- The Winpilot and OFGB apps are open-source tools that can help you block (or disable) ads on Windows 11 with only a few clicks from the Start menu, Lock screen, File Explorer, and other parts of the operating system.
As Microsoft continues to inject more ads into Windows 11, some developers are trying to come up with ways to make it easier for users to disable the different advertisement tactics from the operating system, and this is the case with the Winpilot and OFGB apps.
It’s not a secret that the software giant is looking into every way possible to show advertisements to users. I have written an editorial about this problem and on the different ways to disable most of the unwanted ads from and installation, but now, there are third-party apps that you can also use to block most of the annoying ads from the Start menu, File Explorer, Search, and other parts of the operating system with a few clicks.
Winpilot, a third-party app available on GitHub, is not just about ad-blocking. It’s primarily designed as a tool to debloat Windows 11. Additionally, it provides options to quickly enable or disable privacy, system, gaming, and Taskbar settings, giving you more control over your Windows 11 experience.
The OFGB app is also available from GitHub, but it’s a tool specifically designed to disable specific features on Windows 11 that are considered ads, including recommendations from the Start menu, File Explorer, Lock screen, and more.
In this guide, I will show you the steps to use these two third-party tools to control the number of advertisements on Windows 11.
Block ads using Winpilot on Windows 11
To block ads using the Winpilot app on Windows 11, use these steps:
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Click the Winpilot.zip option under the “Assets” section.
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Save the file on your computer.
Quick note: The browser may complain about the download because this tool modifies the operating system’s internal part. -
Open the folder containing the Winpilot.zip file.
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Select the file and click the Extract all button from the command bar.
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Click the Extract button.
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Click the Run anyway button (if applicable).
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Click the Yes button to elevate the application.
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Click the Setup tab.
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Turn off the options to block ads under the “Adblock for Windows 11” section.
Once you complete the steps, you will be able to stop advertisements from the Start menu, Lock screen, and File Explorer. You will be able to turn off the feature that personalizes ads on your computer, tailored experience, general tips, and ads from Finish Setup and Welcome Experience.
Block ads using OFGB on Windows 11
To block ads using the OFGB app, use these steps:
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Click the OFGB.exe option under the “Assets” section.
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Save the file on your computer.
Quick note: The browser may complain about the download because this is a tool that modifies the internal part of the operating system. -
Open the folder containing the executable and run it.
Quick note: This application requires the .NET Desktop Runtime package. If the device doesn’t have this package, click the “Download it now” button to get it. -
Check the option to stop ads from different parts of the operating system.
After you complete the steps, you will be able to disable ads from File Explorer, Lock screen, Settings, Finish Setup, Welcome Experience, and Start menu. You will also be able to turn off general tips and tailored experience.
It’s worth noting that these tools do not replace system files or install other apps to block ads. Instead, they mostly modify the Registry to disable certain features of the operating system.
One thing I noticed is that while they promised to remove the ads from the Settings app, you will continue to see certain advertisements across the app, especially on the Home page. If you don’t find the Home page useful, you can disable it with these instructions.
How are you dealing with advertisements on Windows 11? Let me know in the comments.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].