Windows 10: How do I remove desktop ads by Microsoft?

I'm getting ads on my desktop even when I don't have an internet browser open. I don't know what's causing them, but this is the second time I've had one pop up and it's making me think my computer has become infected with something posing as Microsoft. Granted, if these are actual ads from Microsoft, there's got to be a way to shut them off, right? Either way I want the ads gone ASAP.


Here's what the ad typically looks like on my desktop. Appears on the bottom right corner. The 'remove ad' button links to a site my computer warns me may be run by hackers n' such. As you can see by the image, I've already run RogueKiller but it didn't seem to have an effect on the ad.



:)

 

Ad By Desktop Recipe

Follow the instructions here.

https://malwaretips.com/blogs/ads-by-desktop-recipe-removal/

If it is not listed in the Control Panel, or cannot be removed there, skip to Step 2. HitmanPro may not be needed.

 

Counterflix ad removal

What suggestions did you receive from McAfee?

Did you try the Emsisoft Emergency Kit? How about the Eset Online Scanner?

Did you follow ALL of the steps in https://malwaretips.com/blogs/remove-counterflix-ads/ and reset all browsers.

 

Microsoft is developing a built-in ad blocker for its Edge browser

"One of the first browser add-ons many people install to improve their online experience is Adblock Plus or something similar. Until recently, Microsoft Edge's lack of support for add-ons put off a lot of would-be users, but reports from Build 2016 suggest that native ad blocking is on its way to the Internet Explorer successor.

Adblock Plus is coming to Edge, but built-in ad blocking would negate the need for such an add-on. A slide shown off and snapped at a Build presentation shows that the next version of Edge, in response to user feedback, will feature ad blocking capabilities. There's no word on delivery timescale, but the upcoming Windows 10 Anniversary Update would seem a likely candidate.

ZDNet's Ed Bott photographed the slide which shows Microsoft's development roadmap built around feedback from testers. Right at the top of the list is reference to plans to create a plugin and extension store for Edge, but it's entry number four that's more intriguing.

"Build ad blocking features into the browser" is listed as a Feature Request from users. But the good news is that it is not only listed as being "Deliverable 4682811", but as "Targeted for the next version".

This will no doubt come as good news for those who have fallen in love with Edge, but it's not something that will be welcomed by the likes of Adblock Plus. It does seem that, particularly in the mobile arena, there is a move to baking ad blocking into the browser so it makes sense that Microsoft is following the trend. But it is the fact that Edge straddles Windows 10 on the desktop and Windows 10 Mobile that makes this a particularly interesting move.

Keep an eye out for Insider builds in the coming weeks as the feature may be just around the corner."

Forget extensions, built-in ad blocking is coming to Microsoft Edge - [UPDATE... no it's not!]