How To Turn Off Windows 10 Lock Screen Ads

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Even though Microsoft has been offering users a “free” upgrade to Windows 10, the OS is proof that nothing is ever free. The software giant has started running full-screen ads directly on your Windows 10 lock screen, catching many users by surprise. So, what is hailed as Microsoft’s best and most successful OS is now an ad delivery system. Though the ads are not as worrisome as privacy concerns related to the way Microsoft collected user data, it is still a big issue for many users.

Follow these steps to turn off Windows 10 lock screen ads

Earlier this week, many users started seeing ads on their Windows 10 lock screen for the new Lara Croft game. The ad invited users to “Discover the legend within,” encouraging them to buy the new title Rise of the Tomb Raider from the Windows Store. In January, some users complained on Twitter about ads for the Minions movie, with multiple links to its Windows Store to buy the film.

You may not realize it, but Microsoft’s free operating system has the lock screen ads turned on by default. Microsoft can push ads anytime it decides to do so. But there is a solution, and it is pretty easy. Head over to Settings > Personalization > Lock Screen. Now uncheck the box that says Get fun facts, tips, tricks and more on your lock screen. Here “more” probably means advertisements. Clever wordplay.

 

Microsoft exploring ways to monetize Windows 10

Turn it off and you are not going to see the Windows 10 lock screen ads. Windows 10 now runs on more than 200 million PCs and tablets worldwide. Given the large install base, Microsoft seems to be exploring ways to monetize it. It will also allow interested advertisers to reach their potential customers on devices that they use for hours almost every day. Microsoft aims to install Windows 10 on at least one billion devices by 2018.

The company is now aggressively pushing Windows 10 updates to those who haven’t yet upgraded to the new OS.

 

 

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