Microsoft collects diagnostic data to troubleshoot problems and improve Windows and related services. However, this data is also used to personalize recommendations, tips, and even ads across Windows 11. You may notice Windows 11 shows ads, “suggestions, “” tips, and “recommendations” in the Start menu, lock screen, Settings, File Explorer, and even notifications. While Microsoft says these experiences help you discover new features, they often feel like annoying ads and can use your data for personalization. If you are looking for how to remove these ads and recommendations, this article is for you.
Here you will learn how to:
- Stop Microsoft from using your diagnostic data for personalized ads
- Disable personalized ads and suggestions in the Settings app
- Remove promoted apps from the Start menu
- Turn off tips and ads on the lock screen
- Disable suggestion-style notifications
- Hide ads in File Explorer and Windows Spotlight
- Reduce Microsoft account–related promotions
Contents
- 1 Stop Microsoft From Using Your Diagnostic Data
- 2 Turn Off Personalized Ads and Suggestions in Settings
- 3 Remove App Ads From the Windows 11 Start Menu
- 4 Block Ads From the Windows 11 Lock Screen
- 5 Disable Notification Ads and Tips
- 6 Disable Ads in Windows 11 File Explorer
- 7 Reduce Microsoft Account‑Based Ads (Switch to Local Account)
- 8 Block Ads in Web Browsers (Optional but Recommended)
- 9 Quick Summary: Where We Disabled Ads and Suggestions
Stop Microsoft From Using Your Diagnostic Data
Microsoft diagnostic data includes details about your device, its settings and capabilities, and its performance. Microsoft uses this data to fix problems and improve Windows experience, but it can also be used to personalize tips, recommendations, and ads.
To stop Windows 11 from using your diagnostic data for personalized experiences:
- Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
- Click Privacy & security in the left pane.
- Select Diagnostics & feedback.
- Next to Send optional diagnostic data, turn the toggle Off (if it is enabled).
- Scroll down to Tailored experiences and turn this toggle Off.
What this does:
This reduces the amount of your diagnostic data that can be used to personalize ads, tips, and recommendations across Windows 11. Core diagnostic data used for security and reliability may still be sent, but you’ll see fewer targeted suggestions.
Turn Off Personalized Ads and Suggestions in Settings
The quick and straightforward way to reduce ads in Windows 11 is, turn off personalized ads and suggestions in the Settings app.
- Open the Settings app using Windows key + I
- Go to Privacy & Security, then General.
- Turn off the toggle for Let apps show me personalized ads by using my advertising ID.
- Turn off the toggle for Show me suggested content in the Settings app.
- In addition, Turn off the toggles for:
- Improve Start and search results by tracking app launches
- Show me locally relevant content by accessing my language list
What this does:
These changes stop apps from using your advertising ID for personalized ads, remove promotional content from the Settings app, and reduce suggestions based on how you use apps and your language settings.
Remove App Ads From the Windows 11 Start Menu
By default, Windows 11 Start menu may show pinned apps you never installed, such as TikTok, Prime Video, Adobe Express, Spotify, and more. Many of these are effectively promotions rather than core system apps.
To remove these “app ads” from the Start menu:
- Click the Start button on the taskbar, or press the Windows key.
- In the Pinned section, look for apps you don’t use or recognize.
- Right‑click the unwanted app. Click Uninstall (or Unpin from Start if uninstall is not available).
- Repeat for all unwanted promotional apps.
For extra cleanup:
- Open Settings → Personalization → Start.
- If available, turn off: Show recommendations for tips, app promotions, and more.
Summary: Uninstalling or unpinning promoted apps plus disabling Start recommendations removes most Start menu ads and suggestions.
Block Ads From the Windows 11 Lock Screen
On the lock screen, Microsoft often shows “fun facts, tips, tricks, and more” with Windows Spotlight. These can include promotions and suggestions that feel like ads. To remove ads from the Windows 11 lock screen:
You may see annoying ads on Windows 11 lock screen, Microsoft calls them facts, tips, tricks and more, but they are essentially just in disguise. You can remove ads from Windows 11 lock screen by followings the steps below.
- Press Windows key + I to open Settings.
- Go to Personalization, click Lock screen.
- Here on the right-hand side locate and uncheck the box beside Get fun facts, tips, tricks, and more on your lock screen.
Note: Switching away from Windows Spotlight removes rotating Bing images and trivia, but it also greatly reduces promotional cards on the lock screen.
Disable Notification Ads and Tips
Windows 11 can show ads and suggestions as notifications, for example, “tips and suggestions” when you use Windows or adjust settings.
To disable these suggestion‑style notifications:
- Open Settings (Windows key + I).
- Click System in the left sidebar.
- Select Notifications.
- Scroll down and look for checkboxes such as:
- Get tips and suggestions when I use Windows
- Offer suggestions on how I can set up my device
- Turn Off these options.
Summary: Turning off these options stops Windows from pushing “helpful tips” and setup suggestions that behave like ads.
Disable Ads in Windows 11 File Explorer
File Explorer in Windows 11 can show sync provider notifications – usually promotions for OneDrive or Microsoft 365.
To disable these File Explorer ads:
- Press Windows key + S, type File Explorer Options (or Folder Options), and select it.
Or: Open File Explorer, click the three‑dot (···) menu in the toolbar, and choose Options. - In the Folder Options dialog, click the View tab.
- In the Advanced settings list, look for Show sync provider notifications.
- Uncheck this option.
- Click Apply, then OK.
Summary: This removes banner‑style ads and suggestions inside File Explorer, typically promoting cloud sync or subscriptions.
Reduce Microsoft Account‑Based Ads (Switch to Local Account)
Some recommendations and promotions in Windows 11 are tied to your Microsoft account, including suggestions to use OneDrive, Microsoft 365, or other services.
If you prefer fewer account‑based prompts, you can switch to a local account:
- Open Settings with Windows key + I.
- Click Accounts in the left sidebar.
- Click Your info.
- Under Account settings, click Sign in with a local account instead.
- Follow the on‑screen instructions to create a local account (username and password).
- Sign out of your Microsoft account and sign in with the new local account.
Warning: Switching to a local account may affect features such as automatic OneDrive sync, cross‑device sync, and Microsoft Store purchases. Make sure you understand the trade‑offs before changing.
Block Ads in Web Browsers (Optional but Recommended)
While this guide focuses on built‑in Windows 11 ads, you’ll still see ads inside web browsers like Microsoft Edge, Chrome, or Firefox.
To reduce these:
- Install a trusted ad blocker extension, such as uBlock Origin or a similar well‑reviewed extension from your browser’s official store.
- Keep your browser and extensions up to date.
Note: Some websites rely on ads for revenue. Consider whitelisting sites you trust and want to support.
Quick Summary: Where We Disabled Ads and Suggestions
In this guide, you:
- Limited diagnostic data usage to stop tailored ads and experiences.
- Disabled personalized ads and suggestions in Privacy & security → General.
- Removed promotional apps from the Start menu and turned off Start recommendations.
- Cleaned up the Lock screen, including Windows Spotlight tips and fun facts.
- Turned off notification‑based tips and suggestions.
- Removed File Explorer sync provider notifications (OneDrive/Microsoft 365 promotions).
- Optionally switched to a local account to reduce Microsoft account‑based recommendations.
- Installed a browser ad blocker to cut down web ads.
After applying all these changes, Windows 11 should feel cleaner, less distracting, and more private.
If you are looking to optimize Windows 11, read our article Windows 11 settings you should change now for a better user experience
Frequently Asked Questions
No. These are built‑in promotions from Microsoft, not third‑party malware. However, they can be distracting and use your data for personalization. If you see pop‑ups or ads that don’t look like official Windows notifications, always run a full antivirus scan to rule out adware or malware.
No. You need to turn off several options across Start, Lock screen, Settings, and File Explorer. This guide walks through each place.
No. The steps in this guide only affect tips, suggestions, and personalization. Security updates and feature updates will still work.
No. You can use a local account instead, as shown in this guide. However, you may lose some features like automatic OneDrive backup, cross‑device settings sync, and easy Microsoft Store purchases.
No. Disabling ads, suggestions, and Spotlight does not disable Windows Defender, SmartScreen, or other core security features. Those continue to work in the background.
