How to Remove Windows 11 Bloatware and Disable Built-in Ads

Tired of unwanted apps, Start Menu suggestions, and ads in Windows 11? Here's how to clean up your system by removing bloatware and disabling promotional content.

Published 2026-02-04 by TechNet New England

A fresh Windows 11 installation comes with a surprising amount of software you didn't ask for: Candy Crush, Spotify, TikTok, various Microsoft promotional apps, and even ads disguised as "suggestions" in the Start Menu and Settings. On top of that, Microsoft has started auto-installing apps like Copilot and Microsoft Teams without asking.

Here's how to clean all of that up and take back control of your system.

Uninstall Bloatware Apps

Start by removing the apps you don't want. Some can be uninstalled normally, while others require PowerShell.

Method 1: Uninstall from Settings

  1. Open Settings (Windows + I)
  2. Go to Apps > Installed apps
  3. Find the app you want to remove, click the three dots next to it, and select "Uninstall"

Common apps to remove: Clipchamp, Microsoft News, Solitaire Collection, Get Help, Tips, Feedback Hub, Xbox Game Bar (if you don't use it), Movies & TV, and any third-party apps like Spotify or TikTok that came preinstalled.

Method 2: Uninstall via PowerShell (For Stubborn Apps)

Some built-in apps don't show an "Uninstall" button. Open PowerShell as Administrator and use these commands:

Be careful with PowerShell removal. Don't remove core system apps like Microsoft Store, Photos, or Calculator unless you have a specific reason.

Disable Start Menu Ads and Suggestions

Microsoft shows "recommended" apps in the Start Menu, which are really just advertisements. Turn them off:

  1. Open Settings > Personalization > Start
  2. Turn off "Show recommendations for tips, shortcuts, new apps, and more"
  3. Turn off "Show recently added apps" if you find it cluttered
  4. Optionally turn off "Show most used apps" and "Show recently opened items"

Disable Ads in Settings and Notifications

Microsoft places promotional content in several locations throughout Windows. Here's where to find and disable them:

Disable "Suggestions" (Ads) in Settings

  1. Open Settings > Privacy & Security > General
  2. Turn off "Show me suggested content in the Settings app"
  3. Turn off "Let apps show me personalized ads by using my advertising ID"

Disable Lock Screen Ads

  1. Open Settings > Personalization > Lock screen
  2. If using "Windows Spotlight," change it to "Picture" or "Slideshow"
  3. Turn off "Get fun facts, tips, tricks, and more on your lock screen"

Disable Notification Ads

  1. Open Settings > System > Notifications
  2. Scroll to the bottom and turn off "Get tips and suggestions when using Windows"
  3. Turn off "Suggest ways to get the most out of Windows"
  4. Turn off "Show the Windows welcome experience after updates"

Stop Windows from Auto-Installing Apps

Windows sometimes reinstalls apps you've already removed, especially after updates. To reduce this:

  1. Open Settings > Privacy & Security > General
  2. Make sure "Show me suggested content in the Settings app" is off
  3. Open the Microsoft Store, click your profile icon, go to Settings, and turn off "Automatic app updates" if desired

For a more permanent solution, you can use a Group Policy setting (available in Windows 11 Pro and above):

  1. Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter
  2. Navigate to: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Cloud Content
  3. Enable "Turn off Microsoft consumer experiences"

This prevents Windows from installing suggested apps and promotional content.

Disable Copilot (If You Don't Use It)

If Microsoft Copilot appeared on your taskbar and you don't want it:

  1. Right-click the taskbar and select "Taskbar settings"
  2. Toggle off "Copilot"

To fully remove it, use the PowerShell command mentioned in the bloatware section above.

If these steps don't resolve the issue, or if you'd like professional help, our team is here. Contact TechNet New England for IT support.