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You can reduce Windows 11’s built-in promotions by changing three settings: turn off personalized offers, disable advertising ID access for Windows apps, and switch off suggested content in Settings. These controls affect different kinds of content and do not remove every promotion from Windows, apps, or online services.
Which three settings should you change?
Use the controls on your own Windows 11 build: Microsoft’s current layout groups the first two under Settings > Privacy & security > Recommendations & offers. Some devices may still show the older Privacy & security > General page; Microsoft says it is being replaced by Recommendations & offers in newer Windows 11 versions.
- Turn off personalized offers. In Recommendations & offers, switch off the control for personalized offers. Depending on the interface, this may be labeled Let Microsoft use your diagnostic data for personalized tips, ads, and recommendations or similarly. Microsoft says personalized offers can include tips, ads, and recommendations for Microsoft and third-party products and services. Relevant device and diagnostic information, account information, and data from other Microsoft products and services may be used. Microsoft’s Recommendations & offers privacy page describes the setting and its data use.
- Turn off the advertising ID for Windows apps. On the same page, switch off Let apps show me personalized ads by using my advertising ID, or the equivalent label. If you see the older General page, look for Let apps show me personalized ads by using my advertising ID there. This limits Windows apps’ use of that identifier for personalized advertising; it is not a system-wide ad blocker and does not control web cookies or every third-party advertising method. Microsoft cautions: “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.” See Microsoft’s current guidance and its description of General privacy settings.
- Disable suggested content in Settings. Open Settings > Privacy & security > General and turn off Show me suggested content in the Settings app, if that option appears on your build. Microsoft’s General privacy settings guide describes this control. Its location or availability may differ as Windows updates roll out.
After changing a setting, close and reopen Settings or the relevant app to check the result. These controls address different forms of personalization and recommendations; they do not promise a completely ad-free Windows experience.
Why turning off the advertising ID is not enough
The advertising ID setting concerns one identifier available to Windows apps. Turning it off may make ads less personalized, but Microsoft explicitly says it does not reduce the number of ads. It also does not disable promotions delivered through other settings, websites, or individual apps. For that reason, treat it as a privacy and personalization choice—not as the main switch for removing all advertising.
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Other Windows surfaces that may show promotions
Windows can surface recommendations, tips, or promotional content in more places than the three settings above. The exact controls vary by Windows update and device configuration.
- Start: recommendations or app promotions may appear alongside pinned apps.
- Search: Search highlights can show suggested content.
- Widgets: the feed may include recommendations and sponsored content.
- File Explorer: sync-provider notifications may promote services.
- Notifications: Windows can show tips and suggestions.
- Lock screen: Picture or Slideshow settings may offer a way to remove tips and suggestions.
Windows Central’s surface-by-surface guide documents routes for these areas, as well as device-usage suggestions. Its lock-screen instructions say to select Settings > Personalization > Lock screen, choose Picture or Slideshow, then clear Get fun facts, tips, tricks, and more on your lock screen. The guide notes that this route does not disable ads shown with Windows Spotlight; interface behavior can change with updates.
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What these changes will—and will not—do
- They reduce or disable selected Windows recommendations and app personalization options.
- They do not guarantee that all advertising disappears. Promotions in the Microsoft Store, third-party apps, websites, or other services may have separate controls.
- They do not disable web tracking cookies or block every ad that an app or service displays.
- Labels and available controls may vary by Windows 11 version, region, and update state. If a listed option is missing, check whether your build uses the newer Recommendations & offers page or the older General page.
For managed business devices, administrators have separate policy options. Microsoft Learn documents those controls for Windows editions and enterprise administration; they are not necessary for this consumer settings walkthrough: Manage connections from Windows components to Microsoft services.
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