PcFixin'

How to Turn Off Ads and Tips in Windows 11

By PcFixin' · July 17, 2026 · Windows · Windows 11, privacy, notifications

Quiet Windows 11 recommendations by changing a few settings for Start, notifications, the lock screen, Settings, and File Explorer.

Before you start

Windows 11 sometimes promotes Microsoft services, recently installed apps, setup reminders, and general tips. Microsoft may describe these as recommendations, suggestions, or personalized offers rather than ads.

The steps below apply to current versions of Windows 11. Microsoft occasionally moves settings or changes their names, so use the Settings search box if a label looks slightly different on your PC. You can safely turn these options off without affecting Windows security updates.

Reduce recommendations in the Start menu

The Recommended area can display recently used files, new apps, shortcuts, and Microsoft suggestions. Windows does not currently provide a standard switch that completely removes this section, but you can greatly reduce what appears there.

1. Open Settings by pressing Windows key + I.
2. Select Personalization, and then select Start.
3. Turn off Show recommendations for tips, shortcuts, new apps, and more.
4. If present, turn off Show account-related notifications occasionally in Start.
5. For a cleaner Start menu, you can also turn off Show recently added apps, Show most used apps, and Show recently opened items in Start, Jump Lists, and File Explorer. These last three settings control history and convenience features, not just advertising.

Stop suggestions inside the Settings app

Windows can place suggested content inside Settings, such as notices about Microsoft accounts or services. You can disable most of this material through the privacy controls.

1. Open Settings and choose Privacy & security.
2. Under Windows permissions, select General.
3. Turn off Show me suggested content in the Settings app.
4. You may also turn off Let apps show me personalized ads by using my advertising ID. The advertising ID is a unique identifier that apps can use to personalize ads; switching it off does not prevent you from using those apps.

Turn off Windows tips and setup notifications

Some suggestions arrive as notifications or appear after an update. Windows groups the relevant controls under an expandable section, although the wording can vary slightly by release.

1. Go to Settings > System > Notifications.
2. Scroll down and expand Additional settings.
3. Clear Get tips and suggestions when using Windows.
4. Clear Suggest ways to get the most out of Windows and finish setting up this device.
5. Clear Show the Windows welcome experience after updates and when signed in to show what’s new and suggested.
6. Review the notification senders listed on the same page. Turn off notifications for any app you do not want to hear from, such as Microsoft Store, while leaving important security tools enabled.

Remove tips and changing images from the lock screen

Windows Spotlight downloads rotating lock-screen pictures and may attach facts, tips, or promotional links. Choosing your own picture or slideshow gives you a quieter lock screen.

1. Open Settings > Personalization > Lock screen.
2. Next to Personalize your lock screen, change Windows spotlight to Picture or Slideshow.
3. Choose the image or folder you want to use.
4. If you see Get fun facts, tips, tricks, and more on your lock screen, clear its checkbox. This option may only appear after you select Picture or Slideshow.
5. Optional: Set Lock screen status to None if you also want to hide weather, calendar, or other status information. Available choices depend on your installed Windows version and apps.

Hide promotional messages in File Explorer

File Explorer can display sync provider notifications, which are small messages related to cloud storage and other Microsoft services. Turning them off does not disable OneDrive or stop your files from syncing.

1. Open File Explorer.
2. Select the three-dot menu on the toolbar, and then choose Options. On some builds, you may need to open the See more menu to find Options.
3. Select the View tab.
4. In the Advanced settings list, clear Show sync provider notifications.
5. Select Apply, and then select OK.

Limit personalized offers based on diagnostic data

Windows collects diagnostic data, meaning technical information about how the system and its features are working. An optional setting allows Microsoft to use some of that data for personalized tips, ads, and recommendations.

1. Open Settings > Privacy & security > Diagnostics & feedback.
2. Look for Personalized offers and turn it off. On some Windows 11 versions, this setting is called Tailored experiences.
3. If the option appears as an expandable row, select it first to reveal the switch.

What these changes will not remove

These settings reduce suggestions built into Windows, but they do not block advertisements inside websites or third-party apps. They also may not remove every Microsoft account reminder, especially when Windows needs you to confirm a security, backup, subscription, or device-setup choice.

Feature updates can occasionally restore a prompt or introduce a new recommendation setting. If suggestions return after a major Windows update, revisit Start, Notifications, and Privacy & security to check the switches again.

Bottom line

A few minutes in Settings can make Windows 11 feel much calmer and less promotional. Turn off Start recommendations, suggestion notifications, lock-screen tips, File Explorer messages, and personalized offers while keeping essential security alerts enabled.