How to Block Ads on Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

By / September 20, 2025

If you’ve been using Windows 11, you’ve probably noticed ads sneaking into unexpected places—like the Start menu, lock screen, notifications, or even File Explorer suggestions. While Microsoft calls them “tips” or “recommendations,” they can feel distracting, intrusive, and unnecessary.

The good news? You don’t have to live with them. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to block ads on Windows 11 step by step, using built-in settings, browser tweaks, and optional third-party tools.

📝 Key Takeaways

  • Windows 11 ads appear in Start menu, lock screen, File Explorer, notifications, and apps.

  • You can block most ads by disabling Microsoft “suggestions” and notifications.

  • Browser-based ads can be blocked with extensions like uBlock Origin or built-in features.

  • For system-wide ad blocking, you can use hosts file tweaks or DNS services.

Why Does Windows 11 Show Ads?

Microsoft integrates ads to:

  • Promote Microsoft 365, OneDrive, and Edge.

  • Suggest apps in the Start menu and Microsoft Store.

  • Display “fun facts and tips” on the lock screen.

  • Recommend services in Settings and notifications.

👉 While these aren’t traditional pop-ups, they still count as advertising, and luckily, most of them can be turned off.

Where Do Ads Appear in Windows 11?

Here’s a breakdown of common ad placements:

  • 🖥️ Start Menu → Suggested apps and promotions.

  • 🔒 Lock Screen → “Fun facts, tips, and ads” from Windows Spotlight.

  • 📂 File Explorer → OneDrive or Microsoft 365 promotions.

  • 🔔 Notifications → Offers to use Edge or sync with Microsoft services.

  • 🌐 Microsoft Edge Browser → Ads and sponsored news in new tabs.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Block Ads on Windows 11

Let’s tackle them one by one.

1. Turn Off Ads in the Start Menu

  1. Open Settings (Win + I).

  2. Go to Personalization > Start.

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

✅ This removes app suggestions from your Start menu.

2. Disable Lock Screen Ads

  1. Open Settings > Personalization > Lock screen.

  2. Under Personalize your lock screen, select Picture or Slideshow (instead of Windows Spotlight).

  3. Turn off Get fun facts, tips, tricks, and more on your lock screen.

3. Block File Explorer Ads

  1. Open File Explorer.

  2. Click the View menu → choose Options.

  3. In the Folder Options window, go to the View tab.

  4. Uncheck Show sync provider notifications.

This removes OneDrive/Microsoft 365 promotions inside File Explorer.

4. Stop Ads in Notifications

  1. Open Settings > System > Notifications.

  2. Scroll down → disable:

    • Suggest ways I can finish setting up my device

    • Get tips and suggestions when I use Windows

    • Offer suggestions on how I can set up my device

5. Block Ads in Microsoft Edge

Microsoft Edge shows ads in new tabs and “recommended content.”

  • Change New Tab Page

    1. Open Edge.

    2. Click the gear icon on the new tab page.

    3. Choose Custom → set Content to Content Off.

  • Install an Ad Blocker Extension

    • Go to the Edge Add-ons Store.

    • Install uBlock Origin or AdGuard AdBlocker.

6. Use a Hosts File Tweak (Advanced)

You can block ad servers at the system level by modifying the hosts file.

  1. Open Notepad as Administrator.

  2. Navigate to:

    C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts

  3. Add entries like:

    0.0.0.0 ads.microsoft.com
    0.0.0.0 ad.doubleclick.net

  4. Save and restart.

⚠️ Be careful—editing the hosts file incorrectly may block essential services.

7. Use a DNS-Based Ad Blocker

Another powerful method is to use privacy-focused DNS services like:

  • AdGuard DNS

  • NextDNS

  • Pi-hole (for advanced users on home networks).

These block ads across all apps, browsers, and even games.

Comparison of Methods

Method Difficulty Scope Best For
Disable Start/Lock Screen Ads Easy Windows interface Everyday users
Block File Explorer Ads Easy File Explorer only Annoying sync ads
Stop Notification Ads Easy System messages Cleaner desktop experience
Browser Extensions Easy Browsers only Blocking web ads
Hosts File Tweak Hard System-wide Advanced users, custom rules
DNS Ad Blocker Medium Network-wide Strong privacy, family protection

Tips to Keep Windows 11 Ad-Free

  • ✅ Regularly check Settings > Notifications after major updates.

  • ✅ Use a privacy-friendly browser (e.g., Firefox, Brave).

  • ✅ Pair browser extensions with DNS-level blocking for full coverage.

  • ✅ Avoid clicking “recommended content” in Windows features.

Conclusion

Windows 11 may include ads disguised as tips or recommendations, but with a few tweaks, you can stop them. By disabling Start menu and lock screen ads, turning off notifications, blocking File Explorer promotions, and using browser extensions, you’ll get a much cleaner experience.

For maximum control, consider using hosts file rules or DNS-based blockers to stop ads across all apps and browsers.

With these steps, your Windows 11 system will feel faster, cleaner, and free of distractions.

❓ FAQs About Blocking Ads in Windows 11

1. Can I completely remove all ads from Windows 11?

You can disable most ads using settings, but some may still appear in Microsoft apps unless blocked with DNS/hosts tweaks.

2. Do ad blockers slow down my PC?

No, in fact, blocking ads often improves speed by preventing unnecessary scripts.

3. Are ads in File Explorer malware?

No, they’re official Microsoft promotions, but they can be annoying.

4. Is using a hosts file to block ads safe?

Yes, if done correctly. Just make sure not to block essential Windows servers.

5. What’s the easiest way for beginners to block ads?

Start with disabling ads in Settings and installing a browser extension like uBlock Origin.

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