Windows 11 comes with a fully customizable Lock screen so that you can fine-tune it to your heart’s liking. Based on your preference, it also shows relevant ads, suggestions, and promotions. While they may not seem to be annoying to many, I find them unbearable. If you are also like me, there is a chance you are already exploring ways to remove ads from the Windows 11 Lock Screen. If my guesswork is spot on, let’s get into the act of keeping your beloved LC clutter-free.
1. Avoid Using Windows Spotlight for Lock Screen
Windows Spotlight is designed to rotate images from Bing and also includes ads and promotional content such as tips, trivia, or app suggestions. Hence, switching to a static image disables these extras.
- To get going, open Settings from the Start menu on your PC.
- Now, click Personalization > Lock screen.
- Under the “Personalize your lock screen” dropdown, choose Picture or Slideshow instead of Windows Spotlight.
2. Disable Fun Facts, Tips, and Tricks
Even when using a custom image, Windows may still display tips, facts, or tricks that act as subtle ads.
- On your Windows device, fire up the Settings app > Personalization, then Lock screen.
- Scroll down to find the checkbox “Get fun facts, tips, tricks, and more on your lock screen”.
- After that, make sure to uncheck this option to remove promotional content.
3. Turn Off Lock Screen Widgets
It’s worth pointing out that widgets may show personalized updates like weather or calendar events, but they can also include content that resembles ads, especially if tied to online services.
- Navigate to the Settings app on your computer > Personalization > Lock screen.
- Now, find the “Your widgets” toggle and turn it off.
4. Use Group Policy Editor (for Pro and Enterprise users)
Are you using Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise? Note that the Group Policy Editor allows stricter control over the system’s behavior, including preventing advertising features. Hence, I’d recommend you use Group Policy Editor.
- Press Win + R to trigger the Run dialog > type gpedit.msc > press Enter.
- Then, head over to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Control Panel > Personalization.
- Next, double-click Do not display the lock screen > set it to Enabled > click OK.
- It’s important to mention that it disables the Lock screen entirely, preventing any ads from appearing (Note: This will jump directly to the sign-in screen).
5. Disable Advertising ID System-wide
The advertising ID helps apps and Windows show personalized ads, including on the Lock screen and elsewhere. Turning it off stops targeted ad delivery.
- To do so, launch the Settings app on your PC > Privacy & security > General.
- Next up, be sure to turn off the toggle for “Let apps show me personalized ads by using my advertising ID”.
6. Disable Lock Screen Ads via Registry Editor (Advanced Users)
Keep in mind that if Group Policy is not available, Registry Editor can be used to disable Windows Spotlight and associated promotional content.
- To get it done, press Win + R to launch the Run dialog > type regedit > press Enter.
- Navigate to:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ContentDeliveryManager - Up next, make sure to double-click and set the following values to 0:
- ContentDeliveryAllowed
- RotatingLockScreenEnabled
- RotatingLockScreenOverlayEnabled
- Finally, restart your PC for changes to take effect.
7. Turn Off Lock Screen Notifications
Some notifications on the Lock screen might be promotional (like encouraging you to try OneDrive or Microsoft 365).
- Dive into the Settings app on your device > System > Notifications.
- Click Additional settings.
- Disable “Show notifications on the lock screen” and then reboot your PC.
Wrapping up…
And that’s about it! By following these methods, you can significantly reduce or even completely eliminate promotional content and ads from your Windows 11 Lock screen. Whether you’re aiming for better performance, privacy, or simply a cleaner look, these tweaks help maintain a distraction-free and professional Windows experience.
While Microsoft considers many of these features “informational,” users should have control over their own interface. With the right settings, you can reclaim your Lock screen and keep it personal and ad-free.
