Removing Lock Screen Ads on Windows 11 — Tried and Tested
This took me ages to figure out. Those annoying lock screen ads and tips can really spoil the look if you prefer a tidy, minimal setup. Honestly, I found them pretty invasive, especially since they pop up just when you’re trying to unlock your PC quickly. After fiddling with the settings and a few registry tweaks, I managed to clear most of that clutter. So here’s the real deal — if you’re in the same boat, hopefully this guide saves you some time.
Why It’s Not Always Easy to Disable Ads When Using Windows Spotlight
So, Windows Spotlight is that feature which displays stunning images on your lock screen, but it also tends to include little tips and even ads for Microsoft products. The thing is, when Spotlight is active, Microsoft often bundles in promotional content and suggestions, sometimes hiding the options to disable them or making it a bit tricky. For a cleaner lock screen without those pesky ads, your best option is to switch to a static picture or slideshow. But beware — Windows might still sneak in Spotlight features or tips unless you turn them off via settings or registry tweaks, especially on some devices with OEM customisations. I learned this the hard way — on my older ASUS, I had to dig through advanced options to find the setting hidden away.
How I Finally Managed to Get Rid of the Lock Screen Ads — Here’s What Worked
First, press Windows key + I to open Settings quickly. Under Personalisation, head to Lock Screen. Here, you can choose what appears when your PC is locked. You’ll see a dropdown menu for “Personalise your lock screen” — with options like Picture, Slideshow, or Windows Spotlight. If Spotlight is still enabled, switch it to either Picture or Slideshow. That’s step one.
Next, keep an eye out for a little toggle called Get fun facts, tips, tricks, and more on your lock screen. It’s usually just below the dropdown menu or nearby in advanced settings. Turning this off is key because that’s often what loads those promotional snippets and tips. I flicked it off, did a quick reboot, and suddenly, most of the ads vanished. Honestly, it’s a bit strange how Windows hides this setting, but once you find it, it’s straightforward to change.
Sometimes, even after switching off that setting, Windows doesn’t update immediately. You might need to restart your PC or sign out and back in. These things can be a bit finicky. If ads or tips still appear, double-check that Spotlight isn’t lurking in the background, or consider editing the registry for a more permanent fix.
Going the Extra Mile: Tips to Keep Your Lock Screen Tip-Free
Once you’ve turned off the tips toggle and set your lock screen to a static image or slideshow, it makes a big difference. No more tips, ads, or suggestions cluttering the screen. However, if Spotlight stubbornly refuses to turn off, you might need to go further — such as disabling Spotlight entirely via Group Policy or registry edit (HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Personalisation) by creating a NoLockScreen key set to 1. Just keep in mind — for most users, simply switching the lock screen to a static image is enough.
Quick note: Disabling Spotlight or setting up a static image may mean losing some Spotlight-specific images and tips. It’s a trade-off — a cleaner look versus those dynamic features Microsoft loves to push.
Watch Out for Snags and Quirks
If some options are greyed out or missing, it could be down to manufacturer restrictions or pending Windows updates. Sometimes, OEMs lock down certain settings, especially on enterprise or pre-configured devices. If that’s the case, updating your BIOS or Windows might help, or you may need to use Group Policy Editor (on Windows Pro). Keep an eye out for those issues.
The Takeaway — What I Learned
In short, switching your lock screen from Spotlight to Picture or Slideshow, plus turning off the tips toggle, generally does the trick. If it doesn’t stay changed, a registry tweak can help push it over the line. Just remember, disabling Spotlight might remove some features, but for a cleaner lock screen, it’s well worth it.
Hope this helps — I spent far too many late nights battling the barrage of lock screen ads, especially after updates. Double-check that your lock screen is set to Picture or Slideshow, turn off those tips, and if needed, disable Spotlight through registry or group policy. That should do the job. Cheers and good luck!