How to Disable ‘Recommended’ Section from Start Menu on Windows 11

 Hello Everyone! In Windows 11, the Start menu features a “Recommended” section that suggests recent files, frequently visited websites, and newly installed applications. While this can be useful for some, not everyone appreciates these suggestions cluttering their Start menu. Unfortunately, the system does not allow you to completely remove this section, but you can easily disable it. In this guide, I will show you how to configure your settings to hide the “Recommended” section effectively.

Understanding the Recommended Section

The “Recommended” section of the Start menu appears below the “Pinned” section and can display:

• Recent files and folders.
• Frequently visited websites.
• Recently installed applications.
• App recommendations from Microsoft.

While some users may find these suggestions handy, others prefer a cleaner Start menu experience without recommendations. Fortunately, you can adjust your settings to stop these items from appearing.

Steps to Disable the Recommended Section in Windows 11

Step 01: Open Settings
Begin by launching the Settings app on your Windows 11 computer. You can do this by clicking on the Start menu and selecting Settings, or by pressing Windows + I on your keyboard.

Step 02: Go to Personalization
In the Settings window, click on Personalization in the left sidebar.

Step 03: Access Start Settings
Next, click on the Start tab to access the Start menu customization options.

Step 04: Disable Recently Added Apps
Locate the toggle switch labeled “Show recently added apps” and turn it off. This will prevent newly installed apps from appearing in the Start menu.

Step 05: Disable Recently Opened Items
Now, find the toggle for “Show recently opened items in Start, Jump Lists, and File Explorer” and turn it off as well. This setting ensures that previously accessed files do not show up.

Step 06: Disable Recommendations for Tips and Promotions
Next, turn off the toggle for “Show recommendations for tips, app promotions, and more.” This will prevent app recommendations from appearing in the Start menu.

Step 07: (Optional) Adjust Pin Layout
If you prefer more pinned items in your Start menu, you can select the More pins option to display an extra row of pinned apps.

Conclusion

Once you complete these steps, the “Recommended” section in your Windows 11 Start menu will no longer show suggestions or recent items, providing you with a cleaner and more personalized Start menu experience. You can still access your pinned apps without distractions from recommendations.

If you ever wish to revert these changes, simply follow the same steps and turn the toggles back on.