Windows 11 introduced a sleek new design and several useful features aimed at enhancing user experience. However, one feature that has drawn mixed reactions is the presence of recommended ads in the Start menu. These ads are often disguised as recommendations for apps or services, but they can feel intrusive, especially when users expect a clean interface.
The good news is that it is possible to remove these recommended ads and declutter your Start menu. This guide will walk you through the steps to disable these recommendations and regain control over your Windows 11 Start menu.
Why Are There Ads in the Windows 11 Start Menu?
Microsoft has integrated advertisements in the form of app and service recommendations within the Windows 11 Start menu. These “recommendations” often suggest software or services like Microsoft Edge, Office 365, and other third-party apps from the Microsoft Store. While they may be helpful for some users, many see them as unnecessary distractions.
These ads are part of Microsoft’s strategy to promote its ecosystem of services and software, but fortunately, the company provides ways to minimize or disable these recommendations entirely.
Step-by-Step Guide to Remove Recommended Ads from the Windows 11 Start Menu
Step 1: Open Windows Settings
To begin, you’ll need to access the Settings menu on your Windows 11 device. You can do this by following these steps:
1. Press the Windows key on your keyboard or click the Start button in the bottom-left corner of your screen.
2. In the Start menu, click on the Settings gear icon or type “Settings” in the search bar and press Enter.
Step 2: Navigate to Personalization Settings
Once you’re in the Settings menu:
1. On the left-hand sidebar, find and click on Personalization. This section controls all appearance-related settings, including the Start menu.
2. In the Personalization tab, scroll down and select Start from the list of options.
Step 3: Disable Recommended Content
Now that you’re in the Start settings, you’ll see options that control what appears in your Start menu. Look for the following setting:
1. Show recently added apps: Toggle this option off if you don’t want newly installed apps to appear as recommendations.
2. Show most used apps: Toggle this off if you don’t want frequently used apps to be listed in the Start menu.
3. Show recently opened items in Start, Jump Lists, and File Explorer: Disabling this option will stop Windows from showing you items you’ve recently interacted with, which are often shown as recommended content.
By disabling these options, you significantly reduce the clutter in your Start menu.
Step 4: Turn Off App Suggestions
There’s another setting specifically aimed at controlling app suggestions in the Start menu. Here’s how you can disable it:
1. In the same Personalization section, scroll down to App suggestions or Device Usage (depending on your version of Windows 11).
2. Toggle this setting off. This will stop Windows from showing suggested apps and services that you may not have installed.
Step 5: Uninstall Unwanted Pre-installed Apps
Sometimes, pre-installed apps that you never use can also show up as recommendations in the Start menu. To remove these apps:
1. Go to the Settings menu, then click on Apps in the left-hand sidebar.
2. Click on Installed apps to view all the apps currently installed on your system.
3. Find any apps you don’t want, click on them, and select Uninstall to remove them from your system.
Step 6: Turn Off Notifications for Ads
In addition to recommendations in the Start menu, Windows 11 may also display ads as notifications. To turn these off:
1. Go to Settings and select System.
2. Click on Notifications.
3. Scroll down and disable Get tips, tricks, and suggestions as you use Windows.
This will prevent Windows from showing ads as notifications.
Windows 11’s inclusion of recommended ads in the Start menu can be distracting, but thankfully, it’s relatively easy to remove them. By following these steps, you can enjoy a cleaner, more personalized experience without unwanted recommendations. Disabling these ads not only improves your Start menu but also gives you more control over what appears on your device.
