Windows: How to get rid of “offers” ads on your PC

Windows is a very advanced operating system, but Microsoft has been integrating more ads into it in recent years. Here’s how to make many of them disappear.

When you buy a new Windows PC, it keeps showing you ads disguised as offers. But since you’ve already spent some money on the car, you don’t have to suffer because your new computer is loaded with ads. Here’s how to make them disappear.

How to disable full screen ads for offers in Windows

Windows often asks you to “finish setting up”your new computer, which can be translated as “sign up for our Microsoft services and earn us some money”. To get rid of these prompts, 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 Home…
• Suggest ways to complete device setup
• Get tips, tricks and suggestions…

How to make Search and Cortana disappear from the taskbar

The taskbar search button is sometimes useful, but it also offers a lot of “recommended”results that aren’t helpful at all. You can use PowerToys to take advantage of system level alternative search and no longer use taskbar search. Without PowerToys, right-click the taskbar and choose Search > Hidden. While you’re at it, you should also consider hiding Cortana if you’re not going to be using voice search. Right click on the taskbar and disable “Show Cortana button”.

How to remove news and points of interest from the taskbar

News & Interests is another way Windows displays ads, and if you don’t care about them, right-click on the taskbar and select News & Interests > Disable. You will no longer see them on the taskbar.

How to turn off OneDrive alerts

OneDrive alerts can be annoying every day. 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. This will open a window. Go to the “Settings”tab and turn off any alerts you don’t need in the “Notifications”tab and voila.