Windows
How do I turn off Windows 11 ads and widgets?
Quick answer
To turn off ads and widgets in Windows 11, disable Widgets from the taskbar, turn off Start menu recommendations, and adjust settings for suggestions in the Settings app and lock screen.
Windows 11 includes various ads and suggestions through widgets, Start menu recommendations, and other system notifications. These can be disabled through specific settings adjustments, ensuring a cleaner user experience.
Steps
- 1
Remove Widgets from the Taskbar
Go to Settings → Personalization → Taskbar → Taskbar items and turn off Widgets. Alternatively, right-click the taskbar and select Taskbar settings to disable the Widgets icon.
- 2
Disable Start Menu Recommendations
Navigate to Settings → Personalization → Start and switch off Show recommendations for tips, shortcuts, new apps, and more. You can also disable recently added apps and recently opened items for a cleaner Start menu.
- 3
Turn Off Suggestions in Settings and Lock Screen
In Settings → Privacy & security → General, turn off Show me suggested content in the Settings app. For the lock screen, go to Settings → Personalization → Lock screen and disable Get fun facts, tips, tricks, and more.
- 4
Clean Up File Explorer
Open File Explorer, click See more → Options → View, and uncheck Show sync provider notifications. Optionally, unpin Office.com or recommended files from the Home/Gallery view.
Understanding Ads in Windows 11
Ads in Windows 11 can appear as widgets, Start menu recommendations, and suggestions in Settings and on the lock screen. These are integrated into the OS and can be managed through the Settings app.
Security Considerations
Disabling ads and widgets does not require turning off essential security features like Windows Update or Windows Defender. Avoid using aggressive third-party tools that might compromise system stability.
Watch out for
- Feature updates can re-enable some settings. Check Taskbar, Start, and Lock screen settings after major updates.
- Group Policy settings in Pro/Enterprise editions can enforce these configurations: User Configuration → Administrative Templates → Windows Components → Widgets / Start Menu and Taskbar.
FAQ
How do I turn off the Copilot or Chat icon?
Right-click the taskbar, select Taskbar settings, and toggle off Copilot/Chat. This option may vary depending on your Windows build.
Will these steps stop ads in other Microsoft apps?
No, these steps only affect the Windows 11 shell. Other apps like Edge have separate settings for managing ads.