How to disable Lock Screen tips and messages on Windows 11

When Microsoft introduced Windows 10 they adopted an ad-first policy, which is to try and push first party products to users without warning. So with the introduction of Windows 11 it looks like Microsoft intends to continue this trend. This means that in certain places in Windows you can see either tips or areas were they could in the future place adverts.

While this may not bother some, the sort of clutter that these place holders create can be very distracting. So in this video we take a look at how you remove the Lock Screen tips and messages that appear in Windows 11.

Note:  While a little conspiratorial, have you noticed how difficult it is to create a Local Account in Windows 11 Home? While we did manage to create a Local account after we upgraded to Windows. You have to wonder why Microsoft seems to want to push everyone to use a Microsoft account. Especially, as everyone having an online account would make it easier to push targeted adverts.  

Quick reference notes:

• From the Windows desktop select the Windows button and choose Settings
• In Settings select Personalisation – Lock Screen
• Change the option Personalise your Lock Screen from Windows spotlight to Picture
• Locate the option called Get fun facts, tips, tricks and more on your Lock Screen.
• Remove the tick from the check box

Note: You will need to manually select an image to use as the Windows Lock Screen. As the original image that Windows was using will be removed. If you would like a wider selection of images try visiting Microsofts catalog of wallpapers

• Now close the Settings window
• Press Windows key and L to lock your screen

Note: There are a number of ways to lock Windows. You can press the Windows key and L on your keyboard or you can press Ctrl + Alt + Del and then select the Lock option.

Reference Material:

The Verge article – Microsoft say Windows 11 File Explorer ads were ‘not intended to be published externally’
Microsoft article – Find your Windows product key
Amazon store – Purchase Windows product key
Wikipedia article – Powershell