Your step-by-step guide to stop the annoying "Let's finish setting up your device" pop-up from appearing after Windows 11 updates or restarts.
Keywords: disable finish setting up device, stop Windows 11 setup screen, remove OOBE notification, Windows 11 annoying pop-up, privacy settings Windows 11
Contents 📋
Understanding "Let's Finish Setting Up Your Device"
After a Windows 11 update, feature upgrade, or sometimes even a simple restart, users are often greeted by a full-screen prompt titled "Let's finish setting up your device." This screen is designed by Microsoft to guide you through optional settings, such as linking your phone, setting up OneDrive, or personalizing your experience. While seemingly helpful, it can become a persistent annoyance for many who prefer a clean, uninterrupted boot-up.
This persistent pop-up primarily aims to encourage users to:
- Sync their Microsoft account more fully.
- Set up Microsoft services (e.g., OneDrive, Microsoft 365).
- Explore new Windows features.
Fortunately, there are several ways to permanently disable this intrusion.
⚠ IMPORTANT: Modifying the Registry (Method 3) should only be attempted by advanced users who are comfortable with the process, as incorrect changes can affect system stability.
Method 1: Disable via Notifications & Actions Settings (Easiest)
This is the simplest and most direct method for most Windows 11 Home users to prevent the setup screen from reappearing.
- Go to Settings (Windows Key + I).
- Navigate to System > Notifications.
- Scroll down and find the section for **"Additional settings"**.
- **Uncheck** the box next to **"Suggest ways to finish setting up my device to get the most out of Windows."**
- Close Settings. This change takes effect immediately.
Method 2: Disable via Local Group Policy Editor (Pro/Enterprise)
If you have Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, or Education editions, the Local Group Policy Editor provides a robust way to disable this behavior.
- Press Windows Key + R, type
gpedit.msc, and press Enter to open the Local Group Policy Editor. - Navigate to: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Logon.
- In the right pane, find and **double-click** on **"Show first sign-in animation."**
- Select **Disabled**.
- Click **Apply** and then **OK**.
- **Restart** your computer for the policy change to take effect.
Note: This policy specifically prevents the "first sign-in animation" which often includes the device setup screen.
Method 3: Disable via Registry Editor (Advanced Users)
For Windows 11 Home users who want a deeper, policy-like solution, or if Method 1 doesn't work, you can use the Registry Editor. **Proceed with caution and back up your Registry first.**
Backup Your Registry:
- Open **Registry Editor** (Search "regedit", Run as administrator).
- Click **File** > **Export...**. Choose a location and save the backup.
Modify Registry:
- Press Windows Key + R, type
regedit, and press Enter. Click Yes for UAC. - Navigate to the following path:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ContentDeliveryManager - In the right pane, find a DWORD (32-bit) Value named **
SubscribedContent-310093Enabled**. - Double-click on it and change its **Value data** from 1 to 0.
- If this DWORD does not exist, right-click in the empty space, select **New** > **DWORD (32-bit) Value**, name it
SubscribedContent-310093Enabled, and set its value to 0. - Restart your computer.
Method 4: Complete the Setup Prompt Once
Sometimes, the easiest way to prevent the screen from reappearing is to simply go through the entire setup process one time. This tells Windows that you've seen and addressed it.
- When the "Let's finish setting up your device" screen appears, click "Continue" or **"Get started"**.
- Click **"Skip"** or **"Later"** for any options you don't want to set up (like phone linking, OneDrive, etc.).
- Once you reach the desktop, the system usually registers that the setup sequence has been completed.
While this doesn't permanently disable the mechanism, it often prevents the prompt from re-appearing unless a major feature update occurs.