How to Turn Off Ads in File Explorer on Windows 11

Remove the unwanted advertisements from Windows 11 File Explorer and other parts of the OS.

Windows 11 differs significantly from its predecessor. There has been a lot of change, from aesthetics to essential beliefs. However, Microsoft's plans to bring advertisements to the Operating System remain unchanged.

The trouble is, they don't always appear to be advertisements. However, no matter how subtle they attempt to be, it's still shameless product marketing. And, let's face it, they aren't exactly subtle. They're still irritating, just like any other advertisement.

The default file management system in Windows is File Explorer, and it's possibly the worst location to put adverts. You may, however, turn off the advertisements.

Ads in File Explorer Can Be Turned Off

In the latest release for Windows Insiders, Microsoft is testing advertisements in File Explorer. In the File Explorer, an advertisement was discovered directly below the address bar. One user noticed a Microsoft Editor ad here, while another noticed a PowerPoint template ad.

This isn't the first time Microsoft has experimented with advertisements in File Explorer. Microsoft attempted advertisements in the File Explorer a few years back, and consumers saw an ad for OneDrive.

You can just close the ad by clicking the 'x' icon, or you can completely disable it.

Open the File Explorer. You can use the keyboard shortcut Windows logo key + E to open it. Click the option for ‘See more’ (three-dot menu) on the toolbar at the top.

Then, select ‘Options’ from the context menu.

Scroll down to Advanced settings and deselect the option for 'Show sync provider notifications' before clicking 'Apply.' Then, to close the dialogue box, click 'OK.'

Other Ads in Windows 11 Disabled

Ads appear in places other than File Explorer in Windows 11, just as they do in Windows 10. Here's how you can customise your viewing experience.

Notifications are disabled. Advertisement pop-ups

Unnecessary advertisements may appear in notification pop-ups on occasion. These advertisements are now dependent on your operating system and apps.

However, you can check to see if these are affecting your system. Use the keyboard shortcut Windows logo key + I to open the Settings app from the Start menu.

Then, from the System settings, go to ‘Notifications’.

Go to the list of Notifications and Other senders. In the list, search for any options that have the name Promotion or Promo in it, (e.g.: Partner Promo or Dropbox Promotions). Turn off the toggle for them. The options might be a little different for everyone, so take your time and go through the list.

Then, scroll down and expand the option for ‘Additional settings’.

To further eliminate unneeded alerts, uncheck the options for 'Get tips and suggestions when using Windows' and 'Suggest ways to get the most out of Windows and finish setting up this device.'

Ads on the lock screen can be turned off.

You may also disable advertising and other tips and tricks that appear frequently on your device's lock screen. Go to 'Personalization' in the Settings app.

In the customisation settings, select the 'Lock Screen' option.

If Picture or Slideshow is chosen next to Personalize your Lock Screen, expand that option. Then go down and uncheck 'Get entertaining facts, tips, tricks, and more on your lock screen.'

This option is not available if you have ‘Windows spotlight’ selected.

Disable Suggestions in Settings

Microsoft also offers “suggestions” in the settings app. These suggestions can range from some settings you might find useful to apps you might find interesting.

To disable these suggestions, go to ‘Privacy & Security’ from the navigation menu on the left.

Then, click the option for ‘General’ from the right pane.

Turn off the toggle for ‘Show me suggested content in the Settings app’.

Disable Personalized Ads

You can also turn off targeted advertisements across all of your PC's apps while you're at it. Your device is assigned a unique advertising ID by Windows. Apps can utilise it and link it to personal information they acquire about you. This enables them to show you adverts tailored to your preferences. This is used by both third-party apps and Microsoft products to deliver tailored advertisements to you.

To turn them off, go to General under the Privacy & Security menu. Then, uncheck the box next to 'Let applications display me tailored adverts based on my Advertising ID.'

Seeing advertisements in the operating system is a certain technique to get people to look for alternatives. It's reasonable to say that the adverts in File Explorer have elicited strong reactions. Even again, since the new ads were only visible on Insider builds, it's impossible to say if they'll make it to the stable builds.