How to Disable Lock Screen Tips and Spotlight Data Collection

What Causes This?

Windows Spotlight is a lock screen feature that downloads images, suggestions, and other content from Microsoft. It can also use diagnostic data and your activity signals to show tips, app suggestions, and personalized recommendations on the lock screen. If Spotlight is enabled, Windows may keep fetching this content in the background unless you switch to a different lock screen setting and turn off related personalization options.

Common Symptoms

• The lock screen shows changing background images from Microsoft
• You see tips, fun facts, or app suggestions on the lock screen
• Windows downloads lock screen content even when you do not want personalized recommendations
• Settings related to Spotlight keep turning content back on after updates
• You want a static lock screen picture or slideshow instead of online content

How to Fix It Manually

1. Open the lock screen settings.

   • Press Windows + I to open Settings.
   • Click Personalization.
   • Select Lock screen.

2. Turn off Windows Spotlight on the lock screen.

   • Find the Personalize your lock screen dropdown.
   • If it is set to Windows spotlight, change it to Picture or Slideshow.
   • This stops Windows from using Spotlight to pull new lock screen content from Microsoft.

3. Disable lock screen tips and extra content.

   • On the same Lock screen page, look for an option like Get fun facts, tips, tricks, and more on your lock screen.
   • Turn this option Off.
   • If you do not see it, switching away from Windows spotlight usually removes those extras automatically.

4. Turn off personalized suggestions in Windows.

   • In Settings, go to Privacy & security.
   • Click General.
   • Turn Off options such as:
     • Let apps show me personalized ads by using my advertising ID
     • Show me suggested content in the Settings app
     • Let Windows improve Start and search results by tracking app launches
     • Show me notifications in the Settings app

5. Reduce diagnostic-data-based suggestions.

   • Still in Privacy & security, click Diagnostics & feedback.
   • Set Diagnostic data to the lowest available option on your system.
   • Turn off options related to Tailored experiences if present. This prevents Microsoft from using diagnostic data to show personalized tips, ads, and recommendations.

6. Check notification and welcome-message settings.

   • Go to System > Notifications.
   • Scroll down and turn off options such as:
     • Offer suggestions on how I can set up my device
     • Get tips and suggestions when using Windows
     • Show the Windows welcome experience after updates and when signed in

7. Restart your PC.

   • Click Start > Power > Restart.
   • After restarting, lock your PC with Windows + L and confirm the lock screen no longer shows Spotlight content or tips.

Fix It Automatically with Kudu

Kudu can scan your Windows settings for privacy, personalization, and lock screen options that enable Spotlight content and usage-based tips. It applies the recommended changes automatically, so you do not have to hunt through multiple Settings pages or worry about missing a related toggle.

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