Tired of seeing those pesky recommended files and apps cluttering up your Windows 11 Start Menu? You’re not alone! Fortunately, removing them is easier than you might think. All you need to do is tweak a few settings, and soon your Start Menu will look cleaner and more personalized. Ready to declutter your digital space? Here’s how you can do it in a few straightforward steps.
Step-by-Step Tutorial for Removing Recommended from Windows 11 Start Menu
In this guide, you’ll learn how to remove the recommended items from appearing in your Windows 11 Start Menu. It’s a simple process that involves adjusting your system settings.
Step 1: Open Settings
First, you’ll need to access the Settings on your Windows 11 computer.
To do this, click on the Start Menu and then select the Settings icon, which looks like a small gear. Alternatively, you can press the “Windows + I” keys on your keyboard to open Settings directly.
Step 2: Navigate to Personalization
Next, head over to the Personalization section within Settings.
Once you’re in the Settings window, look for the Personalization option in the left-hand menu. Click on it to find more options related to how your computer looks and feels.
Step 3: Access Start Settings
Within Personalization, find the Start settings to make adjustments.
Scroll down a bit until you see the Start option. Click on it to open a new menu where you can customize your Start Menu preferences.
Step 4: Turn Off Show Recently Added Apps
Disable the first recommended setting by turning off “Show recently added apps.”
In the Start settings, you’ll see a toggle labeled “Show recently added apps.” Switch this off to prevent new apps from appearing in your Start Menu recommended section.
Step 5: Turn Off Show Recently Opened Items
Finally, disable the second recommended setting by turning off “Show recently opened items.”
Right below the previous toggle, there’s another one labeled “Show recently opened items in Start, Jump Lists, and File Explorer.” Turn this off as well to remove recently opened files from appearing.
After completing these steps, your Windows 11 Start Menu will no longer display recommended files or apps, making it a much cleaner and organized space.
Tips for Removing Recommended from Windows 11 Start Menu
- Consider creating shortcuts to your most-used apps on the desktop for quicker access.
- Regularly review your Start Menu layout to further customize it to your liking.
- Remember that you can always re-enable recommended items if you find them useful later.
- Use Windows 11’s Search feature to quickly find files without needing them in your Start Menu.
- Keep your system updated to ensure all features work as intended.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I hide specific recommended items instead of all?
Unfortunately, Windows 11 does not allow you to hide specific items; it’s all or nothing.
Will this affect my pinned apps?
No, your pinned apps will remain unchanged when you remove recommended items.
Can I still access recommended files elsewhere?
Yes, use the File Explorer or the Recent Files section in various apps to find recent items.
Is it possible to remove the recommended section without turning off the toggles?
Currently, Windows 11 does not offer this level of customization.
What if the setting doesn’t apply immediately?
Try restarting your computer to ensure changes take effect.
Summary
- Open Settings.
- Navigate to Personalization.
- Access Start Settings.
- Turn Off Show Recently Added Apps.
- Turn Off Show Recently Opened Items.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to remove recommended items from your Windows 11 Start Menu, you can enjoy a cleaner, more streamlined digital workspace. This simple change can make a big difference, especially if you prefer a minimalist look or just want to focus on the apps and files that matter most to you.
While the recommended section can be helpful for some, it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. Personalizing your Start Menu to fit your needs is a great way to boost productivity and reduce distraction.
If you’re curious about other ways to customize Windows 11, consider exploring more settings in the Personalization menu or check out online resources for more tips and tricks. Remember, your computer should work for you, not the other way around!
Feel free to share your newfound knowledge with friends or colleagues who might be looking to tidy up their Start Menu too. Happy computing!
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.