If you’re tired of those annoying ads popping up on your Windows 11 device, you’re definitely not the only one. Ads are, honestly, a huge distraction and make everything feel cluttered. Luckily, there are some simple tweaks you can do in the settings to tame them down or completely turn them off. It’s not always perfect, but these tricks can really help make your desktop feel way cleaner and more personalized. Just a heads-up — some ads might still sneak through, especially in certain Microsoft apps, but most of the clutter can be cleared out with these steps.
How to Disable Ads on Windows 11
This is a kind of DIY process. The main idea is to prevent Windows from constantly nudging you with suggestions and targeted ads. Expect a more streamlined experience after, with less of that ‘hey, download this!’ nonsense cluttering your screen. It’s kind of weird how Windows puts these things front and center, but after a few tweaks, things get much calmer. Here’s what I found works pretty well:
Navigate to Privacy & Security Settings
- Go to Start menu and open Settings.
- Select Privacy & Security from the sidebar.
This is where Windows manages a lot of its data sharing and personalization stuff. Turning off a few options here can significantly cut down the ads, especially if your device keeps showing suggestions or targeted content. It’s worth browsing around in this menu; there are usually overlapping settings, and some toggles need to be definitely off if you want a more ad-free experience.
Turn off the Advertising ID
- Inside Privacy & Security, find and click General.
- Look for the option labeled Let apps use advertising ID for experiences across apps (turning this off).
- Toggle it to Off.
Doing this shoots down the personalized ad features, and honestly, it’s probably the biggest single step. Some apps might still have their own ads, but at least Windows won’t use your data to target you. Weirdly, on one setup this change took a reboot to kick in, but on others, it was immediate. Windows has a knack for making you do things twice, of course.
Stop Showing Suggestions on Start
- Back in Settings, go to Personalization.
- Click on Start.
- Find the toggle for Show suggestions occasionally and turn it off.
This step stops Windows from throwing up app suggestions, tips, or recommended content right when you’re about to launch. It’s not a total blocker for all ads, but it cuts down a lot of those “Hey, check this out!” prompts, which are borderline spammy after a while.
Honestly, after doing these, your experience becomes less cluttered and more about what you actually want. Sure, some ads might still show in specific apps, but this will cut down the bulk of the distracting stuff. Windows does like to reset a few of these settings after updates, so it’s a good habit to check back occasionally.
Tips for Disabling Ads on Windows 11
- Keep an eye on updates: Sometimes they reset privacy settings, so revisiting these steps every now and then is not a bad idea.
- Use a local account instead of a Microsoft account: Less syncing, fewer personalized ads in theory.
- Explore third-party tools: Options like ad-blockers or specific Windows privacy tweaks (like Winaero Tweaker) can help if you’re feeling extra serious about blocking ads.
- Check app permissions: Don’t grant unnecessary access to apps that might feed more targeted ads later.
- Stay updated with Windows: Updates sometimes crack down or loosen privacy controls — better to stay aware so you don’t get surprised.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get rid of all ads in Windows 11?
Not entirely. Some ads are built into system apps or the Start menu, and there’s no perfect way to eliminate all of them without going deep into third-party solutions. But these steps will reduce most of the clutter.
Will disabling ads slow down my system?
Not really—if anything, it might make your device run a little smoother by stopping background ad-related services and notifications. So, there’s no downside performance-wise here.
Do I need to redo these every time Windows updates?
Sometimes, yeah. Major updates tend to reset privacy and personalization settings, so it’s worth double-checking after upgrades.
Are third-party ad blockers safe to use?
Generally, yes — but stick with reputable tools. Some free stuff can mess with your system or cause security issues, so do your homework before installing anything sketchy.
If I want ads back later, can I turn everything on again easily?
Absolutely. Just revisit these settings and toggle them back on if you decide you miss the personalized suggestions or promotions.
Summary
- Open Settings > Privacy & Security > General
- Disable Let apps use advertising ID
- Go to Personalization > Start and turn off suggestions
- Check privacy settings from time to time, especially after updates
Wrap-up
Getting rid of ads on Windows 11 isn’t a total mute button, but it’s definitely manageable. Tweaking these settings makes for a cleaner, less annoying workflow — kind of like clearing out the junk drawer. Sometimes the system resets things after updates, so keep an eye on your privacy options if you’re really serious about an ad-free experience. Anyway, hopefully this shaves off a few hours for someone, and your desktop feels a little more like your own space again. Fingers crossed this helps!