How to Disable Annoying “Offers” Ads on Your Windows PC
When you buy a new Windows laptop, it keeps offering ads disguised as deals. But you’ve already spent money on the car – you don’t have to suffer from a bunch of ads on your brand new laptop, and you don’t have to. Here’s how to turn them off.
How to disable full screen ads for offers in Windows
Windows often asks you to “finish setup” for your new laptop, which roughly translates to “please sign up for Microsoft services and help us make money.” To get rid of them, open the Start menu and select the gear icon in the left pane. This will open the Windows settings. Now go to System > Notifications & Actions and disable the following options:
- Show me Windows Welcome…
- Please suggest how I can finish setting up the device…
- Get tips, tricks and suggestions…
How to Hide Search and Cortana from the Taskbar
The taskbar search button is sometimes useful, but it has a bunch of “recommended” results that are useless. You can use PowerToys to get systemwide search as an alternative and get rid of taskbar search. To do this, right-click the taskbar and choose Search > Hidden . While you’re at it, you should also consider hiding Cortana if you don’t plan on using voice search. Right-click the taskbar and disable the Show Cortana Button button .
How to remove news and interests from the taskbar
News & Interests is another way for Windows to push its ads, and if you’re not interested in this feature, right-click on the taskbar and select News & Interests > Disable . This will hide it from the taskbar.
How to turn off OneDrive alerts
Finally, OneDrive alerts can keep interrupting you on a new laptop. To disable them, click the OneDrive icon in the taskbar, which is located in the lower right corner of the screen. Select the gear icon and click Settings . A pop-up window will open where you can select the Settings tab. Turn off any alerts you don’t need in the Notifications tab and you’re done.