Start menu suggestions Archives

Winsage

June 21, 2026

I used Windows 11 exactly the way Microsoft wanted, and it drove me crazy

The author has customized Windows for years, resisting Microsoft's default settings by changing the default browser, decluttering the Start menu, and preventing OneDrive from managing files. Upon acquiring a new mini PC, the author decided to experience Windows 11 with the default settings, allowing OneDrive to manage files and using Windows Search without workarounds. This led to frustration as files saved locally were often stored in OneDrive-synced folders, making the Desktop feel cloud-based. The author also found Windows Search to be cluttered with mixed results and promotional content, which detracted from its utility. The overall experience felt less tailored to personal workflow and more aligned with Microsoft's ecosystem. After three days, the author reverted to their usual practices, adjusting defaults and decluttering the interface, leading to a more user-friendly environment that matched their preferences.

Winsage

June 20, 2026

I used Windows 11 exactly the way Microsoft wanted, and it drove me crazy

The author customized their Windows experience by changing the default browser, decluttering the Start menu, and preventing OneDrive from managing their files. They recently set up Windows 11 on a new mini PC and initially allowed OneDrive to back up their files, which led to confusion about file locations. They found Windows Search frustrating, as it redirected them to Microsoft's web version despite choosing a different search provider. The author refrained from altering Microsoft's recommended defaults, which made the system feel more aligned with Microsoft's agenda rather than their own needs. After three days, they reverted to their usual practices to regain control over their Windows experience.

Winsage

September 13, 2025

6 changes I made to Windows 11 with Winaero Tweaker

Windows 11 has limitations, but tools like Winaero Tweaker allow for customization. Users can enable the classic context menu by selecting the Classic Full Context Menus option and restarting Explorer. Winaero Tweaker also enables desktop stickers, which can be accessed by signing out and back in after checking the Enable Stickers for Desktop Background option. Users can disable background activity for all Microsoft Store apps with a single toggle. The tool allows users to stop automatic driver updates by selecting the Disable driver updates option. It consolidates options to eliminate ads and suggestions in the Ads and Unwanted Apps section. Users can disable telemetry data collection through a checkbox. Winaero Tweaker offers many more customization options beyond those mentioned.

Winsage

March 3, 2025

How to lower pop-ups, ads and ‘suggestions’ on your Windows 11 computer

Many users of Windows 11 have observed an increase in promotional content within the operating system, often presented as helpful suggestions. Microsoft has been enhancing the visibility of ads across various features. Users can make several adjustments to reduce this promotional clutter: 1. Start Menu Suggestions: To disable app recommendations in the Start Menu, go to Settings > Personalization > Start and toggle off "Show recommendations for tips, app promotions, and more." 2. Lock Screen Ads: To turn off ads on the lock screen, navigate to Settings > Personalization > Lock screen, change "Personalize your lock screen" from Windows Spotlight to Picture or Slideshow, and disable "Get fun facts, tips, tricks, and more on your lock screen." 3. File Explorer Promotions: To eliminate promotions in File Explorer, open File Explorer, click the three dots in the menu bar, select Options, go to the View tab, and uncheck "Show sync provider notifications." 4. Taskbar Search: To adjust ads in Taskbar search, go to Settings > Privacy & security > Search permissions and disable "Show search highlights." 5. Notification Ads: To turn off ads presented as tips, go to Settings > System > Notifications and uncheck "Show the Windows welcome experience ..." and "Get tips and suggestions ..." 6. Microsoft Account Prompts: To prevent prompts to sign in with a Microsoft account, go to Settings > Accounts > Your Info and select "Sign in with a local account instead." 7. Notifications from Other Apps: Users can review and disable unnecessary app notifications in Settings > System > Notifications.

Winsage

March 1, 2025

Windows 11 annoying you? How to quiet ads and more

Users of Windows 11 have reported an increase in promotional content within the operating system. To reduce these distractions, several adjustments can be made: 1. Start Menu Suggestions: To disable app recommendations in the Start menu, go to Settings > Personalization > Start and toggle off "Show recommendations for tips, app promotions, and more." 2. Lock Screen Ads: To eliminate ads from the lock screen, open Settings > Personalization > Lock screen, switch from Windows Spotlight to Picture or Slideshow, and turn off "Get fun facts, tips, tricks, and more on your lock screen." 3. File Explorer Promotions: To turn off promotions in File Explorer, open File Explorer, click on the three dots in the menu bar, select Options, go to the View tab, and uncheck "Show sync provider notifications." 4. Taskbar Search Ads: To disable ads in Taskbar Search, go to Settings > Privacy & security > Search permissions and disable "Show search highlights." 5. Notifications for Tips: To stop receiving tips that are advertisements, go to Settings > System > Notifications and uncheck "Show the Windows welcome experience…" and "Get tips and suggestions…" 6. Microsoft Account Prompts: To stop prompts to sign in with a Microsoft account, navigate to Settings > Accounts > Your Info and select "Sign in with a local account instead." 7. Other App Notifications: To manage notifications from other applications, review the list in Settings > System > Notifications and disable unnecessary ones.

Winsage

March 1, 2025

Data Doctors: How to quiet ads and suggestions in Windows 11

Users have reported an increase in promotional content in Windows 11, which many find intrusive. To minimize this, users can adjust settings in several areas: 1. Start Menu Suggestions: Disable app recommendations by going to Settings > Personalization > Start and toggling off "Show recommendations for tips, app promotions and more." 2. Lock Screen Ads: Turn off lock screen ads by navigating to Settings > Personalization > Lock screen, changing the setting from Windows Spotlight to "Picture" or "Slideshow," and disabling "Get fun facts, tips, tricks and more on your lock screen." 3. File Explorer Promotions: Remove promotions for OneDrive and Microsoft 365 by opening File Explorer, selecting the three dots in the menu bar, going to Options > View, and unchecking "Show sync provider notifications." 4. Taskbar Search: Eliminate ads from taskbar search by going to Settings > Privacy and security > Search permissions and disabling "Show search highlights." 5. Notification Ads: Turn off tips that are advertisements by navigating to Settings > System > Notifications and unchecking "Show the Windows welcome experience" and "Get tips and suggestions." 6. Microsoft Account Prompts: Prevent prompts to sign in with a Microsoft account by going to Settings > Accounts > Your Info and selecting "Sign in with a local account instead." 7. Notifications from Other Apps: Review and disable unnecessary notifications from other applications in the system notifications section of settings.

Winsage

July 11, 2024

Microsoft adds new ads to Windows 11 in the latest update

Windows 11 updates the Start menu and Settings with helpful suggestions for apps based on user interests and past app usage. Gamers will see a "Game Pass card" in their Settings, and users can easily turn off recommendations if they prefer. Microsoft aims to improve the Windows 11 experience with user feedback and may use recommendations to support ongoing development while providing a free product.