Windows isn’t a free OS, and yet Microsoft still finds it perfectly justifiable to show ads. They typically show up in three places — the Start menu, the lock screen, and the notification panel. And it’s not just about these ads being annoying. They also make Windows look cluttered.

The good news, though, is that it only takes a couple of minutes to disable all of them. And once you do, Windows looks a lot cleaner.

It’s not that bad once you get rid of those suggestions

The Start menu is one of those things everyone opens probably dozens of times a day, so I’m not exactly surprised that Microsoft is using it to show ads. Most of the time, you’ll see app recommendations or tips nudging you toward a Microsoft service. Unfortunately, those things also make the Start menu look cluttered.

The good news is that you don’t have to replace the Start menu just because of this. Head to Settings > Personalization > Start and turn off Show recommendations for tips, shortcuts, new apps, and more.

Another thing worth switching off is Search Highlights, which show up when you open the search menu. These largely show you trending searches, holidays, and news, but Microsoft also uses the space to subtly promote Bing and Microsoft Rewards.

To disable this, head to Settings > Privacy & security > Search and turn off Show search highlights. Once you do this, the Search menu will only show recent searches, suggested apps, and top apps, which, honestly, is way more helpful.

Your lock screen shouldn’t look like a Microsoft billboard

Make your lock screen just a lock screen again

The lock screen is another place that’s impossible to ignore. You encounter at least once or maybe even more if you have a habit of locking your PC every time you step away.

By default, it uses Bing’s wallpaper library to show new images every time. But along those, you’ll also see text overlays everywhere. These mostly include fun facts, but Microsoft also uses them to slip in suggestions like “Switch to Edge.” It’s a small thing, but the Windows lock screen is definitely better off without those text overlays.

Head to Settings > Personalization > Lock screen and use the Personalize your lock screen drop-down menu to choose Picture or Slideshow. Then, uncheck Get fun facts, tips, and more on your lock screen.

Once you do this, the lock screen won’t have any ads. Note that this doesn’t hide those lock screen widgets that show you weather, news, and stock updates. If you don’t want those either, use the Lock screen status drop-down menu and choose None.

Two more spots Microsoft couldn’t resist

The Settings app is one of the last places you’d think Microsoft would show ads, but they’re there too. You could be browsing the Settings app for something completely unrelated and see Windows suggesting you use OneDrive to back up your PC or get a Microsoft 365 trial you never asked about. None of this, of course, is helpful. And it doesn’t really help that the Windows Settings app is already pretty confusing.

Fortunately, there’s a simple toggle that lets you shut off every ad that appears inside the Settings app. Head to Settings > Privacy & security > Recommendations & offers and disable Recommendations and offers in Settings.

Finally, Windows also loves to sneak ads into the notification panel. These usually appear right after you’ve set up your PC, and once again, they’re mostly about encouraging you to try more Microsoft apps and services. Apparently, according to Microsoft, you’re not done setting up your Windows PC until you’ve set Edge as the default browser, enabled OneDrive backup, tried Copilot, or agreed to share more data. Most of these appear inside the notification panel, but sometimes Windows might also throw a full-screen prompt at you about it.

To turn those off, head to Settings > System > Notifications. Go to Notifications from apps and other senders and turn off the toggle under Suggested. Then scroll down to the end of the page, click Additional settings, and uncheck Suggest ways to get the most out of Windows and finish setting up this device and Get tips and suggestions when using Windows.

You don’t have to stop here…

Turning off the ads from these 3 places is usually enough to get rid of most ads, but you can do more. Your PC is probably still packed with Microsoft apps you probably don’t touch and never will. If you don’t need them, there’s little reason to keep them around.

And while you’re at it, you should look for apps from your manufacturer, be it Dell, Lenovo, Asus, HP, Acer, or any other. These OEM tools typically include recommendations about their own products and trial software, which are basically ads. So yes, if you’re not using those manufacturer tools, it’s best to remove them.