None."
In April this year, Windows 11 introduced app recommendations in the Start menu, which may display certain applications installation.
Steps: To disable it, navigate to Start > Settings > Personalization > Turn off "Show recommendations for tips, shortcuts, new apps, and more" to stop receiving app recommendations in the Start menu.
Windows also displays ads based on your Microsoft Store purchases and app usage history. To turn off:
Steps: Go to Settings > Privacy & security > General, then uncheck the following options:
Let apps use advertising ID for make ads more interesting to you
Let websites provide locally relevant content by accessing my language list
Let Windows track app launches to improve Start and search results
Show me suggested content in the Settings app
Note: Disabling these options won't completely stop ads in Windows 11 but will prevent personalized ads based on your preferences.
Step 1: Press the Windows key + W to open the Widgets panel.
Step 2: Click on Settings > Show or hide feeds > Turn off "My feed".
Step 1: Use the Windows + E shortcut key to open File Explorer.
Step 2: Click on the three dots (...) on the command bar and select "Options".
Step 3: Switch to the "View" tab, uncheck the "Show sync provider notifications" box.
These steps will help you disable ads related to OneDrive in File Explorer on Windows 11.
The Notification Center in the lower-right corner of the Windows 11 desktop mainly displays system and application notifications, but sometimes it also shows advertising suggestions. You can turn it off by following procedure:
Steps: Click Start > Settings > System > Notifications. Uncheck the following options:
Allow notifications to play sounds
Show notifications on the lock screen
Show reminders and incoming VoIP calls on the lock screen
You can also individually turn off notifications for specific apps on this screen if any app frequently displays ads.
Steps: Take the built-in Edge browser as an example. Click on the three dots (...) in the top right corner of Edge and select Settings. Turn off personalization & advertising under Privacy, search, and services.
