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Although the Windows 10 and 11 operating systems issued by Microsoft are “perfect,” users find that some of the additions are annoying, especially tips, suggestions, and pop-up windows.
How to get rid of ads and pop-ups in Windows?
Expressive image
Microsoft added annoying features to both systems, such as built-in ads.
Although you can install a third-party tool to disable these ads with one click, we don’t recommend it. These tools may seem fast and convenient, but they may affect privacy. Instead, it’s best to do this yourself through simple toggles within the Windows Settings menu.
Turn off ads
To turn off ads and pop-ups in Windows 10, go to Settings > Personalization, and uncheck the Show suggestions sometimes option in the Start menu.
In Windows 11, this setting is called Show recommendations for tips, shortcuts, new apps, and more.
Block tips and suggestions
Unfortunately, the lock screen isn’t much better. If you set the lock screen to display an image, Microsoft will fill the screen with text.
Sometimes these are fun facts about the location in the photo, and other times they may be tips for using your device, like switching to Edge. To remove these suggestions and only see an image, head to Settings > Personalization and go to Lock Screen and switch the wallpaper from Windows Spotlight to Image, then turn off Get fun facts, tips, and more from Windows and Cortana on your lock screen.
Windows 11 interface
Remove ads from notifications
Sometimes, you may see pop-ups trying to convince you to switch to Edge or join Microsoft Rewards. Get rid of them in Windows 10 by going to Settings > System, then going to Notifications & Actions and turning off the Get tips, tricks, and suggestions while using Windows checkbox.
You can also uncheck Show Windows Welcome Experience, which displays those annoying tours, as well as suggesting ways you can finish setting up your device.
In Windows 11, open Settings > System > Notifications, then scroll down and open Additional Settings and disable Display the Windows welcome experience, as well as disable Suggest ways to get the most out of Windows, and “Get tips and suggestions.”
Disable external advertising
It’s important to note that some of the ads you see as notifications may not be from Microsoft at all. Alternatively, it could be a program installed by your computer manufacturer. To stop these ads, open “Settings”, then “System”, then “Notifications”, and scroll down to the “Applications List”. If there are applications that you have not downloaded, delete them.
Windows 10 operating system
Disable suggested content in the Settings app
Microsoft has also started using the Settings app as a billboard to suggest its own apps for you to use. If you don’t want to see these things, go to “Settings”, then choose “Privacy”, then “General”, and disable the option to show you suggested content in the Settings application option.
File Explorer Ads
Obviously, nothing is immune from advertising; Because even File Explorer is full of ads promoting Microsoft products in its effort to get you to sign up for OneDrive and Office 365. The company now offers these services while you’re even trying to browse your hard drive, but you can ditch them.
In File Explorer, click View, Options, and Change Folder and Search Options in Windows 10, or open the three-dot menu and click Option in Windows 11. From there, click the “Display in the window that appears” tab and scroll down to “View sync notifications” and uncheck that box. This should prevent ads from appearing in File Explorer again.
Turn off targeted ads
Windows gives you an advertising feature to track your interests and deliver more relevant ads to you within apps. While you’re turning off all built-in ads in Windows, you may also want to turn this setting off as well.
In Windows 10, go to “Settings,” then “Privacy,” then “General,” and turn off “Allow apps to use advertising identifier.”
In Windows 11, it is called “Allow apps to show personalized ads using your own advertising identifier.” If you turn off all of these settings, you should get rid of annoying ads and pop-ups.
