How to Disable Ads and Pop-Ups in Windows 11 for a Cleaner Experience

Microsoft has increased ads and suggestions across Windows 11, but you can reduce them through settings. Disable Start menu recommendations in Personalization > Start and turn off lock screen ads by switching from Windows Spotlight. Remove File Explorer promotions via Options > View and uncheck sync provider notifications. Stop Taskbar search ads in Privacy & security > Search permissions by disabling search highlights. Turn off notification ads in System > Notifications under Additional settings. Prevent Microsoft account prompts by switching to a local account in Accounts > Your Info. Lastly, manage app notifications in System > Notifications to reduce further distractions.

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• How to Block Pop-Ups in Microsoft Edge and Reduce Distractions

How to Disable Ads and Pop-Ups in Windows 11 for a Cleaner Experience

How to reduce ads, pop-ups, and suggestions on your Windows 11 computer. Microsoft has been steadily increasing the presence of promotional content throughout the operating system, but you can minimize these interruptions by adjusting a few settings.

One of the most noticeable places where Microsoft promotes apps is the Start menu. These recommendations can be turned off by pressing Windows Key + I to open Settings, clicking the three horizontal lines in the top left, navigating to Personalization > Start, and toggling off Show recommendations for tips, app promotions, and more.

Another common area for ads is the lock screen, especially when using Windows Spotlight. To disable this, open Settings, go to Personalization > Lock screen, and change the Personalize your lock screen setting from Windows Spotlight to Picture or Slideshow. Additionally, turn off Get fun facts, tips, tricks, and more on your lock screen.

Microsoft has also integrated promotional content within File Explorer, mainly advertising OneDrive and Microsoft 365. To remove these ads, open File Explorer, click the three-dot menu, select Options, go to the View tab, scroll down to Files and Folders, and uncheck Show sync provider notifications.

If you notice ads in the Taskbar search, you can disable them by going to Settings > Privacy & security > Search permissions. Scroll down to the More settings section and turn off Show search highlights.

Windows also includes notification ads, often presented as helpful tips. To turn these off, open Settings, go to System > Notifications, scroll down to Additional settings, and uncheck Show the Windows welcome experience … and Get tips and suggestions ….

If you don’t use Microsoft’s online services like OneDrive or 365, you can prevent Microsoft from prompting you to sign in. Go to Settings > Accounts > Your Info, click Sign in with a local account instead, and follow the instructions to switch.

Additionally, if you receive unwanted notifications from third-party apps, you can manage them by opening Settings > System > Notifications, scrolling through the list, and disabling notifications for apps you don’t need.

While some ads, such as those built into Microsoft’s free apps, cannot be removed entirely, these steps will significantly reduce distractions. Microsoft may introduce new promotional methods over time, so checking your Settings periodically for updates is recommended.

How to Block Pop-Ups in Microsoft Edge and Reduce Distractions

Microsoft Edge includes a built-in pop-up blocker that helps prevent websites from automatically opening new windows, tabs, or overlays on your current page. This feature is enabled by default and is designed to block various types of pop-ups, including ads, notifications, offers, and alerts. While some pop-ups, such as banking statements, may be useful, others can be distracting or even malicious, using phishing tactics to trick users. If you are receiving unwanted website notifications, you can manage them separately in the notification center.

To block pop-ups in Edge, navigate to Settings and more at the top of the browser, then select Settings > Cookies and site permissions. Under All permissions, go to Pop-ups and redirects and ensure that the Block (recommended) toggle is turned on. If a pop-up is blocked, Edge will display a blocked pop-up icon in the address bar.

If you need to allow pop-ups for specific websites, such as certain web applications that require them, you can add exceptions. Go to Settings and more > Settings > Cookies and site permissions > Pop-ups and redirects, then under the Allow section, select Add, enter the website’s URL, and confirm by selecting Add.

If pop-ups persist despite enabling the blocker, try updating Edge by going to Settings and more > Settings > About Microsoft Edge. Additionally, scanning for malware, disabling extensions to check for conflicts, blocking third-party cookies under Cookies and site permissions, or clearing your browser cache may help resolve the issue. However, Edge’s pop-up blocker does not prevent advertisements designed to resemble pop-ups within a webpage, nor does it stop pop-ups triggered by user actions like clicking a button or link.