When Windows 11 launched, Microsoft offered a free upgrade, which seemed generous but was actually a strategy to transition users from Windows 10. Along with the upgrade, Windows 11 came with an increase in ads, making the user experience cluttered. Fortunately, there are several ways to reduce or eliminate these ads.
Turning Off Ads in the Start Menu
To stop seeing “Recommended” apps, go to Settings > Personalization > Start, and turn off the option for “Show recommendations for tips, shortcuts, new apps, and more.”
Disabling Notification Ads
Notifications can be distracting, especially when they contain ads. To disable them, navigate to Settings > System > Notifications. Uncheck options like “Get tips and suggestions when using Windows” and “Show the Windows welcome experience after updates.”
Stopping Suggested Content in Settings
You can also turn off suggestions within the Settings app. Go to Settings > Privacy and Security > General and toggle off “Show me suggested content in the Settings app.”
Removing Ads from File Explorer
To eliminate OneDrive ads in File Explorer, open File Explorer, click on the three-dot menu, select Options and navigate to the View tab. Uncheck “Show sync provider notifications” and then click OK.
Disabling Widgets
If the widgets on your taskbar are pushing irrelevant content, you can either disable specific feeds or remove widgets entirely. For individual feeds, click on the widget icon, then the cog icon to manage feeds. To remove widgets completely, right-click on the taskbar, select Taskbar settings, and toggle off “Widgets.”
Blocking Manufacturer Bloatware Ads
For PCs from manufacturers like Dell or HP, check for preloaded apps that might send notifications. Go to Settings > System > Notifications and toggle off notifications for these apps.
Hiding Lock-Screen and Background Ads
If you want to avoid ads associated with Windows Spotlight backgrounds, navigate to Settings > Personalization > Background and choose an option other than Windows Spotlight, doing the same for your Lock Screen in the Lock Screen settings.
Disabling Search Highlights
To prevent ads in the Windows search results, go to Settings > Privacy and security > Search permissions and toggle off “Show search highlights.”
Stopping Personalized Ads
To halt personalized ad tracking, go to Settings > Personalization > Device Usage and toggle off all options. Additionally, limit diagnostic data collection by turning off options in Settings > Privacy and security > General.
In Summary
Navigating the ad-laden landscape of Windows 11 can be frustrating, but the ability to adjust these settings provides users with greater control. In a marketplace saturated with options, maintaining a clean user experience is crucial for customer satisfaction. Companies should prioritize offering software that respects user preferences rather than overwhelming them with ads. By adopting a user-focused approach, they can build long-lasting trust and loyalty.
