I Removed All the Annoying Ads from Windows, Here’s How

Windows has become increasingly intrusive with its advertising over the years. From lock screen ads to pop-ups in the File Explorer, these interruptions can significantly degrade your computing experience. Fortunately, there are effective methods to remove these annoyances and restore your system to a cleaner, more streamlined state. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the steps to eliminate ads from Windows, ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable user experience.

Understanding the Sources of Ads in Windows

Before diving into the removal process, it is essential to understand where these ads originate. Microsoft incorporates advertisements in various parts of the operating system, including:

• Lock Screen Ads: Promotional content displayed on the lock screen.
• Start Menu Ads: Suggested apps and services in the Start Menu.
• File Explorer Ads: Promotional notifications in the File Explorer.
• Notification Center Ads: Ads pushed through the Action Center.
• App Ads: In-app advertisements in pre-installed applications.

By identifying these sources, we can target each one effectively to remove the ads.

Removing Lock Screen Ads

The lock screen is often the first point of interaction with your computer, and ads here can be particularly intrusive. To remove lock screen ads:

1. Open Settings: Click on the Start Menu and select the gear icon to open Settings.
2. Navigate to Personalization: Go to Personalization > Lock Screen.
3. Change Background: Under the Background dropdown, select Picture or Slideshow instead of Windows Spotlight.
4. Disable Fun Facts: Toggle off the option for Get fun facts, tips, tricks, and more on your lock screen.

By following these steps, you can eliminate lock screen ads and enjoy a cleaner start to your computing session.

Eliminating Start Menu Ads

The Start Menu often features suggested apps and services, which can be distracting. To remove these ads:

1. Open Settings: Access the Settings menu from the Start Menu.
2. Go to Personalization: Select Personalization > Start.
3. Turn Off Suggestions: Toggle off the option for Occasionally show suggestions in Start.

This adjustment will prevent Microsoft from displaying suggested content in your Start Menu, providing a more streamlined interface.

Removing File Explorer Ads

File Explorer can display promotional notifications, particularly for OneDrive. To remove these ads:

1. Open File Explorer: Click on the folder icon in the taskbar to open File Explorer.
2. Access View Tab: Click on the View tab in the ribbon.
3. Options Menu: Select Options and then click on the View tab in the Folder Options window.
4. Advanced Settings: Scroll down to the Advanced settings section.
5. Disable Notifications: Uncheck the box for Show sync provider notifications.

By disabling these notifications, you can prevent promotional content from appearing in File Explorer.

Disabling Notification Center Ads

The Action Center can also be a source of unwanted ads. To disable these notifications:

1. Open Settings: Access the Settings menu.
2. Navigate to System: Go to System > Notifications & actions.
3. Turn Off Tips: Toggle off the option for Get tips, tricks, and suggestions as you use Windows.

This change will stop Microsoft from sending promotional tips and suggestions through the Notification Center.

Managing App Ads

Some pre-installed apps may display advertisements. To manage these:

1. Open Settings: Access the Settings menu.
2. Go to Apps: Select Apps > Apps & features.
3. Review Installed Apps: Go through the list of installed apps and identify any that you do not use or that display ads.
4. Uninstall Unwanted Apps: Click on the app and select Uninstall to remove it from your system.

By removing unnecessary apps, you can reduce the number of sources for in-app advertisements.

Using Group Policy Editor and Registry Editor

For more advanced users, the Group Policy Editor and Registry Editor offer additional methods to remove ads:

Group Policy Editor

1. Open Group Policy Editor: Press Win + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.
2. Navigate to Administrative Templates: Go to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components.
3. Configure Settings: Look for policies related to Cloud Content and Windows Spotlight and set them to Disabled.

Registry Editor

1. Open Registry Editor: Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
2. Backup Registry: Before making changes, create a backup of your registry.
3. Navigate to Key: Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows.
4. Create New Key: Right-click on Windows, select New > Key, and name it CloudContent.
5. Add DWORD Value: Right-click on CloudContent, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value, and name it DisableWindowsSpotlight.
6. Set Value: Double-click on DisableWindowsSpotlight and set the value to 1.

These methods provide a more comprehensive approach to disabling ads at a system level.

Using Third-Party Tools

There are several third-party tools designed to remove ads and enhance privacy in Windows. Some popular options include:

• O&O ShutUp10: A free tool that allows you to disable various telemetry and advertising features in Windows.
• WPD: Windows Privacy Dashboard, which provides a user-friendly interface to manage privacy settings.
• AdGuard: A comprehensive ad-blocking solution that works across the entire system.

These tools can simplify the process of removing ads and provide additional privacy features.

Maintaining a Clean System

After removing ads, it is important to maintain a clean system to prevent them from reappearing:

1. Regular Updates: Keep your system updated to ensure you have the latest security patches and features.
2. Monitor Settings: Periodically check your settings to ensure that ad-related options remain disabled.
3. Be Cautious with Apps: Only install apps from trusted sources and review their permissions.

By following these practices, you can enjoy a cleaner and more enjoyable Windows experience.

Conclusion

Removing ads from Windows can significantly enhance your computing experience by reducing distractions and improving system performance. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can effectively eliminate ads from various parts of the operating system. Whether you choose to use built-in settings, advanced tools like the Group Policy Editor and Registry Editor, or third-party applications, the key is to tailor the approach to your comfort level and needs. With a cleaner system, you can focus on what matters most—your productivity and enjoyment.