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How to Disable Ads Everywhere on Windows 11

There are so many things to love and hate about Windows 11 OS, but one thing that annoys everyone is Microsoft’s decision to show ads and promote other Microsoft services. Fortunately, Microsoft allows users to disable these ads on Windows 11, but the process is needlessly convoluted. To make your life easier, we have listed down every possible way to block ads on Windows 11 everywhere.

1. Remove Ads from Start Menu and System

When you install or set up your Windows 11 fresh, the first thing you will notice is lots of bloatware on your desktop screen, Start Menu, and App Gallery. These apps or software are nothing but ads injected by Microsoft or your device manufacturer. So it’s better to remove all those unwanted bloatware from your computer.

1. Press the Windows key or Start icon to open the Start menu and then right-click on the app that you don’t need.

Select Promotional App from Start Menu to Uninstall

Unfortunately, Microsoft doesn’t tell you which app is part of Windows OS and which one is promotional or sponsored.

2. Next, select the Uninstall option and, when a prompt appears, click on the Uninstall button.

Uninstall Sponsored App from Start Menu

3. If the bloatware is hidden inside the All Apps section, then simply go to the All Apps screen.

All Apps on Start Menu

4. Select the bloatware app by right-clicking on it and then choose the Uninstall option.

Uninstall Bloatware from Start Menu

5. Lastly, when prompted, click the Uninstall button.

Uninstall Bloatware app from Start Menu (All Apps)

Alternatively, you can also remove all the bloatware from Windows 11 by simply navigating to the Windows Settings (Windows key + I) > Apps > Installed apps.

Installed Apps (Windows Settings)

Now click on the kebab menu (three-dot icon) next to the app you want to uninstall and select Uninstall option.

Uninstall Apps from Windows Settings

2. Turn Off Ads on Windows Lock Screen

Sometimes you might see ads in a text format on your Windows 11 lock screen. Luckily, you can easily disable these ads. However, if you have set Windows Spotlight as your lock screen wallpaper, then it’s not possible to disable ads so better select the Picture or Slideshow mode.

Here’s how to remove ads from your Windows lock screen:

1. Go to Windows Settings (Windows Key + I) and navigate to the Personalization area and then select the Lock screen option.

Windows 11 Personalization Page

2. Next, under the Personalize your lock screen setting, select either the Picture or Slideshow option.

3. After that, you will get a new option below – Get fun facts, tips, tricks, and more on your lock screen. Just disable it and you will no longer see ads on your Windows 11 lock screen.

Turn Off Ads on Windows Lock Screen

3. Disable Ads in Windows Search

Microsoft has not even shied away from displaying ads in its Search Home on Windows 11. On the right side, you will see a bunch of highlights related to news, games, images, etc. These types of content can be used for showing ads or luring you into downloading an app or game.

So to remove promotional ads or sponsored content on Windows Search, follow these simple steps:

1. Go to Privacy & security (under Windows Settings) and then select Search permissions.

Search Permission (Windows Settings)

2. Now disable all the options under Cloud content search. Next, scroll down and disable Show Search highlights.

Disable Ads on Windows Search

Here is how the Windows Search looks before and after ads were disabled.

Ads on Windows Search

4. Remove Widgets Board Ads From Taskbar

Most of you won’t consider Windows Widgets board as a form of advertisement but indirectly, Microsoft uses these widgets as a way to force users to try Edge browser and other Microsoft services. While there is no way to stop Microsoft from injecting ads like this, you can at least remove the Widget icon from the Taskbar.

Here’s how to do that:

1. Navigate to Windows Settings (Windows+I) > Personalization > Taskbar.

Windows Taskbar Settings

2. Now simply toggle off the Widgets option under Taskbar items.

Remove Widgets Icon from Taskbar

5. Disable Personalized Ads on Windows 11

Every Windows 11 PC has a unique Advertisement ID which app developers and Microsoft both can use to show you personalized ads. Though this method won’t remove ads from Windows 11, at least, you can disable them to feel less intrusive.

And if you don’t want your data to be used for tracking your behavior and showing targeted ads, then follow these simple steps:

1. Go to Windows Settings, select Privacy & security, and then choose the General setting under Windows permissions.

Windows Personalized Ads Settings

2. Now toggle off all the options (refer to screenshot).

Disable Personalized Ads on Windows 11

6. Disable Notification Ads on Windows 11

Sometimes you might receive notifications on your Windows 11 PC in the form of tips, tricks, suggestions, and features. These notifications might not be a big deal for many users, but it’s another way for Microsoft to force you to switch to Edge or Bing or promote its other services.

So if you don’t want to see these needless notifications, here’s a step-by-step process for you:

1. Open the Windows Settings, select System, and then choose Notifications.

Windows Notification Settings

2. Scroll down and click on Additional settings. After that, uncheck all the options under it.

Notification Ads on Windows 11

7. Disable Diagnostic Data to Stop Personalized Ads

To enhance the security and performance of Windows 11, Microsoft collects usage data from users in order to identify and fix bugs. However, Microsoft can also use these pieces of information to show you targeted ads. You may turn off the Diagnostics Data on your Windows PC.

Here’s how you can do that:

1. Press Windows Key + I to open Windows Settings and go to Privacy & security and then select Diagnostics & feedback.

Diagnostics & Feedback Settings on Windows

2. After that, toggle off these two settings — Send optional diagnostic data and Tailored experiences.

3. You can also opt to delete the existing diagnostic data.

Disable Diagnostic Data to Stop Personalized Microsoft Ads

8. Disable Device Usage to Stop Targeted Ads

Microsoft also shows tips, ads, and recommendations based on how you plan to use your Windows PC such as gaming, school, creative, business, etc. So if you don’t want to be targeted with personalized advertisements, you can turn off all these options on Windows 11 computer.

Here’s how it works:

1. Open Windows Settings, click Personalization and select Device usage.

Personalization Setting in Windows 11

2. Later toggle off all the listed options, including gaming, family, creativity, and more.

Disable Device Usage to Stop Targeted Ads

Improve Windows 11 Experience by Removing Ads

Even after plenty of criticism, Microsoft keeps finding ways to insert ads into Windows 11. They were testing ads in File Explorer in Windows Insider but then decided against it later thankfully. Thankfully, Microsoft hasn’t restricted users from disabling such ads on Windows 11. Still, we wish there was one simple and straightforward method to remove or turn off all types of sponsor or promotional ads on Windows.

You can also check out our comprehensive guide on the effects of resetting your Windows 11 PC and the best Windows 11 apps for productivity.

The post How to Disable Ads Everywhere on Windows 11 appeared first on TechWiser.

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