iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Windows 11 can show promotional suggestions because Personalized offers uses Windows activity and diagnostic data, and may also draw on Microsoft account and other Microsoft-product data, to tailor tips, ads, and recommendations. To reduce these suggestions, go to Settings > Privacy & security > Personalized offers and switch off Get personalized tips, ads, and recommendations based on my Windows activity. The advertising ID is a separate control, so turning it off does not disable this Windows setting.
What Windows 11 means by promotional suggestions
Microsoft describes Personalized offers as suggestions for customizing or optimizing Windows, along with ads and recommendations for products, services, features, apps, and hardware from Microsoft and third parties. A suggestion may, for example, point to a streaming app in Microsoft Store or storage hardware when a drive is low on space. Those are examples of content Windows might show—not evidence that you need the suggested product.
Microsoft says the data used can vary with your settings and permissions:
- Windows diagnostic data: Required diagnostic data can include device settings, capabilities, and performance information. If you have opted to share optional diagnostic data, personalization may also use app and feature usage and additional device-health information.
- Microsoft account and product activity: Sources may include Bing and Microsoft 365 usage, subscription and purchase history, and Edge web activity when you have granted the relevant permission.
- Other shared data: Microsoft says information shared from third-party websites may also be used. Some personalization can happen locally on the device.
Microsoft explains these sources in its Privacy settings for Recommendations & offers in Windows 11.
#1 Best Overall
- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 14.1" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy ergonomic support with the integrated cushioned wrist rest.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a sleek black carbon color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.8 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
How to turn off Personalized offers
- Open Start > Settings > Privacy & security > Personalized offers.
- Turn off Get personalized tips, ads, and recommendations based on my Windows activity.
This is the Windows control for personalized tips, offers, ads, and recommendations. It does not promise to remove every message from Windows or other Microsoft products.
Why your privacy page may say General or Recommendations & offers
The page name and available controls can differ between Windows 11 versions. Microsoft Support says, “The General privacy settings page is being replaced by the Recommendations & offers privacy settings page in more recent versions of Windows 11.” A device that has not received the relevant update may still show General.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
If you are on the General page, look for Show me suggested content in the Settings app. On a newer version, use the Personalized offers control and follow the label shown on your device rather than expecting every Windows 11 installation to have identical navigation. See Microsoft’s General privacy settings in Windows guidance.
Why turning off the advertising ID may not stop Settings suggestions
The advertising ID and Personalized offers have different purposes and scopes. The advertising ID is an identifier that apps using it can use for personalized advertising. Microsoft Support states: “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.” That control applies to Windows apps using the identifier; it does not control website-cookie advertising, every Microsoft advertising method, or ads in third-party products governed by their own privacy policies.
Rank #3
- Note: Not suitable for MacBooks released after 2023 or devices with a protruding front camera; Not applicable to full-screen or notch-style tempered glass screen protectors; Do not use on the rear camera of the phone.
- 💻 Why Do You Need a Webcam Cover Slide? — Safeguard your privacy by covering your webcam with our reliable webcam cover when not in use. Don't let anyone secretly watch you. Stay protected!
- ✅ Thin & Stylish — Enhance your laptop's functionality and aesthetics with our 0.027" ultra-thin webcam covers. Seamlessly close your laptop while adding a touch of sophistication.
- ✅ Fits Most Devices — Compatible with laptops, phones, tablets, desktops! Keep your privacy intact on Ap/ple, Mac/Book, iPh/one, iP/ad, H/P, L/novo, De/ll, Ac/er, As/us, Sa/msung devices.
- ✅ 365 Days Protection — Our upgraded 3.0 adhesive ensures a strong hold that won't damage your equipment. Experience reliable, long-term privacy protection day in and day out.
So if you turn off the advertising ID and still see a suggestion in Settings, that alone does not mean the setting failed. To address personalized Windows tips and offers, turn off Personalized offers instead. Microsoft’s Recommendations & offers privacy guidance describes both controls.
What can remain after you turn off Personalized offers
Disabling personalization does not necessarily make Windows or Microsoft services ad-free. Microsoft says contextual device data and some basic account data may still be used for appropriate messaging in Windows, including language- or age-appropriate content. The Personalized offers setting applies to Windows tips, offers, ads, and recommendations; it does not control offers in other Microsoft products. Microsoft also says opting out of personalized advertising does not remove ads, though they may be less relevant. These qualifications appear in Microsoft’s Privacy Statement.
Rank #4
- Anti-Slip Surface - Transform your laptop into a mobile workstation with the AboveTEK portable laptop lap desk. The anti-slip surface provides a strong grip for laptops up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), while the double rubber strip on the bottom ensures a stable display or typing experience on your lap, couch, or bed.
- Retractable Mouse Pad - Retractable laptop mouse pad extends on both directions for the left/right handed with elevation along the edges for stopping mouse from falling off. The size of laptop tray is 14" X 9.7" and the size of mouse pad is 7.4" X 6.1".
- Effective Heat Shield - The effective heat shield made of sturdy and thick material protects your laptop from overheating. Prioritizes your comfort and safety, an ideal lap pad or board for working anywhere.
- EASY to Carry and Store - With an ergonomic and simplistic design, the lap desk is portable to store in a backpack. Only 15" in size, 2.2 lb of weight and with slim 0.6 inch thickness, it is ready to be easily carried around.
- Widely Applicable - The smooth platform accommodates laptops and tablets up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), making it a versatile accessory and one of the best gifts for mom, dad, students and professionals. Perfect for use as a laptop bed tray or tablet holder anywhere at home, library, or park.
What Microsoft reports about the European Economic Area
Microsoft’s DMA consumer-profiling report says it did not engage in consumer profiling in Windows in the European Economic Area as of 31 December 2024. The report also says Microsoft began gradually replacing the prior Tailored Experiences consent with a Personalized Offers consent on EEA PCs in November 2024. This is a dated, EEA-specific statement in Microsoft’s own regulatory filing; it should not be read as a current worldwide description.
In a separate DMA compliance report, Microsoft describes Personalized Offers across several Windows surfaces, says those surfaces have user controls, and characterizes most promotions as being for its own products and services. That context helps explain why suggestions can look commercial, but it does not change the settings available on your device.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 12" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy laptop support with the integrated device ledge.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a blush pink color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.14 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
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.
