How to block personalized ads in Windows 10 apps

3 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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Advertising is one of the most annoying things about the internet, but when we are constantlybombarded by adverts in Windows 10, these ads are even more irritating. One way to get your revenge is by disabling personalized ads.

But first, it is quite amazing in how many placesadverts can appear on your PC, and we are not talking just about your browser. As a quick reminder, adverts could be shown in any of the following places:

And all the ads you see in the above places will be personalised ads, meaning you have given permission for your personal information to be used by Microsoft, even if you didn’t know you had. And it’s not like we got the software for free; we paid for it.

All is not lost, though. With just a little bit of effort, we can get rid of personalised ads. In fact, it’s much easier than you may think. Just follow the steps listed below.

Steps to disable Windows 10 app ads

Case 1: Windows 10 Home Edition

Case 2: Windows 10 Pro

If you useWindows 10 Pro, there is a different option that you can follow if you want.

Case 3: During Setup

You can alsodisable your IDin the final step of setting upWindows 10, but I am going to assume that it’s a bit late for that now; although, still worth remembering for the future.

Sadly, none of the above will stop ads appearing willy-nilly, but at least you have the satisfaction of knowing that you are not handing your personal info over to Microsoft.

Disabling Personalised Ads

Personally, I am not a big worrier about personalized ads. Most of us who have been using the internet since its inception were happily giving our personal info away long before we realized what the consequences were. Even later, we didn’t seem to be that bothered. After all, that’s how Facebook became so popular in the first place.

What do you think about sharing personal information? Should Microsoft be allowed to sell PCs with the default settings set the way they are?

Perhaps you think that companies should be forced to ask us to opt in to sharing our personal info rather than hiding away the option to opt out.

Let us know what you think about personalized ads in the comments below.

How to block personalized ads in Windows 10 apps#

Steps to disable Windows 10 app ads#

Case 1: Windows 10 Home Edition#

Case 2: Windows 10 Pro#

Case 3: During Setup#

Disabling Personalised Ads#