How to Remove Ads in Windows 10 Creators Update: Step-by-Step Guide

Windows 10 Creators Update introduced some new features, but it also brought along ads and suggested content in various parts of the system. These ads can be distracting and may slow down your user experience. Fortunately, there are simple ways to turn off or remove these ads without needing advanced technical skills.

This guide will walk you through the easiest and most effective methods to remove ads from your Windows 10 Creators Update. Each step is explained in detail to ensure you can follow along without confusion.

Whether you want to stop ads in the Start menu, lock screen, or the File Explorer, this guide covers all common places where ads appear in Windows 10. You don’t need to install third-party software or risk your system’s stability.

By the end, you will have a cleaner, ad-free Windows 10 experience that feels faster and less cluttered.

Quick Note Before You Begin

Make sure your Windows 10 Creators Update is fully installed and up to date. You can check this by going to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. Installing the latest updates ensures compatibility with these settings.

Also, keep in mind that some ads are tied to your Microsoft account and personalization settings. Disabling ads may require adjusting privacy settings and stopping personalized content suggestions.

Step 1: Disable Ads in the Start Menu

One common place where you see ads is in the Start menu’s “Suggested” apps section. These are promoted apps that Windows suggests based on your usage.

To turn these off:

Click on the Start button and then select Settings (the gear icon).
Choose Personalization.
From the left sidebar, click Start.
Look for the option called Show suggestions occasionally in Start and toggle it Off.

Why this matters: Disabling this stops Windows from showing app promotions in your Start menu, making it cleaner and less cluttered.

Step 2: Turn Off Ads on the Lock Screen

The lock screen sometimes shows ads or promotional content known as “Windows Spotlight.” While it can be visually appealing, it may display unwanted suggestions.

To disable these ads:

Open Settings and go to Personalization.
Select Lock screen from the sidebar.
In the Background dropdown, change from Windows Spotlight to either Picture or Slideshow.
Scroll down and make sure the option Get fun facts, tips, tricks, and more on your lock screen is turned Off.

Why this is useful: Changing the background removes dynamic ads and suggestions, giving you a static, ad-free lock screen.

Step 3: Remove Ads from File Explorer

Sometimes, File Explorer displays ads or app suggestions in the Quick Access area or as notifications. You can stop these with these steps:

Open File Explorer.
Click on the View tab and select Options on the right.
In the Folder Options window, under the General tab, find the section labeled Privacy.
Uncheck Show sync provider notifications.
Click Clear next to Clear File Explorer history.
Press OK to save changes.

Why do this: This stops notifications and ads related to cloud syncing apps like OneDrive from showing up in File Explorer.

Step 4: Disable Ads via Group Policy Editor (Advanced)

If you are comfortable with slightly more advanced settings, the Group Policy Editor allows you to block ads more thoroughly. This option is available only in Windows 10 Pro and Enterprise editions.

Here’s how:

Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
Type gpedit.msc and press Enter to open the Group Policy Editor.
Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Cloud Content.
Find the policy named Turn off Microsoft consumer experiences.
Double-click it and set it to Enabled.
Click Apply and then OK.
Restart your computer for changes to take effect.

Why use this method: This disables Windows from showing personalized ads and app suggestions system-wide, including in the Store and Start menu.

Alternative: Using Registry Editor

If you don’t have Group Policy Editor, you can edit the registry instead. Be cautious, and back up your registry before proceeding.

Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREPoliciesMicrosoftWindowsCloudContent. If the CloudContent key doesn’t exist, you can create it by right-clicking Windows > New > Key.
Right-click on the right pane, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value, and name it DisableWindowsConsumerFeatures.
Double-click this new value and set its data to 1.
Close Registry Editor and restart your PC.

This method achieves the same result as the Group Policy step.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Will disabling ads affect Windows updates or functionality?

No. Turning off these ads does not impact the core functionality of Windows or security updates. It only stops promotional content and suggestions.

Can I re-enable ads if I change my mind?

Yes. You can simply reverse the settings by toggling options back on in Settings or by changing Group Policy/Registry values back to default.

Are these methods safe to use?

Yes. These are official Windows settings or supported system tweaks. Just be careful when using Registry Editor and always back up your data first.

Why do I still see some ads after following these steps?

Some apps or third-party software may display ads independently of Windows settings. Also, personalized content linked to your Microsoft account might still show in some places.

Can I use third-party software to remove Windows ads?

While some third-party tools claim to remove ads, it’s safer to use built-in Windows options to avoid malware or system instability.

When Nothing Works

If you have followed all the steps and still see ads or unwanted suggestions, try these final options:

Create a new user account: Sometimes, user profiles get corrupted and cause unexpected ads.
Reset Windows 10: Use Settings > Update & Security > Recovery to reset your PC while keeping your files.
Consult Microsoft Support: Visit the official Microsoft Support website for more help.

Conclusion

Removing ads in Windows 10 Creators Update is straightforward when you follow the right steps. Starting with simple toggles in Settings and moving to advanced methods like Group Policy or Registry edits covers all the common ad sources.

By disabling suggested apps, lock screen ads, and File Explorer notifications, you can enjoy a cleaner, distraction-free Windows experience. Remember to keep your system updated and back up your settings before making changes.

With this guide, you should now have a good understanding of how to control and remove ads in Windows 10 Creators Update efficiently and safely.