Windows 10 shows ads on lock screen

Microsoft's new Windows 10 spotlight feature that rotates landscape photographs on the lock screen has reportedly been causing users some distress due to the appearance of sponsored content such as personalised ads on this page. Landscape pictures have been replaced for some with adverts for Rise of the Tomb Raider. However, Microsoft does enable users to turn off this feature in the settings.

EXPRESS NEWSPAPERS Microsoft is taking over your Windows 10 lockscreen with adverts, but you can stop it

Windows 10's new Spotlight feature usually rotates stunning landscape photographs on your lockscreen. These change every time you lock and unlock the display on your Windows 10 machine. But recently however, some users have reported seeing sponsored content appearing on the Windows 10 lockscreen. Adverts for Rise of the Tomb Raider have replaced the beautiful landscape photography for some – but Microsoft does offer a solution.

When you’re angry at Mac OS, be thankful that it isn’t shoving a Tomb Raider ad in your face. Thanks, Windows 10! pic.twitter.com/lDaXR8XaRy — David McGavern (@daveymcgav) February 24, 2016

By default, the Windows 10 lockscreen defaults to Windows Spotlight mode. This allows the US technology firm to show you pictures it thinks you might be interested in. It also lets the company show you ads. To stop Microsoft from being able to bombard you with ads, navigate to Settings then head to Personalisation.

MICROSOFT • IG By default, Microsoft enables the Windows 10 Spotlight option for your lockscreen

Click on the link for the Lock Screen on the left. From the dropdown menu marked Background, select the option Picture or Slideshow. Pick another picture or folder of images you would like to see instead of Microsoft's picks. Scroll down in the same window and untick the option Get fun facts, tips, tricks, and more on your lock screen. If you like Windows 10's Spotlight feature but don't like the advertisements, Microsoft does provide a dropdown on the lockscreen where you can provide feedback on the pictures displayed, so you can use this form to tell the software giant that you don't want to see any more content like this. It's unclear whether this will only hid future advertisements for Rise of the Tomb Raider, or adverts in general.

MICROSOFT • IG Unticking the Get fun facts, tips, tricks, and more option should remove the ads

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