The Intrusive Advertisements
Windows 10 is designed as a “service,” which means Microsoft continuously tries to introduce users to new features or push them toward specific Microsoft products (like the Edge browser or OneDrive). This behavior is largely governed by a master setting called “Get tips, tricks, and suggestions as you use Windows.” When enabled, the operating system monitors your usage patterns and will periodically pop up notification bubbles in the system tray, display promotional messages on the lock screen, or inject “suggested apps” into your Start Menu.
While a brand-new user might appreciate a brief tutorial on how to use Cortana, experienced power users universally view these “suggestions” as little more than built-in adware. Having your operating system interrupt your workflow to suggest you switch your default browser, or cluttering your Start Menu with icons for free-to-play games you never installed, is highly intrusive. If you want a clean, professional, and quiet operating system, you must disable this telemetry-driven feature.
How to Stop Windows Suggestions
You can turn off all tips and promotional popups via the Windows Notifications settings.
- Click the Start button and select the Settings gear icon (or press
Windows Key + I). - In the Settings menu, click on System.
- In the left-hand navigation pane, select Notifications & actions.
- Scroll down to the section titled Notifications.
- Look for the checkbox labelled Get tips, tricks, and suggestions as you use Windows.
- Click the checkbox to remove the checkmark.
- (Optional) For a completely quiet experience, you should also uncheck the box above it labelled “Show me the Windows welcome experience after updates and occasionally when I sign in to highlight what’s new and suggested.”
Your Windows 10 installation will immediately stop pushing unsolicited advice, promotional lock screen images, and unwanted app suggestions, resulting in a much cleaner user experience.