How to Disable Windows 11 Promotional Apps for ALL Users


AMH4Y

New member
Local time
6:49 PM
Posts
17
OS
Windows
Hi,

In Windows 10, we were able to disable promotional apps like Spotify, Facebook, Instagram etc. by modifying Registry
{\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ContentDeliveryManager} and disabling the values.
Same was tested for Windows 11, but seems like it didn't worked so far as per my testing.
Any thoughts?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows
Hi,

In Windows 10, we were able to disable promotional apps like Spotify, Facebook, Instagram etc. by modifying Registry
{\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ContentDeliveryManager} and disabling the values.
Same was tested for Windows 11, but seems like it didn't worked so far as per my testing.
Any thoughts?
A lot of things that could be changed via regedit in earlier versions have been stopped by MS in later builds, they don't like us tinkering
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Alienware M18 R1
    CPU
    13th Gen Core i9 13900HX
    Memory
    32GB DDR5 @4800MHz 2x16GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Geforce RTX 4090HX 16GB
    Sound Card
    Nvidia HD / Realtek ALC3254
    Monitor(s) Displays
    18" QHD+
    Screen Resolution
    25660 X 1600
    Hard Drives
    C: KIOXIA (Toshiba) 2TB KXG80ZNV2T04 NVMe PCIe M.2 SSD
    D: KIOXIA (Toshiba) 2TB KXG80ZNV2T04 NVMe PCIe M.2 SSD
    Case
    Dark Metallic Moon
    Keyboard
    Alienware M Series per-key AlienFX RGB
    Mouse
    Alienware AW610M
    Browser
    Chrome and Firefox
    Antivirus
    Norton
    Other Info
    Killer E3000 Ethernet Controller
    Killer Killer AX1690 Wi-Fi Network Adaptor Wi-Fi 6E
    Bluetooth 5.2
    Alienware Z01G Graphic Amplifier
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Alienware Area 51m R2
    CPU
    10th Gen i-9 10900 K
    Memory
    32Gb Dual Channel DDR4 @ 8843MHz
    Graphics card(s)
    Nvidia RTX 2080 Super
    Sound Card
    Nvidia
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    Hard Drive C: Samsung 2TB SSD PM981a NVMe
    Hard Drive D:Samsung 2TB SSD 970 EVO Plus
    Mouse
    Alienware 610M
    Browser
    Chrome
    Antivirus
    Norton
Any thoughts?
It works for me, nothing has installed without my consent.
Code:
reg add "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ContentDeliveryManager" /v "ContentDeliveryAllowed" /t REG_DWORD /d "0" /f
reg add "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ContentDeliveryManager" /v "FeatureManagementEnabled" /t REG_DWORD /d "0" /f
reg add "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ContentDeliveryManager" /v "OemPreInstalledAppsEnabled" /t REG_DWORD /d "0" /f
reg add "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ContentDeliveryManager" /v "PreInstalledAppsEnabled" /t REG_DWORD /d "0" /f
reg add "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ContentDeliveryManager" /v "PreInstalledAppsEverEnabled" /t REG_DWORD /d "0" /f
reg add "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ContentDeliveryManager" /v "SilentInstalledAppsEnabled" /t REG_DWORD /d "0" /f
reg add "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ContentDeliveryManager" /v "SoftLandingEnabled" /t REG_DWORD /d "0" /f
reg add "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ContentDeliveryManager" /v "SubscribedContentEnabled" /t REG_DWORD /d "0" /f
reg add "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ContentDeliveryManager" /v "SubscribedContent-310093Enabled" /t REG_DWORD /d "0" /f
reg add "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ContentDeliveryManager" /v "SubscribedContent-338388Enabled" /t REG_DWORD /d "0" /f
reg add "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ContentDeliveryManager" /v "SubscribedContent-338389Enabled" /t REG_DWORD /d "0" /f
reg add "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ContentDeliveryManager" /v "SubscribedContent-338393Enabled" /t REG_DWORD /d "0" /f
reg add "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ContentDeliveryManager" /v "SubscribedContent-353694Enabled" /t REG_DWORD /d "0" /f
reg add "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ContentDeliveryManager" /v "SubscribedContent-353696Enabled" /t REG_DWORD /d "0" /f
reg add "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ContentDeliveryManager" /v "SubscribedContentEnabled" /t REG_DWORD /d "0" /f
reg add "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ContentDeliveryManager" /v "SystemPaneSuggestionsEnabled" /t REG_DWORD /d "0" /f
reg add "HKLM\Software\Policies\Microsoft\PushToInstall" /v "DisablePushToInstall" /t REG_DWORD /d "1" /f
reg add "HKLM\Software\Policies\Microsoft\MRT" /v "DontOfferThroughWUAU" /t REG_DWORD /d "1" /f
reg delete "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ContentDeliveryManager\Subscriptions" /f
reg delete "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ContentDeliveryManager\SuggestedApps" /f
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Home
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 5 3600 & No fTPM (07/19)
    Motherboard
    MSI B450 TOMAHAWK 7C02v1E & IFX TPM (07/19)
    Memory
    4x 8GB ADATA XPG GAMMIX D10 DDR4 3200MHz CL16
    Graphics Card(s)
    MSI Radeon RX 580 ARMOR 8G OC @48FPS (08/19)
    Sound Card
    Creative Sound Blaster Z (11/16)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    24" AOC G2460VQ6 (01/19)
    Screen Resolution
    1920×1080@75Hz & FreeSync (DisplayPort)
    Hard Drives
    ADATA XPG GAMMIX S11 Pro SSD 512GB (07/19)
    PSU
    Seasonic M12II-520 80 Plus Bronze (11/16)
    Case
    Lian Li PC-7NB & 3x Noctua NF-S12A FLX@700rpm (11/16)
    Cooling
    CPU Cooler Noctua NH-U12S@700rpm (07/19)
    Keyboard
    HP Wired Desktop 320K + Rabalux 76017 Parker (01/24)
    Mouse
    Logitech M330 Silent Plus (04/23)
    Internet Speed
    400/40 Mbps via RouterOS (05/21) & TCP Optimizer
    Browser
    Edge (No FB/Google) & Brave for YouTube & LibreWolf for FB
    Antivirus
    NoAV & Binisoft WFC & NextDNS
    Other Info
    Headphones: Sennheiser RS170 (09/10)
    Phone: Samsung Galaxy Xcover 7 (02/24)
Thanks for reply and sharing your thoughts.
Approximately same thing I did (but with Default user profile) with some exception of key which wasn't included in my case.
Will check in out more next week (maybe we have the final release builds).
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows
Thanks for reply and sharing your thoughts.
Approximately same thing I did (but with Default user profile) with some exception of key which wasn't included in my case.
Will check in out more next week (maybe we have the final release builds).
It works for me, nothing has installed without my consent.
Code:
reg add "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ContentDeliveryManager" /v "ContentDeliveryAllowed" /t REG_DWORD /d "0" /f
reg add "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ContentDeliveryManager" /v "FeatureManagementEnabled" /t REG_DWORD /d "0" /f
reg add "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ContentDeliveryManager" /v "OemPreInstalledAppsEnabled" /t REG_DWORD /d "0" /f
reg add "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ContentDeliveryManager" /v "PreInstalledAppsEnabled" /t REG_DWORD /d "0" /f
reg add "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ContentDeliveryManager" /v "PreInstalledAppsEverEnabled" /t REG_DWORD /d "0" /f
reg add "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ContentDeliveryManager" /v "SilentInstalledAppsEnabled" /t REG_DWORD /d "0" /f
reg add "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ContentDeliveryManager" /v "SoftLandingEnabled" /t REG_DWORD /d "0" /f
reg add "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ContentDeliveryManager" /v "SubscribedContentEnabled" /t REG_DWORD /d "0" /f
reg add "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ContentDeliveryManager" /v "SubscribedContent-310093Enabled" /t REG_DWORD /d "0" /f
reg add "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ContentDeliveryManager" /v "SubscribedContent-338388Enabled" /t REG_DWORD /d "0" /f
reg add "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ContentDeliveryManager" /v "SubscribedContent-338389Enabled" /t REG_DWORD /d "0" /f
reg add "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ContentDeliveryManager" /v "SubscribedContent-338393Enabled" /t REG_DWORD /d "0" /f
reg add "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ContentDeliveryManager" /v "SubscribedContent-353694Enabled" /t REG_DWORD /d "0" /f
reg add "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ContentDeliveryManager" /v "SubscribedContent-353696Enabled" /t REG_DWORD /d "0" /f
reg add "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ContentDeliveryManager" /v "SubscribedContentEnabled" /t REG_DWORD /d "0" /f
reg add "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ContentDeliveryManager" /v "SystemPaneSuggestionsEnabled" /t REG_DWORD /d "0" /f
reg add "HKLM\Software\Policies\Microsoft\PushToInstall" /v "DisablePushToInstall" /t REG_DWORD /d "1" /f
reg add "HKLM\Software\Policies\Microsoft\MRT" /v "DontOfferThroughWUAU" /t REG_DWORD /d "1" /f
reg delete "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ContentDeliveryManager\Subscriptions" /f
reg delete "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ContentDeliveryManager\SuggestedApps" /f
Hi,

Now I have checked, the result is same, the applications icons are still available (like Facebook, Spotify etc.) and if you click on it, it will start downloading. What I was asking is to disable all these applications shortcuts to appear on the start screen.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows
Hi,

Now I have checked, the result is same, the applications icons are still available (like Facebook, Spotify etc.) and if you click on it, it will start downloading. What I was asking is to disable all these applications shortcuts to appear on the start screen.

Use the codes that TairikuOkami mentioned in this thread

Open your start menu and make a cleaning and remove that annoying shortcuts from the start menu.

After cleaning Start Menu, make a backup of your StartlLayout.
There is a tutorial on TenForums made by Shawn.

Now save your backup, you can use this layout after clean installs.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 21H2 Home Single Language
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Hometech ALFA400C
    CPU
    I'm ashamed to talk about it...
    Motherboard
    There is no such a God, I only know mother-Earth
    Memory
    3GB :(
    Graphics Card(s)
    on-board
    Sound Card
    on-board
    Monitor(s) Displays
    (s) is too ambitious for me
    Screen Resolution
    1920*1080
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 860 EVO 250GB (SSD)
    Samsung MBG4GC 32GB (SSD)
    PSU
    I was very young when I last saw a PSU
    Case
    ...
    Cooling
    My coldness is enough to cool the computer
    Keyboard
    A broken and very clean keyboard
    Mouse
    Rat King
    Internet Speed
    Slowest internet connection in Europe
    Browser
    ChromePortable / TorBrowser
    Antivirus
    Biontech
    Other Info
    I can simply say that I took the red pill and I am not happy with it.
Use the codes that TairikuOkami mentioned in this thread

Open your start menu and make a cleaning and remove that annoying shortcuts from the start menu.

After cleaning Start Menu, make a backup of your StartlLayout.
There is a tutorial on TenForums made by Shawn.

Now save your backup, you can use this layout after clean installs.
Hi,

.XML file is NOT supported in Windows 11 :(
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows
Reg export is enough.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 21H2 Home Single Language
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Hometech ALFA400C
    CPU
    I'm ashamed to talk about it...
    Motherboard
    There is no such a God, I only know mother-Earth
    Memory
    3GB :(
    Graphics Card(s)
    on-board
    Sound Card
    on-board
    Monitor(s) Displays
    (s) is too ambitious for me
    Screen Resolution
    1920*1080
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 860 EVO 250GB (SSD)
    Samsung MBG4GC 32GB (SSD)
    PSU
    I was very young when I last saw a PSU
    Case
    ...
    Cooling
    My coldness is enough to cool the computer
    Keyboard
    A broken and very clean keyboard
    Mouse
    Rat King
    Internet Speed
    Slowest internet connection in Europe
    Browser
    ChromePortable / TorBrowser
    Antivirus
    Biontech
    Other Info
    I can simply say that I took the red pill and I am not happy with it.
Reg export is enough.
1634029210923.png
I have LayoutModification.json in this location.
Have placed the Reg Export in this location as well but no result :(
Note: ContentDeliveryManager values has been checked and everything looks good here as well.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows
I cleaned my Start Menu completely, I pinned my own apps.
I made a back up from that registry entries.

Then I unpinned some of my app from the start menu for just trying if reg file works or not.
It works without any problem.
We can get the real result after make a clean install on clean file system and registry.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 21H2 Home Single Language
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Hometech ALFA400C
    CPU
    I'm ashamed to talk about it...
    Motherboard
    There is no such a God, I only know mother-Earth
    Memory
    3GB :(
    Graphics Card(s)
    on-board
    Sound Card
    on-board
    Monitor(s) Displays
    (s) is too ambitious for me
    Screen Resolution
    1920*1080
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 860 EVO 250GB (SSD)
    Samsung MBG4GC 32GB (SSD)
    PSU
    I was very young when I last saw a PSU
    Case
    ...
    Cooling
    My coldness is enough to cool the computer
    Keyboard
    A broken and very clean keyboard
    Mouse
    Rat King
    Internet Speed
    Slowest internet connection in Europe
    Browser
    ChromePortable / TorBrowser
    Antivirus
    Biontech
    Other Info
    I can simply say that I took the red pill and I am not happy with it.
I cleaned my Start Menu completely, I pinned my own apps.
I made a back up from that registry entries.

Then I unpinned some of my app from the start menu for just trying if reg file works or not.
It works without any problem.
We can get the real result after make a clean install on clean file system and registry.
Let me check it (again) on a "Clean" install (without LayoutModification.json) file.
Are you using LayoutModification.json by the way?

  1. I made a back up from that registry entries. (means you just exported? or modified it)?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows
Let me check it (again) on a "Clean" install (without LayoutModification.json) file.
Are you using LayoutModification.json by the way?

  1. I made a back up from that registry entries. (means you just exported? or modified it)?
I didn't use C:\Layouts\LayoutModification.json. It is very useful but i am trying to be far away from powershell.

First I modified it, then I exported the registry key.
Just wait i will give you some screenshots.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 21H2 Home Single Language
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Hometech ALFA400C
    CPU
    I'm ashamed to talk about it...
    Motherboard
    There is no such a God, I only know mother-Earth
    Memory
    3GB :(
    Graphics Card(s)
    on-board
    Sound Card
    on-board
    Monitor(s) Displays
    (s) is too ambitious for me
    Screen Resolution
    1920*1080
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 860 EVO 250GB (SSD)
    Samsung MBG4GC 32GB (SSD)
    PSU
    I was very young when I last saw a PSU
    Case
    ...
    Cooling
    My coldness is enough to cool the computer
    Keyboard
    A broken and very clean keyboard
    Mouse
    Rat King
    Internet Speed
    Slowest internet connection in Europe
    Browser
    ChromePortable / TorBrowser
    Antivirus
    Biontech
    Other Info
    I can simply say that I took the red pill and I am not happy with it.
I didn't use C:\Layouts\LayoutModification.json. It is very useful but i am trying to be far away from powershell.

First I modified it, then I exported the registry key.
Just wait i will give you some screenshots.
What you modified, registry?
Yes, please if you can share more details it will be perfect.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows
Did you also replaced "DefaultLayouts.xml" in %LocalAppData%\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Shell
?

Then restarting your pc?

I only modified StartMenu, but only .reg backup is not work now. I am stuck here too.

Edit:

It is clear now. LayoutModification.json replace in %localappdata%\Microsoft\Windows\Shell but it is only work for new users, so you need to replace it in default user profile

You can do it on an offline image or you can do it when you are making a clean install, when UserName page comes out, press shift+f10 and open command prompt and replace your file.
Or mount an image, do the same for offline image.

xml file can be use to pinning web link but it also needs .json file too.

So the backup and restore tweak doesnt work on windows 11. I was wrong, sorry.
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 21H2 Home Single Language
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Hometech ALFA400C
    CPU
    I'm ashamed to talk about it...
    Motherboard
    There is no such a God, I only know mother-Earth
    Memory
    3GB :(
    Graphics Card(s)
    on-board
    Sound Card
    on-board
    Monitor(s) Displays
    (s) is too ambitious for me
    Screen Resolution
    1920*1080
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 860 EVO 250GB (SSD)
    Samsung MBG4GC 32GB (SSD)
    PSU
    I was very young when I last saw a PSU
    Case
    ...
    Cooling
    My coldness is enough to cool the computer
    Keyboard
    A broken and very clean keyboard
    Mouse
    Rat King
    Internet Speed
    Slowest internet connection in Europe
    Browser
    ChromePortable / TorBrowser
    Antivirus
    Biontech
    Other Info
    I can simply say that I took the red pill and I am not happy with it.
Did you also replaced "DefaultLayouts.xml" in %LocalAppData%\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Shell
?

Then restarting your pc?

I only modified StartMenu, but only .reg backup is not work now. I am stuck here too.
I deleted the .xml file and had only the .json file.

If I understood correctly, the .xml file in Windows 11 is required only if you are pinning the web sites URLs;
1634040958240.png
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows
Did you also replaced "DefaultLayouts.xml" in %LocalAppData%\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Shell
?

Then restarting your pc?

I only modified StartMenu, but only .reg backup is not work now. I am stuck here too.

Edit:

It is clear now. LayoutModification.json replace in %localappdata%\Microsoft\Windows\Shell but it is only work for new users, so you need to replace it in default user profile

You can do it on an offline image or you can do it when you are making a clean install, when UserName page comes out, press shift+f10 and open command prompt and replace your file.
Or mount an image, do the same for offline image.

xml file can be use to pinning web link but it also needs .json file too.

So the backup and restore tweak doesnt work on windows 11. I was wrong, sorry.
So far, as I know, it is kind of not possible to override the default layout and have your own. Thanks for confirmation that Reg Export is not working for you as well.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows
Old tweak doesn't work. :(

I saw your other thread about layout, you replaced json file but did you use Import Command from powershell as well?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 21H2 Home Single Language
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Hometech ALFA400C
    CPU
    I'm ashamed to talk about it...
    Motherboard
    There is no such a God, I only know mother-Earth
    Memory
    3GB :(
    Graphics Card(s)
    on-board
    Sound Card
    on-board
    Monitor(s) Displays
    (s) is too ambitious for me
    Screen Resolution
    1920*1080
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 860 EVO 250GB (SSD)
    Samsung MBG4GC 32GB (SSD)
    PSU
    I was very young when I last saw a PSU
    Case
    ...
    Cooling
    My coldness is enough to cool the computer
    Keyboard
    A broken and very clean keyboard
    Mouse
    Rat King
    Internet Speed
    Slowest internet connection in Europe
    Browser
    ChromePortable / TorBrowser
    Antivirus
    Biontech
    Other Info
    I can simply say that I took the red pill and I am not happy with it.
Old tweak doesn't work. :(

I saw your other thread about layout, you replaced json file but did you use Import Command from powershell as well?
PS command should be used to export the layout in json format, however, this should be used to modify start layout via MDM solution like Intune.
However, here is the sample json file that you can edit according to your choice and use

Code:
{ "primaryOEMPins": [
    { "packagedAppId": "OEM.App1_1abcde2f3ghjk!App"},
    { "desktopAppLink": "%ALLUSERSPROFILE%\\Microsoft\\Windows\\Start Menu\\Programs\\MyWin32App.lnk"},
    { "packagedAppId": "Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge.Stable_8wekyb3d8bbwe!App",
      "tileId": "MSEdge.paomdnjincdkenhiicpl.UserData.Default"}
  ],
  "secondaryOEMPins": [
    { "packagedAppId": "Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge.Stable_8wekyb3d8bbwe!App",
      "tileId": "MSEdge.anfoedbkjbcacemdbigf.UserData.Default" },
    { "desktopAppId": "Contoso.Desktop.Example.AUMID"}
  ],
  "firstRunOEMPins": [
    { "desktopAppLink": "%ALLUSERSPROFILE%\\Microsoft\\Windows\\Start Menu\\Programs\\PutMeInRecommended.lnk",
      "caption": {
        "en-US": "(localized caption text for US English)",
        "de": "(localized caption text for German)",
        "default": "(fallback caption text for other languages)" }
    }
  ]
}
Source: Customize the Windows 11 Start menu
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows

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