Turning off the recommended feature in Windows 11 can make your Start menu look cleaner and more personalized. You can hide the suggested apps and files that Windows thinks you should see. To accomplish this, you’ll tweak a few settings in your system’s personalization options. It’s a simple process and only takes a few minutes.
How to Turn Off Recommended in Windows 11
You might be wondering: why would you want to turn off recommendations on Windows 11? Well, these suggestions might not always align with your interests, and they can clutter your Start menu. Below, we’ll guide you through the steps to disable these suggestions easily.
Step 1: Open the Start Menu
Click on the Start button in the bottom-left corner of your screen.
The Start menu is your gateway to all the apps and settings in Windows 11. You’ll find the button on the taskbar, looking like a small Windows logo. Clicking it reveals the menu, starting your journey to a more customized setup.
Step 2: Access Settings
Select the “Settings” option from the Start menu.
Once the Start menu is open, you’ll notice the gear icon labeled “Settings.” It’s like the control center for your computer, containing all the options you need, including personalization settings.
Step 3: Navigate to Personalization
In the Settings window, click on “Personalization.”
The Personalization tab is where you can tweak how your Windows 11 looks and feels. It’s like changing the outfit of your computer to match your style in a matter of clicks.
Step 4: Go to the Start Section
Within Personalization, select “Start” in the left-hand menu.
The Start section focuses specifically on customizing the Start menu. By clicking this, you’ll be one step closer to saying goodbye to those unwanted recommendations.
Step 5: Toggle Off Recommendations
Look for “Show recently added apps,” “Show most used apps,” and “Show recently opened items in Start, Jump Lists, and File Explorer.” Turn these off.
Disabling these options will stop Windows 11 from offering suggestions and showing recent activity. It’s like telling Windows, “I’ve got this, I know what I want to see!”
Once you’ve completed these steps, you’ll notice your Start menu looks cleaner. Windows 11 will no longer suggest apps or show recent files. Your menu becomes a personalized space, reflecting only what you choose to have there.
Tips for Turning Off Recommended in Windows 11
- Consider leaving “Show most used apps” on if you frequently use specific programs.
- Regularly review your Start menu to ensure it remains clutter-free.
- Explore other personalization options to further customize Windows 11.
- If you change your mind, you can always re-enable recommendations by reversing these steps.
- Check for updates regularly, as Windows might alter these settings in future updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why might I want to turn off recommendations in Windows 11?
Turning off recommendations can make your Start menu less cluttered and more private, showing only the apps and files you choose.
Can I re-enable recommendations later if needed?
Yes, you can easily re-enable recommendations by toggling the settings back on under Personalization.
Will turning off recommendations affect any other settings?
No, it only affects the visibility of suggested apps and files in your Start menu.
Are these changes permanent?
No, the changes can be reversed at any time by revisiting the settings.
Do these settings impact system performance?
Disabling recommendations generally has no impact on system performance.
Summary
- Open the Start menu.
- Access Settings.
- Navigate to Personalization.
- Go to the Start section.
- Toggle off recommendations.
Conclusion
Turning off the recommended feature in Windows 11 is a straightforward process that can significantly enhance your experience. By decluttering the Start menu, you make it your own personal command center, showing only what’s important to you. This not only improves efficiency but also provides a sense of ownership over your digital workspace.
The flexibility of Windows 11 allows you to customize it to suit your needs, making it a powerful tool in your daily life. If you decide you miss having a few suggestions, switching them back on is just as easy. The beauty of technology lies in its adaptability, and Windows 11 is no exception.
For those who love diving into settings and making their devices truly unique, turning off recommendations is just the start. Explore different features and customization options, and you’ll find endless possibilities to make Windows 11 work best for you. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or just someone looking to tidy up their digital space, these changes can help make your computing experience more enjoyable. Feel free to share your own tips and tricks for personalizing Windows 11 with others; you might be surprised at what you learn in return!
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.