How to Remove Ads from Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

Windows 11 is sleek, modern, and packed with new features — but it also comes with something many users find annoying: ads and promotions baked right into the operating system. From suggestions in the Start menu to notifications in File Explorer, Microsoft has turned Windows into a platform that promotes apps, services, and subscriptions.

The good news? You can disable most of these ads with just a few quick tweaks. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll show you how to remove ads from Windows 11 so you can enjoy a cleaner, distraction-free experience.

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🔑 Key Takeaways

• Windows 11 shows ads in Start menu, File Explorer, lock screen, notifications, and even Settings.

• Most ads are labeled as “suggestions” or “tips” but are essentially promotions.

• You can turn them off using Windows Settings, Group Policy Editor, or Registry Editor.

• Disabling ads improves focus, speeds up navigation, and reduces unnecessary distractions.

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Why Does Windows 11 Show Ads?

Microsoft calls them “suggestions” or “recommendations” to help you discover new features and apps. But in practice, these are:

• Promotions for Microsoft 365 or OneDrive

• Recommendations for apps in the Microsoft Store

• Sponsored tips in the Start menu and File Explorer

• “Fun facts” or background ads on the lock screen

While some users don’t mind them, many find ads intrusive on a paid operating system.

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Where Do Ads Appear in Windows 11?

Here’s a quick overview of where you’ll see ads in Windows 11:

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How to Remove Ads from Windows 11 (Step-by-Step)

Let’s go through each method one by one.

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1. Turn Off Ads in the Start Menu

The Start menu often displays app suggestions you never installed.

Steps:

1. Open Settings (Windows + I).

2. Go to Personalization > Start.

3. Toggle off Show recommendations for tips, shortcuts, new apps, and more.

👉 This stops Microsoft from pushing random apps in your Start menu.

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2. Disable Ads in the Lock Screen

Your lock screen may show trivia, “fun facts,” or app promotions.

Steps:

1. Go to Settings > Personalization > Lock screen.

2. If you use Windows spotlight, uncheck Get fun facts, tips, tricks, and more on your lock screen.

3. Or, switch to Picture or Slideshow background for a clean, ad-free lock screen.

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3. Remove Ads in File Explorer

File Explorer sometimes promotes OneDrive or subscription services.

Steps:

1. Open File Explorer.

2. Click the View menu > Options.

3. Go to the View tab.

4. Uncheck Show sync provider notifications.

5. Click Apply and OK.

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4. Stop Ads in Notifications

Microsoft often pushes “suggestions” via notifications.

Steps:

1. Open Settings > System > Notifications.

2. Scroll down and click Additional settings.

3. Uncheck:

   • “Show the Windows welcome experience after updates…”

   • “Suggest ways to get the most out of Windows”

   • “Get tips and suggestions when using Windows”

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5. Disable Ads in Settings App

Inside the Settings app, you might see banners recommending Microsoft 365 or OneDrive.

Steps:

1. Open Settings.

2. Go to Privacy & security > General.

3. Turn off all these options:

   • “Let apps show me personalized ads by using my advertising ID”

   • “Show me suggested content in the Settings app”

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6. Remove Ads from Taskbar & Search

The Windows 11 taskbar and search box sometimes show tips or promotions.

Steps:

1. Open Settings > Personalization > Taskbar.

2. Under Taskbar items, disable Search highlights.

3. This removes promotional banners from your search panel.

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7. Use Group Policy Editor (Pro/Enterprise Users)

If you use Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise, you can enforce ad-free settings via Group Policy.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.

2. Navigate to:

   Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Cloud Content


3. Double-click Turn off Microsoft consumer experiences.

4. Set it to Enabled.

5. Click Apply > OK.

This disables consumer ads and suggestions across Windows.

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8. Use Registry Editor (Home Edition Users)

If you’re on Windows 11 Home, you won’t have Group Policy Editor, but you can use the registry.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter.

2. Navigate to:

   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\CloudContent


3. If CloudContent doesn’t exist, create it.

4. Inside, create a new DWORD (32-bit) Value named:

   DisableWindowsConsumerFeatures


5. Set its value to 1.

6. Restart your PC.

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Benefits of Removing Ads from Windows 11

• Cleaner interface → no distractions in Start or Explorer.

• Improved performance → fewer background suggestions running.

• Privacy boost → fewer personalized ads based on usage.

• Professional look → ideal for work or presentations.

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Quick Comparison: Methods to Remove Ads

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Conclusion

Windows 11 may look modern, but built-in ads and suggestions can quickly make it feel cluttered. By following the steps above, you can remove ads from Windows 11 across the Start menu, lock screen, File Explorer, and more.

👉 Start with simple settings changes, then use Group Policy or Registry tweaks if you want a completely ad-free experience.

Once you’ve disabled these distractions, your PC will feel faster, cleaner, and truly yours.

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FAQs About Removing Ads in Windows 11

1. Can I remove all ads in Windows 11?
Yes, most can be disabled via Settings, Group Policy, or Registry. Some Microsoft service prompts may still appear.

2. Do I need Windows 11 Pro to remove ads?
No. Most ads can be turned off in Windows 11 Home using Settings or Registry Editor.

3. Will removing ads improve performance?
Yes, slightly. Disabling tips and sync suggestions reduces background processes.

4. Why does Microsoft show ads in Windows 11?
To promote Microsoft 365, OneDrive, and Store apps under the label “suggestions.”

5. Is disabling ads safe?
Yes. You’re only turning off promotional features — your system will run normally.