There are no signs that Microsoft is backing away from introducing more ads to Windows 11. If recent changes, like app ads in the Start menu, get under your skin and going back to Windows 10 isn’t an option, third-party apps and tweakers can make your Windows 11 experience less frustrating .
OFGB, which stands for Oh F**k Go Back, is a new app that aims to give its customers a simple and easy-to-use method to disable ads in Windows 11. OFGB uses the Windows Registry to turn off ads across an operating system. These include the following:
- File Explorer ads
- Tips and notices for lock screen
- Ad settings
- General tips and notices
- “Finish setup” ads.
- “Experience welcome” ads.
- Personalized ads
- “tailored experiences”
- Ads start menu
Checking all the boxes is all it takes to turn off the disgust. That’s the appeal of the service with the non-PG-13 name. Interestingly, OFGB was created by an Arch Linux user, and In an interview with Tom’s HardwareIt supported the widespread dissatisfaction with the increasing number of premium product ads.
Windows lost me a long time ago by adding more and more telemetry, ads and lack of easily configurable options. Once the latest programs I just can’t get away from are running right under Wine or Proton, I plan to give them up entirely.
It’s worth noting that OFGB isn’t the only app that can automate Windows registry edits to remove ads. Wintoys, the app that recently received a major update, can also get rid of some of Windows 11’s annoyances. Also, the maker of Tiny11 Builder says that future updates will allow you to build custom Windows 11 images with fewer ads:
It’s good that Microsoft implements most of the ads and telemetry and whatnot through the registry and policies, which means that while it takes some effort, they can often be disabled.
— NTDEV (@NTDEV_) May 4, 2024
However, if you need a simple and basic app to make Windows 11 cleaner, OFGB seems like a good choice. Just remember that the safest option, even when dealing with open source or harmless apps, is to adjust the Windows registry manually or use the operating system as is. It seems a lot of people don’t want to deal with the current state of affairs of Windows 11 as indicated by its plummeting market share.