Removing the “Recommended” section from Windows 11 can streamline your Start Menu and make it more personalized. Although this feature is intended to help you access recently used files and apps quickly, it can sometimes feel cluttered. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to remove the “Recommended” section and offer tips to customize your Start Menu further.
How to Remove Recommended from Windows 11
In this section, you’ll learn how to remove the “Recommended” section from your Windows 11 Start Menu. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a cleaner Start Menu in no time.
Step 1: Open Settings
First, press the Windows key and click on the gear icon to open the Settings.
The Settings app is where you customize various features and control system settings.
Step 2: Navigate to Personalization
In the Settings window, select “Personalization” from the left-hand menu.
Personalization is where you can change the look and feel of your Windows 11 interface, including the Start Menu.
Step 3: Click on Start
Within the Personalization menu, click on the “Start” option.
The Start menu settings allow you to modify what appears in your Start Menu, including the “Recommended” section.
Step 4: Toggle Off “Show recently added apps”
In the Start settings, toggle off the switch next to “Show recently added apps.”
This will prevent newly installed apps from appearing in the Recommended section.
Step 5: Toggle Off “Show most used apps”
Next, toggle off the switch next to “Show most used apps.”
This will ensure that your frequently used apps don’t show up in the Recommended section.
Step 6: Toggle Off “Show recently opened items”
Finally, toggle off the switch next to “Show recently opened items in Start, Jump Lists, and File Explorer.”
This will stop recently opened files and folders from cluttering your Start Menu’s Recommended section.
After completing these steps, your Start Menu will no longer display the “Recommended” section. You’ll have a cleaner, more streamlined interface.
Tips on Removing Recommended from Windows 11
- Backup Your Settings: Before making changes, consider backing up your current settings. This way, you can always revert to the original configuration if needed.
- Explore Other Start Menu Options: While you’re in the Start Menu settings, you might find other customization options that suit your needs better.
- Use Groups: Organize your apps into groups to make your Start Menu more efficient.
- Pin Apps: Pin your most-used apps to the Start Menu for easy access; this can replace the need for a Recommended section.
- Regular Maintenance: Revisit your Start Menu settings periodically to ensure it remains clutter-free.
Frequently Asked Questions on Removing Recommended from Windows 11
Can I revert these changes?
Yes, you can always go back to the Start Menu settings and toggle the switches back on.
Will this affect my system performance?
No, removing the Recommended section will not affect your system’s performance.
Can I still access my recent files?
Yes, you can access recently opened files through File Explorer or specific apps.
Does this delete my apps or files?
No, removing the Recommended section only changes what is displayed in the Start Menu. Your apps and files will remain intact.
Can I customize other parts of the Start Menu?
Yes, Windows 11 offers various customization options for the Start Menu, including pinning apps and changing the layout.
Summary of Steps to Remove Recommended from Windows 11
- Open Settings
- Navigate to Personalization
- Click on Start
- Toggle off “Show recently added apps”
- Toggle off “Show most used apps”
- Toggle off “Show recently opened items”
Conclusion
Removing the “Recommended” section from your Windows 11 Start Menu can help create a cleaner, more personalized user experience. Following the simple steps outlined in this guide, you can easily remove this feature and customize your Start Menu to better suit your needs. Remember, you can always revert these settings if you change your mind. For more tips and tricks on customizing Windows 11, consider exploring additional personalization options available in the Settings app. This small adjustment can make a big difference in how you interact with your computer daily. Happy customizing!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.