Deep within the Windows 11 Settings app, there is a page labelled “Device Usage.” This section asks you to select all the ways you plan to use your computer, offering categories such as Gaming, Family, Creativity, School, Entertainment, and Business. If you toggle these categories on, Windows claims it will provide “customised suggestions” for your PC.
In reality, providing Microsoft with this information simply gives the operating system permission to serve you highly targeted advertisements in your Start Menu and Lock Screen, pushing you to buy Xbox Game Pass, subscribe to Microsoft 365, or download specific partner apps. If you prefer a clean, ad-free operating system that does not track your usage intentions, you should disable all of these device usage suggestions.
How to Turn Off Device Usage Tracking
You can opt out of this targeted advertising system directly from the Personalisation menu.
- Click the Start button and select the Settings gear icon (or press Windows Key + I).
- In the left-hand navigation pane, click on Personalisation.
- Scroll down the main window and click on Device usage.
- You will see a list of categories (Development, Gaming, Family, Creativity, School, Entertainment, Business).
- Go down the list and ensure every single toggle switch is set to Off.
By turning off every category, you are explicitly revoking Microsoft’s permission to customise your Windows 11 experience with sponsored recommendations. You will see significantly fewer pop-ups urging you to set up family tracking or purchase creative software subscriptions.