Turning off app recommendations in Windows 11 is a straightforward process that will help you declutter your Start menu and boost your productivity. Windows 11 often suggests apps you might want to try, but if you’re not a fan, you can switch this feature off in just a few clicks. By following the steps below, you’ll have a cleaner and more personalized computing experience.
How to Turn Off App Recommendations in Windows 11
In this section, we’re going to show you the exact steps to disable those pesky app suggestions in Windows 11. By the end of these steps, your Start menu will display only the apps you’ve chosen to see.
Step 1: Access Settings
First, click on the Start button and select “Settings” from the list of applications.
This step is the gateway to all system settings on your Windows 11 computer. The Settings app can also be accessed using the shortcut Win + I, which might come in handy.
Step 2: Navigate to Personalization
Next, in the Settings window, click on “Personalization.”
This step takes you to the section where you can customize the appearance and behavior of your Windows environment. It’s where the magic happens for personalizing your Start menu.
Step 3: Select Start
In the Personalization menu, scroll down and click on the “Start” option.
This option handles all the features related to the Start menu, from choosing what gets displayed to turning off those app recommendations.
Step 4: Turn Off App Recommendations
Find the option that says “Show suggestions occasionally in Start” and toggle it to the off position.
This is the final step in turning off app recommendations. Once toggled off, Windows will stop suggesting new apps for you to try, keeping your Start menu neat and tidy.
Step 5: Confirm Changes
Finally, close the Settings window to confirm your changes.
No need to worry about clicking any “save” button. Your changes take effect immediately, so you can close the window with peace of mind.
Once you’ve completed these steps, you’ll notice that your Start menu no longer features those unsolicited app suggestions. Your menu will now only show the apps you frequently use or have chosen to pin there, providing a cleaner, more efficient workspace.
Tips for Turning Off App Recommendations in Windows 11
- Consider pinning your most-used apps to the Start menu for quick access.
- If you ever want to see app recommendations again, just follow these steps and toggle the feature back on.
- Explore other personalization settings while you’re in the menu to fully customize your Windows 11 experience.
- Use the Search feature in Settings to quickly find options if you’re ever lost.
- Regularly update your apps to ensure you’re getting the latest features and security improvements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Windows 11 show app recommendations?
Windows 11 aims to enhance user experience by suggesting apps that it believes might be useful or interesting to you based on your behavior and installed apps.
Can I re-enable app recommendations later?
Yes, you can easily re-enable app recommendations by following the same steps and toggling the option back on.
Do app recommendations affect system performance?
Not significantly. They are designed to be a minimal resource drain, but turning them off can contribute to a cleaner user interface.
Will turning off app recommendations delete any apps?
No, it simply stops showing suggestions. Your installed apps will remain untouched.
Is there a way to turn off recommendations for specific apps only?
Currently, Windows 11 does not allow for disabling recommendations on a per-app basis. It’s all or nothing.
Summary
- Access Settings.
- Navigate to Personalization.
- Select Start.
- Turn Off App Recommendations.
- Confirm Changes.
Conclusion
Turning off app recommendations in Windows 11 is a simple yet effective way to streamline your Start menu experience. By disabling this feature, you can reduce distractions and focus on the apps that truly matter to you. Whether you’re a fan of a minimalist interface or just want a little more control over what you see when you start your computer, these steps will help you achieve your goal.
The process is quick and easy to reverse, so don’t hesitate to experiment with other personalization options while you’re adjusting your settings. Customizing your Start menu and other features can transform your Windows 11 experience from cluttered and overwhelming to clean and efficient.
For those who love digging deeper into their operating system, consider exploring other personalization features that Windows 11 offers. From changing themes to customizing taskbar settings, Windows 11 provides a plethora of options to make your computer uniquely yours.
If you’re ready to take your Windows 11 experience to the next level, start by turning off those app recommendations and see how much more enjoyable your computing can be.
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.