Windows 10's new Spotlight features neat photographs and fun facts when users first start their devices. While it sounds welcoming and friendly to some, others see it as an annoyance, especially after it started showing advertisements on the lock screens of their Windows 10 devices.
According to BGR, Windows 10 is now showing users some advertisements that they didn't ask for right on their desktop. This is basically not the kind of feature they were expecting from Microsoft's latest and best operating software. Nevertheless, this might be one other important detail about Windows 10 that would make the OS unattractive to some users. Although, it's not as bothersome as the Windows 10 upgrade ads that appeared before the update, or the privacy concerns connected to the way Microsoft collects personal data with Windows 10. It was also reported that some users have started seeing ads for the new Lara Croft game, with links to the Windows Store from where users can purchase the new Rise of the Tomb Rider title.
Furthermore, this isn't the first time this thing happened either. Apple Insider stated that way back in January, some users also took to Twitter to complain about advertisements for the Minions movie that kept on appearing on their Windows 10 lock screen. The ad featured the titular characters rowing a boat across New York City's East River, complete with a lot of links to the Windows Store to buy the hit film.
Luckily, there is a way to turn off the popping of advertisements. Daily Express noted the steps to get rid of the ads. First, users will have to navigate to Settings then go to Personalization. Next, they will have to click on the link for the Lock Screen on the left. From the dropdown menu marked Background, they need to select the option Picture or Slideshow. Then, they will have to pick another picture or folder of images they would like to see instead of Microsoft's picks. Lastly, they need to scroll down in the same window and uncheck the option Get fun facts, tips, tricks, and more on your lock screen.
On the other hand, if the users like Windows 10's Spotlight feature but they don't like the advertisements, Microsoft does provide a dropdown on the lock screen where they can give feedback on the pictures displayed. Users can use this form to give feedback to the software giant that they don't want to see any more content like this.
Although it's unclear whether this procedure will only hide advertisements of Rise of the Tomb Raider, or adverts in general, at least for the meantime users won't be annoyed with the ads.
