Microsoft keeps pumping more and more ads into Windows 11. In addition to self-advertising in the Start menu, app recommendations, and pop-ups for Game Pass games, there are now also pop-ups for cloud storage that you can’t switch off. Ugh.
It’s enough to make people who simply want to work in peace on their computer rip their hair out in frustration. Although you can disable many of these features yourself by diving deep into the Windows 11 settings, there is an easier way.
Free tool for removing Windows ads and more
With the free Ashampoo Windows 11 AdBlock tool, you can declutter your Windows system relatively easily. You can see at a glance which types of built-in ads are active and deactivate them with a single click.
The freeware program doesn’t make any in-depth changes to Windows 11’s registry; instead, it simply taps into existing settings. This means that the options are limited, but you don’t have to worry about any potential damage to your Windows installation.
Ashampoo AdBlock works with all versions of Windows 11 and removes the following unwanted bits from the operating system:
- Bing results in the search
- Edge search bar widget
- Adverts in the file explorer
- “Finish Setup” advertising
- General tips and adverts
- Tips and adverts on the lock screen
- Personalised advertising
- Settings advertising
- Start menu advertising
- “Tailored Experiences”
- “Welcome Experience” Advertising
- More Windows notifications
Ashampoo Windows 11 AdBlock Download
You can simply download the Ashampoo AdBlock tool free of charge and start using it right away.
Alternatively, there are other providers of similar free tools, such as OFGB or Winpilot Adblock. The details differ, but the core functionality remains the same across all three apps — they’re designed to eradicate Windows 11’s ad annoyances.
This article originally appeared on our sister publication PC-WELT and was translated and localized from German.
Author: Laura Pippig, Staff Writer, PC-WELT
Laura is an enthusiastic gamer as well as a movie and TV fan. After studying communication science, she went straight into a job at PCMagazin and Connect Living. Since then, she has been writing about everything to do with PCs and technology topics, and has been a permanent editor at our German sister site PC-WELT since May 2024.