How To Clean Up Windows 11 System Recommendations And Offers

Step 1Clean Up the Start Menu Recommendations

Cleaning up Start menu ⊞ recommendations in Windows 11 stops the operating system from showing suggested files and recent apps you do not need to see. You can easily turn off these extra suggestions by opening your main settings, clicking on personalization options, and adjusting your start folder settings so your main menu stays neat and organized every time you open it.

Select Personalization from the menu on the left side of the screen.

Click on Start from the available options on the right.

Turn off the toggle switches next to options like Show recently added apps, Show most used apps, and Show recommendations for tips, shortcuts, new apps, and more.

Once you turn these off, the bottom portion of your Start menu will display only your pinned applications, giving you a much cleaner layout.

Step 2Stop Promotional Notifications in the Settings App

Stopping promotional notifications in the Windows 11 settings app gets rid of annoying banners that ask you to back up files or finish your device setup. You can turn off these tips by opening your system settings, going into the notifications menu, and unchecking the boxes that allow Microsoft to show you extra reminders and promotional offers.

windows 11 notifications tile

Go to the System tab on the left, then click on Notifications on the right.

Scroll all the way down to the bottom of the Notifications page and click to expand the Additional settings section.

Uncheck the boxes next to Show me the welcome experience after updates and occasionally when I sign in to highlight what's new and suggested and Get tips and suggestions when using Windows.

Step 3Remove Ads and Tips from File Explorer

Removing ads and tips from Windows 11 File Explorer stops annoying sync suggestions and cloud service prompts from appearing above your folders and drives. You can hide these messages by opening the folder options menu inside File Explorer and turning off the setting that shows sync provider notifications.

Launch File Explorer by clicking its taskbar icon or pressing Windows Key + E.

Click on the three horizontal dots (See more) icon at the top of the window, then select Options.

In the Folder Options window that appears, click on the View tab at the top.

Scroll down the list of advanced settings until you find Show sync provider notifications.

Uncheck the box next to Show sync provider notifications.

Click Apply, then click OK to save your changes.

Step 4Clear Up Lock Screen Suggestions

Clearing up lock screen suggestions in Windows 11 stops fun facts, weather updates, and promotional pictures from showing up every time your computer locks. You can switch your lock screen background from Windows Spotlight to a simple picture or slideshow in your personal settings to keep your lock screen clean and distraction free.

Open the Settings app by pressing Windows Key + I.

Select Personalization from the left menu, then click on Lock screen on the right.

Look for the setting labeled Personalize your lock screen.

Change the drop-down menu from Windows spotlight to Picture or Slideshow.

Uncheck the box next to Get fun facts, tips, tricks, and more on your lock screen if it remains visible.

Step 5Disable Tailored Experiences and Diagnostic Data

Disabling tailored experiences and diagnostic data in Windows 11 stops Microsoft from using your computer usage history to generate personalized tips and targeted offers. You can turn off this tracking by going to your privacy and security settings, opening the diagnostics section, and turning off the switch for tailored experiences.

Open the Settings app by pressing Windows Key + I.

Select Privacy & security from the left-hand menu.

Click on Diagnostics & feedback on the right.

Expand the Tailored experiences section.

Turn off the toggle switch next to Let Microsoft use your diagnostic data—excluding info about your browser—to provide you with personalized tips, ads, and recommendations.

Step 6Unique Expert Tip — Managing Background Apps and Startup Programs

Managing background apps and startup programs in Windows 11 stops unnecessary software from running quietly and slowing down your computer every time it turns on. You can speed up your system by opening the task manager, checking your startup apps, and disabling any programs you do not need to launch automatically.

To stop unnecessary programs from running as soon as your computer turns on:

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open the Task Manager.

You can click on the Startup apps icon, which looks like a small gauge or speedometer, located on the left menu of the settings window. Finding this specific icon matters because you need to open the startup apps list to stop unwanted programs from running in the background when your computer turns on, which helps your Windows 11 system run faster.

Review the list of applications that launch automatically when you turn on your PC.

Right-click any app you do not need running immediately in the background and select Disable.

Turning off Windows 11 system recommendations keeps your system resources free and stops annoying pop-up ads from appearing right after you sign in to your computer. Stopping these unwanted offers matters because disabling Windows 11 system recommendations frees up memory and stops distractions, letting you get to work right away without closing extra windows.

Step 7Unique Expert Tip — Clearing the System Clipboard

Clearing the system clipboard in Windows 11 gets rid of the stored history of everything you recently copied and pasted to protect your privacy and reduce clutter. You can wipe your clipboard clean by opening your main system settings, clicking on the clipboard menu, and selecting the clear data button.

Open the Settings app by pressing Windows Key + I.

Select System from the left menu, then click on Clipboard on the right.

Locate the Clipboard data section and click the Clear button next to Clear clipboard data.

You can also turn off the Clipboard history toggle switch entirely if you prefer not to store multiple copied items.

Summary

Windows 11 system recommendations and promotional offers can easily be turned off if you find built-in ads and tips distracting while using your computer. Adjusting your start menu preferences, notification settings, and file explorer options gives you a much cleaner, quieter experience without extra Microsoft suggestions getting in your way.