How to Prevent Windows 11 from Automatically Installing Unwanted Suggested Apps

One of the most frustrating aspects of setting up a new Windows 11 PC is the presence of bloatware. Even if you perform a clean installation, Microsoft often places shortcuts for applications like TikTok, Instagram, or various free-to-play games directly into your Start menu. While some of these are merely shortcuts that download the app when clicked, others are installed entirely in the background without your permission. You can stop Windows 11 from automatically downloading and installing these suggested applications by tweaking a specific registry setting.

How the “Consumer Features” Mechanism Works

Microsoft refers to these automated third-party app installations as “Consumer Features” or “Suggested Apps.” They are designed to showcase the Microsoft Store ecosystem, but they consume unnecessary storage space and clutter your interface. Disabling this feature requires an administrator-level change to the Windows Registry, instructing the operating system to permanently bypass the silent installation routine.

How to Disable Suggested Apps via the Registry Editor

Before proceeding, it is highly recommended to create a System Restore point, as incorrectly editing the Registry can cause system instability.

1. Click the Start button, type regedit in the search bar, and click Run as administrator to open the Registry Editor.
2. In the left-hand sidebar, navigate to the following path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows
3. Right-click on the Windows folder, select New, and then click Key.
4. Name the new key exactly: CloudContent and press Enter.
5. Click on your newly created CloudContent folder so it is highlighted in the left sidebar.
6. Now, move to the blank white pane on the right side of the window. Right-click anywhere in the empty space, select New, and then click DWORD (32-bit) Value.
7. Name this new value exactly: DisableWindowsConsumerFeatures and press Enter.
8. Double-click on DisableWindowsConsumerFeatures to edit it.
9. In the “Value data” box, change the number from 0 to 1.
10. Click OK.

How to Apply the Changes

Close the Registry Editor and immediately restart your computer. From this point forward, Windows 11 will no longer silently install promotional applications in the background. Note that this registry tweak only prevents future installations; it will not automatically uninstall the bloatware that Microsoft has already placed on your machine. You must right-click and manually uninstall those existing apps from the Start menu one final time.