In this 21st century, advertising is the greatest act of persuasion. Whether we are browsing through our social media feed, reading emails, watching videos, or listening to our favorite tracks online, ads are everywhere–quite literally. As the online presence of products and services has increased, marketers are now using their creative skills to develop digital advertisements that follow us everywhere. (Hauntingly)
Image source: Search Engine Land
Third-party website trackers and marketers hit us with targeted ads based on our recent browsing history, interests, and patterns. The moment you make a quick Google search about any query, the next thing you know, your browser will be crawling with related advertisements and annoying pop-ups.
Well, not just the web browser or applications, ads can be injected into the operating system as well. Yes, you heard that right. Is your Windows 11 PC constantly popping up ads and alerts while ruining your productivity? We’ve got you covered.
Wondering how you can remove annoying ads on Windows 11? In this post, we have listed a bunch of simple solutions that you can use to remove annoying ads from Windows 11.
Here you go!
Also read: How To Block Ads On Your Android Device
How to Remove Annoying Ads From Windows 11
Disable Bloatware Ads
Image source: PC Mag
Seeing ads right above your Windows 11’s Taskbar? Well, it is possibly due to bloatware that comes preinstalled along with the OS. Bloatware is a special type of software that comes embedded in the device itself by the manufacturer. To disable bloatware ads on your Windows 11 PC, follow these quick steps.
Open the Windows Settings app and head on to System > Notifications.
Scroll down through the list and look for Partner Promo, Dropbox Promotion, My Dell, and so on. If you find any such items in the list, toggle off the notifications.
After disabling the notifications, scroll further and uncheck the “Offer suggestions on how I can set up my device” and “Get tips and suggestions when I use Windows” options.
Remove Ads from File Explorer
Yes, even the Windows File Explorer is capable of haunting you with ads. Wondering how to remove annoying ads thrown by the File Explorer app? Here’s what you need to do:
Launch the File Explorer app on your Windows 11 device. Tap on the three-dot icon placed on the top menu bar, select “Options”.
In the Folder Options window, uncheck the “Show sync provider notifications” option.
Hit on the OK and APPLY buttons to save the recent changes.
Disable Personalized Ads
Microsoft has a unique advertising scheme that displays personalized ads on Windows 11 by using your advertising ID. To disallow personalized ads, follow these quick steps.
Launch the Windows Settings app. Navigate to Privacy and Security> General.
Toggle OFF the “Let apps show me personalized ads by using my advertising ID” option.
Once you disable this option, Windows 11 will no longer display personalized ads on your system.
Also read: How To Stop Personalized Ads On Google And Youtube
Disable Lock Screen Ads
Annoyed with the ads, tips, fun facts crawling on your Windows 11’s lock screen? Well, you can easily disable the lock screen ads on Windows by making a few quick changes in the settings.
Open the Settings app, head on to Personalziation> Lock Screen.
Image source: Digital Citizen
Uncheck the “Get fun facts, tips, tricks, and more on your lock screen” option.
Also read: Disabling Lock Screen Notifications And Previews In iOS 11
Disable Suggested Content in Settings
Well, yes, even the Settings app can be a victim of advertising. Hence, to make sure that the settings app doesn’t start showing suggested ads and pop-ups, here’s something you can try.
Navigate to Settings> Privacy and Security> General.
Image source: Digital Citizen
Toggle OFF the “Show me suggested content in Settings” option.
Don’t Send Diagnostic Data to Microsoft
Based on your user profile, current activities, Microsoft analyzes your diagnostic data and traffic. So, to remove annoying ads on Windows 11, you can stop sharing your data with Microsoft. To alter this setting on Windows, follow these quick steps:
Navigate to Settings> Privacy and Security> Diagnostics and Feedback.
Image source: Digital Citizen
Now, toggle OFF the “Let Microsoft use your diagnostic data..” option.
Use an AdBlocker Extension
To make your browsing experience more pleasant and to remove annoying ads from crawling over the window, you can use an adblocker extension or third-party software to get rid of advertisements.
Image source: Unique Business Models
Also, make a habit of browsing in the Private or Incognito mood so that the website trackers and marketers won’t be able to trace your browsing activities.
Conclusion
Here were a few simple tips to remove annoying ads from Windows 11. By making a few quick changes in the settings, you can disable ads from popping on the desktop, File Explorer, Settings app, browser, and other places.
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