If you open Windows 11 File Explorer and keep seeing Recommended files you do not want, you are not alone. This area can be useful for recent work, but it can also feel cluttered, distracting, or even a little invasive if you just want a clean folder view. Maybe you are trying to hide sensitive project files, reduce visual noise, or simply make File Explorer feel more predictable.
The good news is that turning off Recommended files is quick and easy. In most cases, you only need to change one File Explorer setting, and the change takes effect right away. In this guide, you will learn exactly where to find the option, how to disable it, what to do if it keeps appearing, and a few helpful workarounds if your version of Windows 11 looks different.
Summary
- Open File Explorer
- Click See more or the three-dot menu
- Choose Options
- Go to the General tab
- Uncheck Show recommended section
- Click Apply, then OK
Tutorial – Turn Off Recommended Files in Windows 11 File Explorer
This method removes the Recommended section from File Explorer’s Home view so you see less clutter and more of what you actually want to use. If you want File Explorer to look simpler and focus on your files instead of suggestions, this is the fastest fix.
Step 1: Open File Explorer
Open File Explorer from the taskbar, Start menu, or by pressing Windows + E on your keyboard.
After it opens, you should see the standard File Explorer window, usually with Home selected on the left side. If you are already in a folder, that is fine too; you just need to reach the File Explorer settings next.
Step 2: Open the File Explorer menu
Click See more, shown as the three dots near the top of File Explorer, then select Options.
You should now see the Folder Options window. This is where Windows keeps the settings that control how File Explorer behaves and what it shows on the Home page.
Step 3: Go to the General tab
In the Folder Options window, make sure you are on the General tab.
This tab controls startup behavior, recent items, and the Home page layout. If you do not see it immediately, look at the top of the window and click General.
Step 4: Turn off the Recommended section
Find the option labeled Show recommended section and uncheck it.
Once you clear that box, Windows will stop showing the Recommended area in File Explorer. In most cases, the change is instant, but if the Home page is already open, you may need to refresh or close and reopen File Explorer to see the difference.
Step 5: Save your changes
Click Apply, then click OK to close the window.
At this point, the setting is saved. When you return to Home in File Explorer, the Recommended section should be gone, leaving a cleaner view of your files and folders.
Alternative Methods or Edge Cases
If you do not see the Recommended section option:
Your Windows 11 build may be older or newer than the one described above. Update Windows first, then check File Explorer Options again.If you only want fewer suggestions, not a full removal:
You can reduce how often Windows shows recent items by clearing File Explorer history in Folder Options on the General tab. This does not always remove the section, but it can make it much less busy.If File Explorer keeps showing old items anyway:
Restart File Explorer from Task Manager or sign out and back in. Windows sometimes needs a refresh before the Home page fully reflects the new setting.If you are using a work or school PC:
Your organization may manage File Explorer settings through policy. If the option is missing or disabled, contact IT.If you want to remove only personal traces:
Clear Recent files and Frequently used folders in File Explorer Options. This is useful if you want privacy without changing the rest of the Home experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will turning off Recommended files delete my files?
No. This only changes what File Explorer displays. Your files remain on your PC and in cloud storage if they are synced.
Can I turn Recommended files back on later?
Yes. Just return to File Explorer Options, go to the General tab, and check Show recommended section again.
Does this also remove recent files from other apps?
No. This setting only affects File Explorer. Other apps, like Office or Adobe apps, may still show their own recent file lists.
Why do I still see some recent items in File Explorer?
Windows may cache the view for a moment. Close and reopen File Explorer, or restart it from Task Manager.
Can I hide Recommended files for just one account?
Yes, but it depends on the Windows account you are using. File Explorer settings are usually saved per user account, so you need to change the setting separately for each Windows login.
Is this the same as clearing File Explorer history?
Not exactly. Turning off Recommended files hides that section. Clearing history removes the stored recent activity that Windows uses to populate it.
Tips
Use this with a cleaner Home layout. If you want a more minimal File Explorer, also consider clearing recent files and disabling frequently used folders.
Changes are per Windows user account. If you share your PC with someone else, they will need to change the setting on their own account.
This does not affect File Explorer folders. Your actual folders and documents stay exactly where they are.
If you use OneDrive, recent cloud files may still appear elsewhere. That is normal because OneDrive and File Explorer can show file activity differently.
A quick restart can help. If the Recommended section does not disappear right away, restart File Explorer or reboot the PC.
Troubleshooting
The Recommended section is still visible after disabling it.
Close File Explorer completely, then reopen it. If that does not work, restart Windows Explorer from Task Manager.I cannot find the “Show recommended section” checkbox.
Your Windows 11 version may be different. Check for pending Windows updates, then check File Explorer Options again.The setting resets after a reboot.
This can happen on managed work devices or if a policy is enforcing the layout. In that case, contact your administrator.File Explorer looks the same, but fewer items appear.
That means the setting may not fully remove the section on your build. Also clear recent history, which often reduces what Windows suggests.File Explorer is slow or glitchy after changing the setting.
Restart the computer. A simple reboot often clears out cached Explorer behavior and makes the new setting stick.
Conclusion
Turning off Recommended files in Windows 11 File Explorer is a simple way to make the Home page cleaner, less distracting, and more focused on the files you actually use. In most cases, it only takes a minute or two to change the setting and see the result.
If the option is available on your PC, the process is straightforward. Open File Explorer, go to Options, disable Show recommended section, and save your changes. If your version of Windows looks different, the alternative methods above should help you get the same result with a little extra troubleshooting.
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.