Over the past few iterations of Windows 11, Microsoft has increasingly utilized the operating system interface to promote its own services. One of the most intrusive places this occurs is directly within the File Explorer, where “sync provider notifications” often appear as large banners urging you to subscribe to Microsoft 365 or upgrade your OneDrive storage plan.
If you use your computer strictly for local file management or already utilize a competing cloud service like Google Drive, these advertisements are incredibly frustrating. Fortunately, you can disable them entirely.
How to Disable File Explorer Ads
The setting to disable these banners is slightly hidden within the classic Folder Options menu, rather than the modern Windows 11 Settings app.
- Open a new File Explorer window by clicking the folder icon on your taskbar or pressing Windows Key + E.
- Look at the toolbar across the top of the window and click the three-dot menu icon (See more).
- Select Options from the dropdown list. This will open the classic “Folder Options” dialogue box.
- Click on the View tab at the top of the box.
- Scroll down through the “Advanced settings” list until you find an option labelled Show sync provider notifications.
- Uncheck the box next to it.
- Click Apply, and then click OK.
The change takes effect instantly. You will no longer see banners for OneDrive, Microsoft 365, or other promotional pop-ups injected into your local file browsing experience.
Additional Privacy Step: Disable “Suggested” Content
To further clean up your Windows 11 experience, you should also disable the ads that occasionally appear in the Settings app and on the Lock Screen.
- Open the Settings app (Windows Key + I).
- Navigate to Privacy & security > General.
- Turn off the toggle for Show me suggested content in the Settings app.
- Next, navigate to Personalisation > Lock screen.
- If your lock screen background is set to “Picture” or “Slideshow,” uncheck the box that says Get fun facts, tips, tricks, and more on your lock screen.