Disabling Intrusive Ads and Customizing Windows 11: A Comprehensive Guide

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Customizing Explorer by showing file extensions and drives can help prevent malware attacks
Default privacy settings in Windows 11 give Microsoft ways to sneak advertisements into user experience but can be disabled in Settings menu
OFGB application can disable various ads in Windows 11 by changing registry settings
Users can customize Windows 11 experience by adjusting privacy settings, refresh rate, audio settings, updates settings, startup apps and default browser
Windows 11 operating system has intrusive advertisements and promotions
Disabling Intrusive Ads and Customizing Windows 11: A Comprehensive Guide

Windows 11, the latest operating system from Microsoft, has been criticized for its intrusive advertisements and promotions. These ads can appear in various forms such as tips and shortcuts on the Start menu, recommended apps, product recommendations based on browsing history, and even in File Explorer.

To help users navigate this issue, we have analyzed several source articles that provide insights into disabling these advertisements and customizing the Windows 11 experience. Here's a summary of what we found:

Source 1: Lifehacker (URL: https://lifehacker.com/tech/use-ofgb-app-to-remove-ads-in-windows-11) This article introduces OFGB, an open source application that can disable various ads in Windows 11 by changing registry settings. The features that can be disabled include ads in File Explorer, on the lock screen, in the Settings app, general tips and tricks while using Windows, Windows Welcome Experience, optional tracking tool for personalized ads (Tailored Experience), and recommended apps in the start menu.

Source 2: CNET (URL: https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/change-these-windows-11-defaults-the-next-time-you ′boot-&up/>) This article discusses how users can customize their Windows 11 experience by adjusting privacy settings, refresh rate, audio settings, updates settings, startup apps and default browser. It also mentions that the default privacy settings in Windows 11 give Microsoft ways to sneak advertisements into user's experience but can be disabled in the Settings menu.

Source 3: PCWorld (URL: https://www.pcworld.com/article/2306636/13-important-windows-settings-to-adjust ′immediately.html>) This article suggests checking and adjusting several settings to improve security and performance after installing Windows 11. It recommends customizing Explorer by showing file extensions and drives, which can help prevent malware attacks by displaying the true file names.

Source 4: Computerworld (URL: https://www.computerworld.com/article/2096419/10-ways-to-turn ′off-&windows'-&worst-&ads.html>) This article provides 1o ways to turn off Windows' worst ads, including disabling recommendations for tips, shortcuts, new apps and more in the Start menu of Windows 11.

Source 5: ZDNet (URL: https://www.zdnet.com/article/seven-ways-to-make-windows ′11-&less-&annoying/>) This article discusses seven ways to make Windows 11 less annoying, including disabling OneDrive backup by default and turning off Microsoft Edge browser ads.

By combining the information from these sources, we can create a comprehensive article that provides readers with a clear understanding of how to disable advertisements and customize their Windows 11 experience. The article will be engaging, factual, and unbiased while ensuring all important information is communicated effectively.


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Confidence

100%

No Doubts Found At Time Of Publication

Sources

100%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

Use This App to Block Ads on Windows 11

Lifehacker Justin Pot Friday, 03 May 2024 20:00
  • Unique Points
    • OFGB is a free and open source application that can disable various ads in Windows 11 by changing registry settings
    • Features that can be disabled with OFGB include ads in File Explorer, on lock screen, in Settings app, general tips and tricks while using Windows, Windows Welcome Experience, optional tracking tool for personalized ads, Tailored Experience feature for product recommendations based on website browsing history, and ‘recommended’ apps in the start menu
  • Accuracy
    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

92%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

13 important Windows settings to adjust immediately

PCWorld Author: Thomas Saturday, 04 May 2024 09:14
  • Unique Points
    • After installing Windows 11, you should check and adjust several settings to improve security and performance.
    • Customizing Explorer allows you to show file extensions and drives, which can help prevent malware attacks by displaying the true file names.
    • In the Windows Security app, ensure that ‘Device security’, ‘Memory integrity’, and ‘Microsoft blacklist of vulnerable drivers’ are activated for enhanced malware protection.
    • Make sure ‘Real-time protection’, ‘Cloud-based protection’, and ‘Automatic submission of samples’ are enabled in the Virus and Threat Protection settings.
    • Check if Windows is activated through the System > Activation settings to ensure full access to features and avoid system shutdowns.
  • Accuracy
    • Windows 11 allows users to customize their experience, including privacy settings, refresh rate, audio settings, updates settings, startup apps and default browser.
  • Deception (90%)
    The article provides useful information on securing and optimizing a Windows 11 system. However, it makes unsupported claims about the effects of certain settings without linking to peer-reviewed studies (e.g., the claim that customizing Explorer settings improves security). It also suggests activating options without disclosing that they are not peer-reviewed or pre-print.
    • Customize Explorer – show file extensions and drives: Windows has been hiding known file extensions for years by default...
    • This turns an executable file, such as malware/ransomware, into an unsuspicious Word document at first glance. You can quickly work around the problem by activating View > Show > File name extensions in Explorer.
    • Further reading: Windows includes built-in ransomware protections. Here’s how to turn it on
  • Fallacies (95%)
    The article provides useful advice on securing and optimizing a Windows 11 system. It does not contain any formal or informal fallacies. However, it does make generalizations about file extensions and security risks without providing evidence for those claims (Formal Fallacy: Argument from Ignorance). Additionally, the article suggests that enabling certain settings will prevent successful attacks by malware (Appeals to Authority).
    • Windows has been hiding known file extension for years by default...
    • This turns an executable file, such as malware/ransomware, into an unsuspicious Word document at first glance.
    • Ensure that the “Memory integrity” option is activated in Core isolation > Core isolation details. This prevents successful attacks by malware.
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

100%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

Change These Windows 11 Defaults the Next Time You Boot Up

CNET Saturday, 04 May 2024 09:15
  • Unique Points
    • Adam Benjamin is a technology expert who leads CNET's services and software team and contributes to its game coverage.
    • Windows 11 allows users to customize their experience, including privacy settings, refresh rate, audio settings, updates settings, startup apps and default browser.
    • Default privacy settings in Windows 11 give Microsoft ways to sneak advertisements into user's experience but can be disabled in the Settings menu.
    • To turn off advertisements in the start menu of Windows 11 go to Settings > Personalization > Start and toggle off 'Show recommendations for tips, shortcuts, new apps, and more'.
    • The option to change between light mode and dark mode in Windows 11 can be found under Settings > Personalization > Colors.
  • Accuracy
    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

87%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

10 ways to turn off Windows' worst ads

Computerworld (Foundry US and Global) Saturday, 04 May 2024 09:16
  • Unique Points
    • To turn off recommendations for tips, shortcuts, new apps, and more in Windows 11, go to Settings \u003E Personalization \u003E Start and turn off ‘Show recommendations for tips, shortcuts, new apps, and more’.
  • Accuracy
    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
  • Deception (50%)
    The article contains selective reporting as it only reports ways to turn off advertisements and notifications in Windows, implying that these are the only annoying elements of the operating system. It also uses emotional manipulation by stating that these ads and notifications can get in the way of work routines and productivity.
    • These tips can include recommendations to use Microsoft Edge and messages pushing the Microsoft Rewards points program.
    • Want to get rid of all the annoying ads and pop-ups you can?
    • Windows might sometimes send you notification pop-ups with tips and suggestions. These tips can include recommendations to use Microsoft Edge and messages pushing the Microsoft Rewards points program.
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

86%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

7 ways to make Windows 11 less annoying

ZDNet Saturday, 04 May 2024 09:18
  • Unique Points
    • Windows 11 includes ads and promotions for Microsoft products and services.
    • Microsoft treats Windows as a giant billboard to promote and cross-sell other products to increase revenue.
    • OneDrive backup is enabled by default in Windows 11, syncing files to the cloud and potentially using up paid storage space.
    • Third-party app shortcuts are included on the Start menu in Windows 11.
    • Microsoft Edge browser has ads on its default start page and between clickbait news stories.
  • Accuracy
    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
  • Deception (50%)
    The article contains editorializing and pontification by the author. The author expresses their opinion that Microsoft is treating Windows as a 'giant billboard' and that they consider the features as upsells or cross-sells, not advertising. However, they do not provide any evidence to support these claims beyond their own perspective.
    • I don’t really want to do the ‘I told you so’ dance, but after a couple of my ZDNET colleagues complained recently about ‘ads’ in Windows 11 ... well, may I just say I tried to warn you.
    • This really shouldn’t be a surprise, of course. If you’re a humongous global software company selling a mature product in a market that’s no longer growing and where there’s significant downward pressure on the price of the product, you need to start looking elsewhere for the revenue that will keep that business unit relevant.
    • Personally, I think of most of these features as upsells or cross-sells, not advertising. They’re similar to what you might see when TicketMaster tries to sell you insurance for your concert tickets or Pottery Barn offers their co-branded credit card when you’re trying to check out.
    • Microsoft insists it will only suggest apps that its algorithms think you’ll like, presumably using its AI-based tools.
  • Fallacies (85%)
    The author makes several appeals to authority in this article. They reference Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella's memo and use it as evidence for Microsoft's intentions with Windows 11. This is a fallacy because the author is not presenting their own argument or analysis, but rather relying on the words of another person to support their point.
    • > Personally, I think of most of these features as upsells or cross-sells, not advertising.<br>Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella wrote in a memo that was never intended for people outside of Microsoft to see: Adoption of Windows 11 will both provide better experiences for users and monetize our applications and services more effectively.
    • > Also:<br>Regardless of what you call them, though, there’s no doubt that collectively they represent a basket of annoyances for people who use Windows PCs. And, at the risk of repeating myself, they’ll only get more annoying.
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication