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Windows 11 has settings that limit certain types of ad and recommendation personalization, but they do not turn off all tracking or remove ads. The most direct control is the advertising ID used by apps that support it. Other switches limit personalized Windows offers, optional diagnostic data, app-launch tracking, and suggested content in Settings.
Microsoft says turning off the advertising ID will not reduce the number of ads; it may make ads less relevant. The controls below are specific to Windows features and should not be treated as a universal ad blocker or a way to make a PC anonymous.
1. Turn off the advertising ID used by apps
The Windows advertising ID is a per-user identifier that apps and advertising networks may use to associate information they collect with that ID and personalize ads across participating apps. It does not control website cookies or every other form of interest-based advertising.
- Open Settings > Privacy & security > Recommendations & offers.
- Turn off Let apps show my personalized ads by using my advertising ID.
Microsoft Support says: “Turning the advertising ID off will not reduce the number of ads you see, but it may mean that ads are less interesting and relevant to you.” If you turn the setting back on, Windows resets the identifier. Microsoft’s Recommendations & offers guidance explains the setting and its limits.
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2. Disable personalized tips, ads, and recommendations
Personalized offers can draw on Windows diagnostic data, account information, and information from other Microsoft products and services to customize tips, ads, and recommendations.
- Open Settings > Privacy & security > Personalized offers.
- Turn off Get personalized tips, ads, and recommendations based on my Windows activity.
On some older Windows 11 installations, this control is called Tailored experiences and appears under Settings > Privacy & security > Diagnostics & feedback. Microsoft is replacing the older label with Personalized offers, so check either location if you do not see the newer path. Microsoft’s diagnostics and privacy guidance describes the label change.
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3. Limit optional diagnostic data
Optional diagnostic data may include websites you browse, device activity, and enhanced error reporting. This is a reduction in optional collection, not an option to turn off all diagnostics: Required diagnostic data remains included.
- Open Settings > Privacy & security > Diagnostics & feedback.
- Set Diagnostic data to Required diagnostic data.
Microsoft says Windows remains secure and operates normally when only Required diagnostic data is sent. Optional data can help Microsoft diagnose problems and improve its products; choosing Required only trades away that additional data sharing rather than disabling diagnostics entirely. See Microsoft’s explanation of diagnostic data.
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4. Stop Windows from tracking app launches for Start and search
Windows can use the apps you launch to personalize Start and search results, including making frequently used apps easier to find. This is separate from the advertising ID.
- Open Settings > Privacy & security > Recommendations & offers.
- Turn off Let Windows improve Start and search results by tracking app launches.
The setting’s location and wording may vary by Windows 11 update. Microsoft’s General privacy settings guidance documents the older layout and notes that the General page is being replaced on newer versions.
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5. Turn off suggested content in Settings
Some installations expose a separate control for suggested content in the Settings app. Microsoft describes these suggestions as ways to discover Windows features and content or apps that may interest you.
- Open Settings > Privacy & security > General, if that page is available.
- Turn off Show me suggested content in the Settings app.
This option is associated with the older General privacy page, which Microsoft says is being replaced in newer Windows 11 versions. You may not see the same label or path on every installation. See Microsoft’s General privacy settings guidance.
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If you still see tailored prompts, check Device usage
Windows also lets you select how you use your device. Microsoft says categories such as Gaming, Entertainment, or Business can lead to tailored tips, recommendations, and personalized ads. You can change or opt out of these choices at any time, and Microsoft says this data is not shared with third parties.
- Open Settings > Personalization > Device usage.
- Review the selected categories and change or opt out of choices you do not want to use.
For details, see Microsoft’s Device usage settings guidance.
Why a setting may be missing
Windows 11’s privacy pages and labels change across updates: Recommendations & offers and Personalized offers are replacing some older General and Tailored experiences controls. A missing or unavailable toggle may reflect a different Windows version or a device managed by an organization. Look for the older label or documented alternate location before assuming the control is absent.
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