Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →There is no single Windows 11 switch that permanently blocks every pop-up. The right fix depends on whether it is a Windows notification or recommendation, a browser website alert or pop-up window, a OneDrive prompt, or a suspicious warning that may be malware.
Start with the steps below that match what you see. Turning off Windows notifications blocks normal app alerts, but it will not necessarily stop content controlled separately by Windows features, browsers, OneDrive, or malware.
1. Turn off all Windows notifications
This is the broadest Windows notification setting. It disables app notifications and stops them from appearing in Notification center.
- Open Start and select Settings.
- Go to System > Notifications.
- Turn Notifications off.
This does not necessarily stop Windows recommendations, browser notifications, OneDrive prompts, or other pop-ups controlled separately. Continue to the relevant sections below.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems#1 Best Overall
- CRISP CLARITY: This 23.8″ Philips V line monitor delivers crisp Full HD 1920x1080 visuals. Enjoy movies, shows and videos with remarkable detail
- INCREDIBLE CONTRAST: The VA panel produces brighter whites and deeper blacks. You get true-to-life images and more gradients with 16.7 million colors
- THE PERFECT VIEW: The 178/178 degree extra wide viewing angle prevents the shifting of colors when viewed from an offset angle, so you always get consistent colors
- WORK SEAMLESSLY: This sleek monitor is virtually bezel-free on three sides, so the screen looks even bigger for the viewer. This minimalistic design also allows for seamless multi-monitor setups that enhance your workflow and boost productivity
- A BETTER READING EXPERIENCE: For busy office workers, EasyRead mode provides a more paper-like experience for when viewing lengthy documents
2. Keep notifications but remove pop-up banners
If you want to review notifications later without seeing them on the desktop, disable banners for individual apps instead of switching notifications off globally.
- Open Start > Settings > System > Notifications.
- Under Notifications from apps and other senders, select the app producing the alert.
- Turn Show notification banners off.
The app’s notification settings may also let you disable its Notification center alerts, sounds, or notifications entirely. Select the controls that match what you want to stop.
| Setting | What it does |
|---|---|
| Show notification banners | Stops desktop pop-up banners from that app. |
| Show notifications in notification center | Controls whether alerts remain available in Notification center. |
| Play a sound | Stops the notification sound without necessarily hiding the alert. |
You can also open Notification center, select the settings button on a notification, and choose Turn off all notifications for that sender.
3. Disable Windows tips and post-update welcome messages
Windows tips and welcome screens are separate from ordinary app notifications.
Recommended Free Tools
- Open Start > Settings > System > Notifications.
- Expand Additional settings.
- Turn off Show the Windows welcome experience after updates and when signed in to show what’s new and suggested.
- Turn off Get tips and suggestions when using Windows.
4. Turn off Windows recommendations and personalized suggestions
Windows can show suggestions in Settings and personalize recommendations using privacy settings. On the General page, turn off the controls that apply to you:
- Show me suggested content in the Settings app
- Let apps show me personalized ads by using my advertising ID
- Let websites show me locally relevant content by accessing my language list
- Let Windows improve Start and search results by tracking app launches
Open Start > Settings > Privacy & security > General. On newer Windows 11 versions, some controls may appear under Recommendations & offers instead. Search within Settings for the control name if the page layout differs.
Turning off the advertising ID does not reduce the number of ads; it makes ads less personalized. Ads in apps, websites, and Microsoft products can use other systems.
Rank #2
- CRISP CLARITY: This 22 inch class (21.5″ viewable) Philips V line monitor delivers crisp Full HD 1920x1080 visuals. Enjoy movies, shows and videos with remarkable detail
- 100HZ FAST REFRESH RATE: 100Hz brings your favorite movies and video games to life. Stream, binge, and play effortlessly
- SMOOTH ACTION WITH ADAPTIVE-SYNC: Adaptive-Sync technology ensures fluid action sequences and rapid response time. Every frame will be rendered smoothly with crystal clarity and without stutter
- INCREDIBLE CONTRAST: The VA panel produces brighter whites and deeper blacks. You get true-to-life images and more gradients with 16.7 million colors
- THE PERFECT VIEW: The 178/178 degree extra wide viewing angle prevents the shifting of colors when viewed from an offset angle, so you always get consistent colors
5. Stop lock-screen tips and promotional content
Windows Spotlight can show rotating lock-screen images along with tips, tricks, and notifications. To stop Spotlight content:
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →- Open Start > Settings > Personalization > Lock screen.
- Under Personalize your lock screen, change Windows spotlight to Picture or Slideshow.
- If shown, turn off Get fun facts, tips, tricks, and more on your lock screen.
6. Disable device-usage suggestions
Windows can use device-usage choices to tailor suggestions, offers, and recommendations.
- Open Start > Settings > Personalization > Device usage.
- Turn off any enabled categories whose suggestions you do not want, such as Gaming, Family, Creativity, School, Entertainment, Business, or Development.
Depending on the selected categories, these suggestions can include offers or app and service recommendations.
7. Use Do not disturb for quiet periods
Do not disturb silences or diverts many notifications; it does not permanently remove them. Depending on your settings, alarms, reminders, or priority apps can still show banners, and other notifications may remain in Notification center.
To enable it manually, open Notification center by selecting the clock or notification area on the taskbar, then select the bell icon marked zZ. To set automatic quiet periods, go to Start > Settings > System > Notifications and configure Turn on do not disturb automatically.
8. Stop Microsoft Edge website notifications
A lower-right desktop alert that appears even when Edge is closed may be a website notification, not a Windows ad or browser pop-up window. Remove permission for the site that is sending it.
- Open Edge and select Settings and more (…), then Settings.
- Go to Privacy, search, and services > Site permissions > All sites.
- Select the offending website.
- Find Notifications and choose Block.
You can also open the site, select View site information beside the address bar, and set Permissions for this site > Notifications to Block. Other browsers manage their own website-notification permissions, so check the browser that displays the alert.
Rank #3
- Clear visuals. Fluid motion: A 144Hz refresh rate and 1ms MPRT deliver smooth, tear‑free motion across work, gaming, and streaming for clearer, more fluid viewing.
- Eye comfort: TÜV Rheinland 3‑star* certification reduces harmful blue light while preserving stunning color quality without compromise. *TÜV Rheinland 3-star eye comfort certification.
- Wide viewing angle: Get consistent views across a wide 178° /178° viewing angle.
- In-Plane Switching (IPS): See excellent color accuracy and consistency across wide viewing angles with In-plane Switching (IPS) technology.
- Ultra-thin bezels: Maximize your viewing experience with thin bezels.
9. Block Edge pop-up windows and redirects
Browser pop-up windows and redirect tabs are different from desktop website notifications. In Edge:
- Select Settings and more (…), then Settings.
- Go to Privacy, search, and services > Site permissions > All permissions.
- Select Pop-ups and redirects.
- Turn on Blocked (recommended).
This does not block ads embedded in webpages or every pop-up triggered by a link or button you select. If unwanted pop-ups continue, disable extensions one at a time under Extensions > Manage extensions, update Edge under Settings > About Microsoft Edge, and scan for malware. Microsoft also lists blocking third-party cookies as a possible troubleshooting step.
10. Stop OneDrive prompts
OneDrive backup, storage, and event prompts are controlled separately from ordinary Windows notifications.
Stop folder backup
- Select the OneDrive cloud icon in the notification area.
- Select OneDrive Help & Settings > Settings.
- Open Sync and backup and select Manage backup.
- Turn off backup for the folder you do not want backed up, then choose whether to keep the files in OneDrive or on the PC.
Cloud-only files may need to be downloaded first by choosing Always keep on this device.
Unlink OneDrive or disable its event notifications
To stop syncing on this PC, open OneDrive settings, select the Account tab, choose Unlink this PC, and confirm Unlink account. Unlinking stops synchronization on the PC; it does not delete files stored in the OneDrive cloud account.
To disable event notifications without unlinking, open OneDrive settings and review its notification options. Available options can differ for personal and work or school accounts, and an organization may control some settings.
Rank #4
- CURVED FOR ENHANCED ENGAGEMENT: An immersive viewing experience with a curved monitor that wraps more closely around your field of vision; It creates a wider view, enhancing depth perception and minimizing peripheral distraction
- SMOOTH PERFORMANCE FOR SEAMLESS CONTENT: Stay in the action when playing games, watching videos, or working on creative projects; The 100Hz refresh rate reduces lag and motion blur so you don't miss a thing in fast-paced moments¹
- MORE GAMING POWER: Gain the edge with optimizable game settings; Color and image contrast can be adjusted to see scenes more vividly and spot enemies hiding in the dark; Game Mode adjusts any game to fill the screen so you can view every detail²
- KEEP IT EASY ON THE EYES: Care for your eyes and stay comfortable, even during long sessions; Advanced eye comfort technology certified by TÜV reduces eye strain by minimizing blue light and reducing irritating screen flicker²
- INCREASED VERSATILITY: Connect to more; Plug devices straight into your monitor for increased flexibility, making your computing environment even more convenient
11. Stop automatic file-download notifications
Windows can notify you when an app automatically downloads online-only files, including files supplied through OneDrive Files On-Demand.
- Open Start > Settings > System > Notifications.
- Under Notifications from apps and other senders, select Automatic file downloads.
- Turn its notifications off.
Blocking an app from automatic downloads is a separate action. Microsoft warns that blocking an app this way can make it unstable.
12. Stop suggested actions after copying text
If a pop-up appears after you copy a phone number or date, it may be Windows Suggested actions.
- Open Start > Settings > System > Clipboard.
- Turn Suggested actions off.
Microsoft says this feature is currently available only in North America and can offer calling or calendar actions based on copied text.
13. Enterprise and Education editions: disable Microsoft consumer experiences
Windows 11 Enterprise, Education, and IoT Enterprise editions have a policy for Microsoft recommendations and consumer prompts. In Group Policy, go to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Cloud Content > Turn off Microsoft consumer experiences and enable the policy.
Microsoft documents this policy for those editions on Windows 11 version 21H2 and later; it is not the same supported Group Policy setting on Windows 11 Pro. It is not a universal blocker for third-party apps, browser notifications, malware, or every promotional card.
Best Value
- 【INTEGRATED SPEAKERS】Whether you're at work or in the midst of an intense gaming session, our built-in speakers provide rich and seamless audio, all while keeping your desk clutter-free.
- 【EASY ON THE EYES】 Protect your eyes and enhance your comfort with Blue-Light Shift technology. This feature reduces harmful blue light emissions from your screen, helping to alleviate eye strain during long hours of use and promoting healthier viewing habits.
- 【WIDEN YOUR PERSPECTIVE】Our sleek minimal bezel design ensures undivided attention. The nearly bezel-free display seamlessly connects in a dual monitor arrangement, delivering an unobstructed view that lets you focus on more at once, completely distraction-free.
14. If the pop-ups look like virus warnings, scan for malware
Fake virus alerts, fake support phone numbers, prize notices, or browser windows that will not close may be malicious rather than normal Windows messages. Do not call a number shown in a suspicious alert.
- Open Start > Settings > Windows Security.
- Select Virus & threat protection, then under Current threats select Scan options.
- Choose Full scan.
If the pop-up returns after restarting, open Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options and choose Microsoft Defender Offline scan. Save open work first; the offline scan restarts the PC.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallWhich setting should you change?
| What you want | Change this setting |
|---|---|
| Block normal Windows app notifications | System > Notifications > Notifications: Off |
| Hide app banners but keep alerts available | Turn off Show notification banners for that app. |
| Stop tips and post-update welcome screens | Disable both options under Additional settings. |
| Stop Windows recommendations | Review Privacy & security > General or Recommendations & offers. |
| Remove lock-screen tips | Change Windows Spotlight to Picture or Slideshow. |
| Stop website alerts or browser windows | Block the site’s notification permission or enable Edge’s pop-up blocker, as appropriate. |
| Stop OneDrive prompts | Change OneDrive backup, account, or notification settings. |
| Stop suspicious virus warnings | Run a Windows Security scan. |
FAQ
What is the fastest way to stop Windows 11 notification pop-ups?
Go to Start > Settings > System > Notifications and turn Notifications off. This stops app notifications and Notification center alerts, but not every kind of Windows or browser pop-up.
Can I hide banners without losing notifications completely?
Yes. Select the app under System > Notifications > Notifications from apps and other senders, then turn Show notification banners off. You can leave Notification center alerts enabled.
Why do website notifications appear when Edge is closed?
A site that has permission to send notifications can deliver desktop alerts even when Edge is closed. Block that site’s notification permission in Edge settings.
Does Edge’s pop-up blocker stop desktop website notifications?
No. Browser pop-up windows and website notifications are separate controls. Block the site’s notification permission to stop desktop alerts.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Does turning off Advertising ID remove ads?
No. It makes ads less personalized; it does not reduce their number.
Does unlinking OneDrive delete files in the cloud?
No. Unlinking stops synchronization on that PC. Files stored in the OneDrive cloud account remain there.
What should I do if a pop-up claims my PC has a virus?
Do not trust contact details in the alert. Run a Full scan in Windows Security; if the warning returns after restarting, consider Microsoft Defender Offline scan.
The Bottom Line
Turn off Windows notifications to stop ordinary app alerts, then address the specific source of any remaining pop-ups: recommendations, lock-screen tips, Edge permissions or pop-up windows, OneDrive, suggested actions, or malware. Do not disturb is for quiet periods, and turning off Advertising ID reduces personalization rather than the number of ads.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
