The Update Hijack
Windows 11 constantly receives background security and feature updates. Following a significant update, Microsoft occasionally utilizes a feature known as the “Windows Welcome Experience.” Instead of booting directly to your desktop, the operating system hijacks your screen with a massive, full-screen prompt aggressively highlighting new features, suggesting you try the Edge browser, or pushing you to set up OneDrive. If you use your computer for professional work and simply want to log in and immediately start your applications without clicking through an advertising slideshow, you must disable the post-update welcome screen.
How to Turn Off the Welcome Experience
You can permanently block the post-update hijacking via the System settings.
- Click the Start Menu and type Settings, or press the Windows Key + I.
- In the left-hand sidebar, click on System.
- In the main window, click on Notifications.
- Scroll all the way down to the absolute bottom of the Notifications page.
- Click on Additional settings to expand the hidden menu.
- Locate the checkbox labeled “Show me the Windows welcome experience after updates and occasionally when I sign in to highlight what’s new and suggested.”
- Click the checkbox to completely remove the checkmark.
Immediate Access
The change takes effect instantly. Windows 11 will completely terminate the background trigger for the welcome slideshow. Following the next major system reboot or feature update, the operating system will immediately drop you straight onto your desktop, allowing you to bypass Microsoft’s marketing materials and get straight to work.