Do you see ads on the Windows 10 Lock Screen, in the Start Menu, or even in File Explorer? Are you growing tired of ads on your Windows 10 PC, laptop or Surface Pro? Do you want to have an ad-free experience in Windows 10? If you do, you are in the right place. In this tutorial, we show you how to completely turn off all the ads that Microsoft bluntly sends our way in Windows 10. Read on to see how to make your Windows 10 PC or device, ad-free:
1. Disable the ads from the Windows 10 Start Menu
Unless you decide to do something about it, Microsoft has the annoying habit of showing so-called "promoted apps" on your Start Menu. You've probably already seen them - they look like in the picture below:
Once you do that, Windows 10 should stop displaying ads on your Start Menu.
2. Disable the ads from the Lock Screen
Another place that Microsoft thought would be an excellent billboard for its ads is the Lock Screen. You probably saw ads like these:
Ads on the Lock Screen of Windows 10
Although the ads on your Lock Screen are not as invasive or annoying as the ones displayed in the Start Menu or File Explorer, they can still bother you.
If you want to disable these advertisements, open the Settings app. Navigate to Personalization -> Lock screen. On the right side of the Settings window, scroll down until you find an option saying you can "Get fun facts, tips, and more from Windows and Cortana on your lock screen." By default, it's turned On. Set it to Off.
Get fun facts, tips, and more from Windows and Cortana on your lock screen
From now on, your Lock Screen should be free of ads.
Note: The "Get fun facts, tips, and more from Windows and Cortana on your lock screen" setting is available only if you chose to set a Picture or a Slideshow on your lock screen. If you chose Windows Spotlight, this setting isn't available.
3. Disable the ads from File Explorer
In Windows 10 Creators Update and later (including in May 2019 Update), Microsoft also shows ads in File Explorer, which is something that we did not expect. Some people hate them, and for good reason. The most common ads share offers for cloud storage with OneDrive, or for Office 365 subscriptions.
image05.png
Luckily, you can disable the ads from File Explorer. To do so, launch File Explorer, and open the View tab from its ribbon. Then, click or tap the Options button. It is the last one to the right.
The Options button from the View tab in File Explorer
Then, in the Folder Options window, click or tap the View tab and scroll down the "Advanced settings" list. When you find the setting called "Show sync provider notifications," uncheck it. This setting controls whether File Explorer shows ads or not.
Show sync provider notifications
Click or tap Apply or OK to save the changes that you have made. From now on, there shouldn't be any ads displayed in File Explorer.
4. Disable the ads that show up on the taskbar
You might have also seen ads and popups showing up from your taskbar. For example, from time to time, Windows 10 might send you "recommendations" for using Microsoft Edge because it is better than the competition. If you do not want to see these ads, open the Settings app, head to "System-> Notifications & actions," and disable the "Get tips, tricks, and suggestions as you use Windows" setting.
Get tips, tricks, and suggestions as you use Windows
5. Disable the ads notifications that show up in the Action Center
Windows 10 also has a habit of showing ads as notifications in the Action Center. For instance, it might show such "suggestions" if you just installed or upgraded the operating system, or if you did not finish configuring Cortana or Microsoft Edge.
To make sure that you do not get these types of advertising notifications, open the Settings app, navigate to "System-> Notifications & actions," and disable "Show me the Windows welcome experience after updates and occasionally when I sign in to highlight what's new and suggested."
Turn off the ads from the Windows 10 Action Center
Did you see ads anywhere else in Windows 10?
Now you know how to get rid of all those annoying ads that Microsoft displays in unexpected places in Windows 10. Turning ads off can make Windows 10 a friendlier operating system Unfortunately, it looks like Microsoft won't let go of advertisements, even if you have already paid for their operating system. What do you think about this tactic? How much time did it take you to disable all the ads? Did you wait for a while, or did you disable them as soon as you installed Windows 10? Comment below and let's discuss.
There is so much about Microsoft I don’t like with each new OP (been here since 3.0) but the invidious increase in ads has to be up there with bloatware bundling as the worst. The world does not tick in the same as the USA either so does not allow for an English speaker to be in another region or vice versa. This means that although everything is set up in English the ads come through in the local language. The increase in data flow is also a serious issue for metered users on a tight budget. 30GB per annum is soon gobbled up by unnecessary and highly annoying ads. I’ve found this Digital Citizen article very late in the day but thanks for winkling out so many places! It just shows how obfusciating the technical language actually is. I’d never guess ads on/off options are hidden behind some of those settings! Thanks DC!
David B ·
Great list. I’d removed some of the ads but now I’ve implemented the rest of the removal fixes.
The only place that’s left… OneDrive itself. In the app it’s relentless in spamming you with ads to upgrade or add Office 365 – I hate it.
I love how the two options on most of Microsoft’s install and system wizards is no longer yes and no… we now have not now and remind me later. No… don’t remind me later… I don’t want the thing you’re pushing.
It’s become so bad I’ve actually started using non Microsoft alternatives for some things. In hindsight I’d rather have anticompetitive bundling than this constant nagging from software companies.
Doug ·
I use AdBlock loaded on the my old PC and that cut off most of the garbage. It is unfortunate that Americans seem to mostly not care about ads. I find the whole process disgusting. This will most likely be the last Microsoft computer I own. I will probably totally go Apple next time. Tablet, phone and PC. Pay more for the hardware upfront. Get more done and be more secure every day from then on.
Ciprian Adrian Rusen ·
Do you realize that, without advertising, sites like ours wouldn’t be able to make a living?
Smokey ·
Absolutely hate Windows 10
Claudia ·
I’m a mac user and have been for just about all my adult life. I recently purchased a new Windows PC for my son since we are home schooling now due to Covid-19. I am shocked to find that this computer is unusable by my 11 year old due to the constant and incessant ads that pop up. They come up so frequently that he can’t even get through a lesson without multiple interruptions. This makes things challenging because my son is diagnosed ADHD but we don’t medicate, we use tools and techniques to refocus. It’s heart breaking to see my child focusing and learning only to be thrown off by annoying ads on his new computer. This is absolutely shocking. I’m returning this thing to Best Buy tomorrow. I just don’t think it right for me to now have to spend time and attention making a brand new computer usable after spending the money to buy it in the first place.
Nicholas Steel ·
“Suggestions” now appear in the “Open With” dialog box (see: Groove Music suggestion). Do you know of a way to stop this?
I have an ad in Mail app. Don’t know how to turn it off.
James ·
Cannot find this on my lock screen Get fun facts, tips, and more from Windows and Cortana on your lock screen.” By default, it’s turned On. Set it to Off.
I do get these ads so how can I stop them
Anonymous ·
Choose Picture as a background for the Lock Screen, and then you see this setting.
Marte ·
I have Windows 10 pro and I do not see the screen that will let me turn off ads on the lock screen. Is this something found only in the latest update?
Anonymous ·
Yes, it is in Windows 10 May 2019 Update.
Ron ·
I have a slightly different user interface in Settings than the screen capture you show. Some check boxes have been replaces in Settings with sliders. Specifically #4Notifications & Actions, but also in other places.
V1809B17763.437 (yes i know there are a few more builds after that already).
Daz ·
Its one of the numerous reasons I have been switching slowly to Fedora for the more serious roles. MS Seems to be trying to make windows more of a mobile gaming platform, rather than serious business use.
We run Windows Pro and still get BS apps and games and adverts and other rubbish that is not suitable nor wanted in a business environment.
James Pittman ·
I did not know how ,but now that I do I will disable them. Thanks for the tip.
Discussion (16)
There is so much about Microsoft I don’t like with each new OP (been here since 3.0) but the invidious increase in ads has to be up there with bloatware bundling as the worst. The world does not tick in the same as the USA either so does not allow for an English speaker to be in another region or vice versa. This means that although everything is set up in English the ads come through in the local language. The increase in data flow is also a serious issue for metered users on a tight budget. 30GB per annum is soon gobbled up by unnecessary and highly annoying ads. I’ve found this Digital Citizen article very late in the day but thanks for winkling out so many places! It just shows how obfusciating the technical language actually is. I’d never guess ads on/off options are hidden behind some of those settings! Thanks DC!
Great list. I’d removed some of the ads but now I’ve implemented the rest of the removal fixes.
The only place that’s left… OneDrive itself. In the app it’s relentless in spamming you with ads to upgrade or add Office 365 – I hate it.
I love how the two options on most of Microsoft’s install and system wizards is no longer yes and no… we now have not now and remind me later. No… don’t remind me later… I don’t want the thing you’re pushing.
It’s become so bad I’ve actually started using non Microsoft alternatives for some things. In hindsight I’d rather have anticompetitive bundling than this constant nagging from software companies.
I use AdBlock loaded on the my old PC and that cut off most of the garbage. It is unfortunate that Americans seem to mostly not care about ads. I find the whole process disgusting. This will most likely be the last Microsoft computer I own. I will probably totally go Apple next time. Tablet, phone and PC. Pay more for the hardware upfront. Get more done and be more secure every day from then on.
Do you realize that, without advertising, sites like ours wouldn’t be able to make a living?
Absolutely hate Windows 10
I’m a mac user and have been for just about all my adult life. I recently purchased a new Windows PC for my son since we are home schooling now due to Covid-19. I am shocked to find that this computer is unusable by my 11 year old due to the constant and incessant ads that pop up. They come up so frequently that he can’t even get through a lesson without multiple interruptions. This makes things challenging because my son is diagnosed ADHD but we don’t medicate, we use tools and techniques to refocus. It’s heart breaking to see my child focusing and learning only to be thrown off by annoying ads on his new computer. This is absolutely shocking. I’m returning this thing to Best Buy tomorrow. I just don’t think it right for me to now have to spend time and attention making a brand new computer usable after spending the money to buy it in the first place.
“Suggestions” now appear in the “Open With” dialog box (see: Groove Music suggestion). Do you know of a way to stop this?
https://imgur.com/a/ksTRFM3
I have an ad in Mail app. Don’t know how to turn it off.
Cannot find this on my lock screen Get fun facts, tips, and more from Windows and Cortana on your lock screen.” By default, it’s turned On. Set it to Off.
I do get these ads so how can I stop them
Choose Picture as a background for the Lock Screen, and then you see this setting.
I have Windows 10 pro and I do not see the screen that will let me turn off ads on the lock screen. Is this something found only in the latest update?
Yes, it is in Windows 10 May 2019 Update.
I have a slightly different user interface in Settings than the screen capture you show. Some check boxes have been replaces in Settings with sliders. Specifically #4Notifications & Actions, but also in other places.
V1809B17763.437 (yes i know there are a few more builds after that already).
Its one of the numerous reasons I have been switching slowly to Fedora for the more serious roles. MS Seems to be trying to make windows more of a mobile gaming platform, rather than serious business use.
We run Windows Pro and still get BS apps and games and adverts and other rubbish that is not suitable nor wanted in a business environment.
I did not know how ,but now that I do I will disable them. Thanks for the tip.
Glad to help. 😉