Eliminate Advertisements and Ensure Privacy in Windows 10

Ads, bloatware, and settings guide for an optimal Windows operating system.

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Due to unforeseen circumstances, I found myself having to configure two new Windows laptops. (Linux and Apple machines have their issues).

My unscientific poll indicated most people receiving or purchasing a new laptop use it without any adjustments. As the novelty wears off, they wonder why the machine is slow, how the hard drive is already beginning to fill up, and why they are receiving more ads and spam.

In this blog, I cover:

• First actions to perform for a new pc
• Cleaning up bloatware
• Updating settings
• Turning off advertisements

As a productivity buff (and not-so-secret nerd), I enjoy configuring a working machine to best suit my needs. I keep a new laptop checklist of settings and applications to configure.

First Things First

• Run “Check for Update” and install all the latest security patches. By default, Windows 10 checks for updates automatically, but you should get into the practice of checking this once a week. I prefer to choose when to install the updates (weekly) and restart my laptop frequently.

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• Update and perform full scans with Antivirus/Antimalware software. The default Windows Defender is good at catching many threat actors, but as the saying goes, two pairs of eyes are better than one.

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• Navigate to Settings->Privacy and toggle all the settings to OFF. These currently include four options: “Let apps use advertising ID”, “Let websites provide locally relevant content,” “Let Windows track app launches” and “Show me suggested content.”

Clean-up Time

New computers arrive drastically bloated with unnecessary programs. This “bloatware” is inserted not only by the operating system makers but also by the computer sellers and their “affiliated” third parties. A PC dinosaur, I reminisce for the golden age where I could reinstall a “clean” version of the operating system (from floppy disks, no less).

I consider the following applications bloatware to remove from my systems. Navigate to Settings -> Apps and select each item you do not plan on using and click Uninstall.

• XBOX
• Windows Phone
• Movies
• Music
• LinkedIn
• Solitaire Collection
• Candy Crush — yes, candy crush comes pre-installed.
• Dell Customer Connect
• Dell Digital Delivery
• Dell Help and Support
• Dell Product Registration
• Dell Support Assist & Remediation & Agent
• Dell Update
• Lenovo App Explorer
• Lenovo Yoga Mode
• Microsoft Silverlight
• Shockwave Player
• News
• Money

Other unnecessary programs are listed under the Optional Features button.

• Microsoft Assist
• Internet Explorer 11

Reboot after making your changes.

Fix the Settings!

Unfortunately, several default settings of the new machine are not in the user’s best interests.

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• Startup Apps. I prefer to click an extra button to launch any programs I may use, keeping my pc startup clean and efficient. Navigate to Settings -> Apps and select Startup on the bottom right. Turn off as many items as you are comfortable with, especially those marked as “High Impact”!

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• Settings -> Privacy -> Location. I disable Location access entirely for all applications.
• Settings -> Privacy ->Camera. Perhaps you have seen individuals place Post-Its to block the Camera (cough * Head of FBI * cough). Restrict the apps allowed to access your camera.
• Settings -> Privacy ->Microphone. Toggle the switch off for unnecessary applications.
• Settings -> Privacy -> Please review each section.

Reboot after making your changes.

Turn Off the Ads

Bloatware has existed for years but, now I’m doubly irritated by advertising in the operating system. Microsoft has joined the advertising business.

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• Start Menu Ads. “Type here to search” seen innocuous. Unfortunately, the Start/Search Menu displays ads. This feature called “suggestions” should be turned off. Type “suggestions” into the search box and then click “Show suggestions occasionally in Start”. In the Suggestions/Start window toggle off “Show suggestions occasionally in Start”.

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• Notifications are a big NO-NO! While meeting reminders can be helpful, the bombardment of dings across too many applications is counter-productive. Advertisements disguised as suggestions are lame. Navigate to Settings-> System and select Notifications. If you choose not to disable all notifications, I would recommend disabling “Get tips, tricks, and suggestions as you use Windows.”

Reboot after making your changes.

Bonus — XBOX

I understand Microsoft’s need to promote and integrate XBOX into Windows. I will, however, attempt to disable and remove as much of XBOX from my laptop as I can.

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1. Disable all Xbox Services. Type “services” in the Search menu to launch the Services app. Double click on each XBOX service. Select “Stop” if the service is running. Change the Startup type to “Disabled”.

2. Navigate to Settings and select Gaming. Disable every option for XBOX.

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Reboot after making your changes.

If you have purchased a new Windows machine, I highly recommend you review the default settings and apps installed and adjust according to your needs by:

• Installing Updates and virus/malware protection.
• Removing Bloatware
• Adjusting Privacy and other settings
• Disabling Advertisements

The initial configuration time will be worth it.