Ditch ads in the Windows 10 Creators Update with these instructions

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by Radu Tyrsina 

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In an effort to get as many users to upgrade to Windows 10, Microsoft uses ads all over the operating system – taskbar, Start menu, and apps. Now with the Creators Update’s recent release to the public, you might want to disable ads in Windows 10 again.

Start Menu Ads

The Start menu is often your first stop when opening an app, depending on how you use Windows 10. You can disable ads from the Start Menu by typing Start Settings in search or go to Windows Settings > Personalization > Start. Switch off the “Occasionally show suggestions in Start” option five toggles below.

File Explorer Ads

Even in the File Explorer, ads are not off-limits. To disable ads from showing up in File Explorer, launch it from the taskbar and select View > Options > Change folder and search options. Then select the View tab, uncheck the “Show sync provider notifications” checkbox, and click Apply/OK.

Action Center Ads

Another place you’ll find ads in Windows 10 is in the Action Center, where you can disable them by searching for Notifications & actions settings from Start and turning off the top toggle labeled “Get notifications from apps and other senders.”

Lock Screen Ads

Ads can show up on the Lock Screen as well. This display is the first that you’ll see before logging in to your PC, so you’ll definitely not like to see ads there. For that, type Lock Screen Settings in the Start menu or open up Windows Settings and go to Personalization > Lock Screen. Click on either Picture or Slideshow in the dropdown menu under Background. Turn off a toggle labeled “Get fun facts, tips, and more from Windows and Cortana on your lock screen.”

Windows Ink Ads

The Windows Ink workspace has its own suggested apps., which means it can display more ads. To disable the ads in Windows Ink, select Windows Settings > Devices > Pen & Windows Ink and switch off a toggle labeled “Show recommended app suggestions.”

Share Dialog Ads

Microsoft introduced a new Share pane to File Explorer in the Creators Update. To prevent ads there, launch the File Explorer and click on the Share tab. Highlight a file and locate the Share button in the upper left corner. Click on the Share button and right-click one of the apps and uncheck “Show apps suggestions.”

Office and Other App Ads

Microsoft may tell you every now and then to subscribe to Office 365. But you can stop the company from doing so by visiting Windows Settings > System > Notifications & Actions and turning off the option labeled “Get notifications from these senders.”

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Radu Tyrsina

Radu Tyrsina Shield

Radu Tyrsina has been a Windows fan ever since he got his first PC, a Pentium III (a monster at that time). For most of the kids of his age, the Internet was an amazing way to play and communicate with others, but he was deeply impressed by the flow of information and how easily you can find anything on the web. Prior to founding Windows Report, this particular curiosity about digital content enabled him to grow a number of sites that helped hundreds of millions reach faster the answer they're looking for.