How to Stop All Pop-Up Notifications and Ads in Windows 11

Windows 11 introduces a fresh interface, but you may find frequent pop-up notifications, tips, and even in-system ads to be distracting. The good news is that most of these can be disabled in just a few steps.

Turn Off Unwanted System Notifications

1. Press Win + I to open Settings> System> Notification.

2. At the top, toggle Notifications off to quiet all alerts. If you still want some app notifications (for Mail or Calendar, for example), leave the master switch on and scroll down to turn off individual apps’ notifications.

3. Under Notifications, click Do not disturb to schedule quiet hours or allow only priority or alarms.

Remove Ads from the Start Menu and Taskbar

Disabling this setting should stop Microsoft-recommended store apps from showing up in the Start menu.

1. Open Settings> Personalization> Start.

2. Disable Show recommendations for tips, shortcuts, new apps, and more.

Disable Windows Widgets

The Widgets app might be ok for home use, but it would be distracting when working. You can stop it from Settings.

1. In the Settings app, click Personalization.

2. Click Taskbar. Then you can disable the Widgets option.

Stop Ads and Suggestions in the Search Menu

If you are frustrated with your search window looking like this, below. You can also disable it.

1. In the Settings app, click Privacy & Security.

2. Click Search. Then, disable Show search highlights.

Switch Off Lock Screen Ads and Spotlight

The lock screen may show Windows Spotlight images or Tips, tricks, and more advertising. To switch it off:

1. Settings> Personalization> Lock screen.

2. Under Personalize your lock screen, select Picture or Slideshow instead of Windows Spotlight.

3. If you use Picture, turn off Get fun facts, tips, tricks, and more on your lock screen.

Disable Windows Setup Prompts and Ads in Settings

Windows sometimes pushes the Windows welcome experience or suggestions after updating. To disable it, you can:

1. In the Settings app, click System> Notifications.

2. At the bottom of the page, click Additional settings.

3. Uncheck the Show the Windows welcome experience… and Get tips and suggestions… settings.

Disable File Explorer ads

The next place you may need to check is File Explorer, since even the file manager occasionally promotes Microsoft services. Sometimes, a thin banner appears at the top suggesting OneDrive backups or Microsoft 365 subscriptions.

1. Open File Explorer

2. Select the three dots (⋯) in the toolbar and choose Options.

3. In the View tab, scroll to Show sync provider notifications. Uncheck it, then click Apply and OK.

After turning it off, File Explorer stopped showing OneDrive prompts, and the interface stayed focused on local files and folders.

Manage Apps and Notifications with Wise Program Uninstaller

In the Turn Off Unwanted System Notifications section, we mentioned that you can turn off notifications to quiet all alerts, including app ads, on your system. It’s also recommended to use Wise Program Uninstaller to do that. On the one hand, Wise Program Uninstaller can help you block disturbing notifications; on the other hand, it can remove some existing bloatware, unwanted or stubborn apps easily, solving the app pop-ups issue at the origin.

Step 2. Block Disturbing Prompts

Run Wise Program Uninstaller after installation. Find the Software Health, then click the Analyze button.

After a few seconds, you can click the Details beside the Disturbing Notifications item to see which app notifications you can turn off.

If you want to uninstall apps in Wise Program Uninstaller, please refer to this guide:

How to Batch Uninstall Apps by Using Wise Program Uninstaller.

Conclusion

By adjusting a handful of settings in Notifications, Personalization, or Wise Program Uninstaller, you can transform Windows 11 from a marketing billboard into a clean, distraction-free workspace. Spend a few minutes today toggling off suggestions, ads, and unwanted notifications, and enjoy a quieter, more focused computing experience.