Removing the recommended section in Windows 11 is pretty straightforward. You need to tweak a few settings in the Start menu and taskbar options to get rid of the suggestions that Windows 11 loves to push your way. By following these steps, you’ll have a cleaner, less cluttered interface in no time.
How to Remove Recommended from Windows 11
Before we dive into the steps, know that these changes will help you customize your Windows 11 Start menu by removing the recommended section. This guide is designed to make your Start menu look more streamlined and focused on what you actually use.
Step 1: Open Settings
The first step is to open the Settings app on your Windows 11 device.
To do this, click on the Start menu and then select the gear icon that appears, which is the shortcut for Settings.
Step 2: Go to Personalization
Next, navigate to the Personalization section within the Settings app.
Once you’re in Settings, you’ll see a menu on the left side. Click on Personalization to open up customization options for your Start menu and taskbar.
Step 3: Click on Start
In the Personalization section, select Start.
Here, you’ll see various options related to the Start menu. This is where we’ll make the necessary changes to remove the recommended section.
Step 4: Turn Off Show Recently Added Apps
Locate the option that says “Show recently added apps” and toggle it off.
By turning this off, you’ll prevent newly installed apps from appearing in the recommended section of your Start menu.
Step 5: Turn Off Show Recently Opened Items
Next, find the “Show recently opened items” option and toggle it off as well.
This will stop Windows from showing files and apps you’ve recently opened in the recommended section.
Step 6: Turn Off Show Most Used Apps
Lastly, turn off the “Show most used apps” option.
Disabling this will ensure that your most frequently used apps no longer appear in the recommended section, making the Start menu cleaner.
Once you’ve completed these steps, your Start menu should no longer display the recommended section. You’ll notice a less cluttered interface, which can make it easier to find what you’re looking for.
Tips for Removing Recommended from Windows 11
- If you’re not seeing any changes, try restarting your computer to ensure the settings take effect.
- You can always revert these settings by going back and toggling the options back on if you miss the recommended section.
- If you’re using a work computer, some settings may be managed by your organization, and you might not be able to change them.
- Consider using third-party tools to further customize your Start menu if these steps don’t give you the desired results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Microsoft include a recommended section in Windows 11?
Microsoft includes the recommended section to help users quickly access recently used or installed apps and files, intending to enhance productivity.
Will removing the recommended section affect my computer’s performance?
No, removing the recommended section is purely a cosmetic change and won’t impact your computer’s performance.
Can I re-enable the recommended section later?
Yes, you can go back into the Settings and toggle the options back on to re-enable the recommended section in your Start menu.
Are these changes permanent?
No, these changes are not permanent. You can easily revert them by following the same steps and toggling the options back on.
Do I need administrative rights to make these changes?
Generally, you don’t need administrative rights to make these changes, but some work or school devices might have restrictions.
Summary
- Open Settings
- Go to Personalization
- Click on Start
- Turn off Show Recently Added Apps
- Turn off Show Recently Opened Items
- Turn off Show Most Used Apps
Conclusion
So there you have it—removing the recommended section from Windows 11 is as easy as tweaking a few settings. By following this guide, you’ve taken the first step toward a more streamlined and personalized Start menu. These simple changes can make a big difference in how you interact with your computer daily.
For further customization, consider exploring other personalization options within the Settings app. There’s a whole world of tweaks and adjustments that can make your Windows 11 experience truly unique. If you’re interested in learning more, there’s plenty of information out there to help you dive deeper into Windows 11 customization.
Feel free to revisit this guide whenever you need to, and don’t hesitate to share these tips with friends or family who might find them useful. After all, a clutter-free Start menu is just a few clicks away!
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.