Remove Ads, Bing & Recommendations

Last updated: March 20, 2026

Remove Bing from Search, disable Start Menu ads and Recommended section, stop lock screen tips, block promotional notifications, and clean up File Explorer ads.

Overview

Take back control of Windows 11 by removing Bing, ads, and Microsoft recommendations from every part of the OS.

What this helps with

What to expect: Easy difficulty • usually about 5-10 minutes.

This is one of 67 Software Issues fixes in the WindowsHelper library. The full step-by-step fix for this is in the WindowsHelper app.

Related fixes in Software Issues

• 🌐 Browser Problems

  Fix a crashing, slow or misbehaving web browser: clear the cache, reset settings, remove bad extensions, update, fix DNS issues or reinstall.

  Medium30-45 minutes
• 📁 File Recovery

  Recover lost or deleted files from previous versions, File History or Windows File Recovery, check the disk for errors, or roll back with System Restore.

  Medium30-60 minutes
• 🔐 Fix Microsoft Office Activation

  Office not activating? Check you're on the right Microsoft account, repair Office, reset licensing, check the license status or reinstall Office cleanly.

  Medium30-45 minutes
• ⚙️ Fix Software Compatibility Conflicts

  Older or clashing programs won't run? Try compatibility mode, admin rights, missing runtime libraries, stopping conflicting services, or reinstall.

  Medium30-45 minutes
• 🔄 Fix System Restore Failures

  System Restore failing? Free up space, run it from Safe Mode, switch System Protection back on, repair WMI and system files, and reset the shadow copy service.

  Medium30-45 minutes
• 🛡️ Resolve Antivirus Software Conflicts

  Antivirus blocking programs or clashing with another security app? Add exclusions, test with protection paused, update definitions or remove the extra one.

  Medium30-45 minutes
• 📚 Resolve DLL and Library Errors

  Fix DLL not found and corrupted DLL errors: run system repairs, re-register the DLL, install Visual C++ runtimes, scan for malware or try System Restore.

  Medium30-45 minutes
• ⚙️ Resolve Registry Errors Safely

  Fix registry errors that cause application failures and system warnings. Covers orphaned entries, broken file associations, COM object errors, and safe cleanup tools.

  Medium30-45 minutes
• 📦 Software Installation Issues

  Program won't install? Run the installer as admin, repair Windows Installer, pause antivirus, add missing runtime files, or try a clean boot.

  Medium30-45 minutes
• 🔄 Windows Update Failures

  Fix Windows Update errors, stuck downloads, and failed installations. Covers error code lookup, update cache clearing, component reset, and manual update installation.

  Medium30-45 minutes

You might also run into

• Remove Microsoft Copilot from Windows 11

  Disable or completely remove Microsoft Copilot from Windows 11, Edge, and Office. Covers taskbar hiding, Group Policy disable, Registry method for Home users, and Edge/Office cleanup.

  Easy2-5 minutes
• 🛡️ Respond to Data Breach Notifications

  Got a data breach notice? Check that it is real, secure the affected accounts, enable two-factor verification, review account activity and secure your PC.

  Medium30-45 minutes
• Fix Browser Hijacked — Remove Pop-ups & Redirects

  Remove browser hijackers, pop-up ads, fake search engines, and unwanted redirects. Covers extension removal, settings reset, adware uninstall, and prevention.

  Easy15-25 minutes
• 📚 Install and Remove Programs

  Master software management on Windows 11 - from downloading apps to completely removing programs you don't need!

  Easy15-30 minutes