The Dynamic Advertisements
When you boot up Windows 11, you are presented with the Lock Screen. By default, Microsoft utilizes a feature called “Windows Spotlight” to power this screen. Windows Spotlight constantly connects to the internet to download high-resolution landscape photography, but it also silently downloads interactive marketing prompts. These prompts appear as small text links on the Lock Screen, asking if you “Like this image?” or offering facts about the location. Clicking them often opens Microsoft Edge or pushes you toward Bing. To create a completely sterile, private, offline Lock Screen, you must terminate the Spotlight connection.
How to Turn Off Windows Spotlight Images
You can permanently sever the Lock Screen’s connection to the Microsoft servers via the Personalization settings.
- Click the Start Menu and type Settings, or press the Windows Key + I.
- In the left-hand sidebar, click on Personalization.
- In the main window, click on Lock screen.
- Locate the drop-down menu labeled “Personalize your lock screen”.
- Click the drop-down and change the setting from “Windows spotlight” to Picture (or Slideshow if you prefer your own local folder).
- Immediately below this, uncheck the box labeled “Get fun facts, tips, tricks, and more on your lock screen.”
A Static Environment
The change takes effect instantly. Windows 11 will completely terminate the background connection to the Bing image servers. Your Lock Screen will permanently display the static, offline photograph you selected. You will never again see an interactive text prompt or a rotating daily advertisement, ensuring your computer boots into a completely calm, predictable, and entirely local environment.