The Windows 11 Start menu features a Recommended section that displays recently opened files, recently installed applications, suggested content, and other items that Microsoft believes you may want to access quickly. While some users find these recommendations useful, many prefer a cleaner Start menu without suggestions, recent files, or app recommendations. The Recommended area can also raise privacy concerns, especially on shared computers where recently accessed documents become visible to anyone using the device.
Although Windows 11 does not currently allow the Recommended section to be removed completely in all versions, Microsoft provides several settings that significantly reduce or eliminate the content displayed there. By disabling recommendations, recent files, recently added apps, and account-related suggestions, you can create a cleaner and less cluttered Start menu experience.
In this guide, you will learn multiple methods to remove Start menu recommendations in Windows 11 and customize the Start menu according to your preferences.
Method 1: Turn Off Recently Opened Items In Start Menu
The quickest way to reduce recommendations is to disable recently opened files and recently accessed items.
To do this:
- Press Windows + I to open Settings.
- Select Personalization.
- Click Start.
- Turn off:
- Show Recently Opened Items In Start, Jump Lists, And File Explorer
After disabling this option:
- Recent documents disappear from Recommended.
- Recently accessed files no longer appear.
- Jump lists stop showing recent items.
This setting removes much of the content commonly displayed in the Recommended section.
For users concerned about privacy, this is often the most important setting to disable.
Method 2: Disable Recently Added Apps
Windows 11 can display newly installed applications in the Start menu.
If you prefer a cleaner appearance:
- Open Settings.
- Select Personalization.
- Click Start.
- Turn off:
- Show Recently Added Apps
Once disabled:
- Newly installed applications no longer appear as recommendations.
- The Start menu becomes less cluttered.
- App suggestions are reduced.
This is particularly useful if you frequently install software and do not want every installation highlighted in the Start menu.
Method 3: Disable Account-Related Notifications And Suggestions
Microsoft occasionally displays account-related recommendations within the Start menu.
To disable these suggestions:
- Open Settings.
- Select Personalization.
- Click Start.
- Turn off:
- Show Account-Related Notifications Occasionally In Start
After disabling this setting:
- Microsoft account suggestions disappear.
- Promotional recommendations are reduced.
- The Start menu focuses more on your pinned apps.
Users who prefer a minimal Windows experience often disable this option immediately after installing Windows 11.
Method 4: Clear Existing Recommended Items
Even after recommendations are disabled, previously displayed items may remain visible temporarily.
To clear them:
- Open the Start menu.
- Locate the Recommended section.
- Right-click an item.
- Select Remove From List.
Repeat for additional items if necessary.
This manually removes existing recommendations that were already generated before the settings were disabled.
Over time, the Recommended section becomes increasingly empty as Windows stops generating new recommendations.
Method 5: Disable Recent Files In File Explorer
The Start menu recommendation system often uses recent activity information from File Explorer.
Disabling File Explorer history can further reduce recommendations.
To clear and disable recent items:
- Open File Explorer.
- Click the three-dot menu.
- Select Options.
- Under Privacy:
- Uncheck Show Recently Used Files
- Uncheck Show Frequently Used Folders
- Click Clear
- Select Apply
- Click OK
This removes existing history and prevents Windows from collecting additional file activity information for recommendations.
Many users combine this setting with Start menu customization for maximum privacy.
Method 6: Use More Pins Instead Of Recommendations
Recent Windows 11 updates introduced additional Start menu layout options that allocate more space to pinned apps and less to recommendations.
To adjust the layout:
- Open Settings.
- Select Personalization.
- Click Start.
- Choose:
- More Pins
After selecting More Pins:
- The pinned section expands.
- The Recommended area becomes smaller.
- More applications appear at the top of the Start menu.
Although this does not completely remove recommendations, it significantly reduces their visual impact.
Users who frequently access applications often prefer this layout because it prioritizes shortcuts instead of suggested content.
Method 7: Disable Activity History
Windows activity tracking can contribute to personalized recommendations.
To limit activity collection:
- Open Settings.
- Select Privacy & Security.
- Click Activity History.
- Turn off:
- Store My Activity History On This Device (if available)
- Clear existing activity history.
Reducing activity tracking can decrease recommendation generation throughout Windows.
This approach also enhances privacy by limiting how much usage information is stored locally.
Method 8: Use Group Policy Editor (Windows 11 Pro And Enterprise)
Windows 11 Pro and Enterprise users can control recommendation features through Group Policy.
To open Group Policy:
- Press Windows + R.
- Type:
gpedit.msc- Press Enter.
Navigate to:
User Configuration
Administrative Templates
Start Menu and TaskbarReview available policies related to:
- Start menu recommendations
- Suggested content
- Consumer experiences
- Recent documents
Depending on your Windows version, additional policies may be available for controlling recommendation behavior.
Group Policy provides administrators with greater control than standard Settings options.
Method 9: Disable Microsoft Consumer Experiences
Microsoft occasionally uses recommendation systems to suggest apps and services.
To disable consumer experiences:
Using Group Policy
Navigate to:
Computer Configuration
Administrative Templates
Windows Components
Cloud ContentEnable:
Turn Off Microsoft Consumer ExperiencesAfter applying the policy:
- Promotional suggestions decrease.
- Recommended content becomes less frequent.
- Start menu clutter is reduced.
This method is especially useful on business and productivity-focused systems.
Method 10: Keep Windows Updated
Microsoft regularly updates Start menu functionality and customization options.
To ensure access to the latest controls:
- Open Settings.
- Select Windows Update.
- Click Check For Updates.
- Install available updates.
- Restart the computer.
New Windows 11 releases occasionally introduce additional Start menu customization features.
Keeping Windows updated ensures you can take advantage of the newest options for managing recommendations.
What Happens After Disabling Recommendations?
After applying the settings in this guide:
- Recent files disappear.
- Recently added apps no longer appear.
- Suggested content is reduced.
- Account-related notifications stop appearing.
- The Start menu becomes cleaner.
- Privacy improves.
- Pinned apps receive greater focus.
Depending on the Windows 11 version, the Recommended section itself may remain visible but contain little or no content.
This is currently the closest Microsoft provides to completely removing Start menu recommendations through supported settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Completely Remove The Recommended Section In Windows 11?
In most current versions of Windows 11, the Recommended section itself cannot be completely removed through built-in settings, although its contents can largely be eliminated.
How Do I Stop Recent Files From Appearing In Start?
Disable Show Recently Opened Items In Start, Jump Lists, And File Explorer under Settings > Personalization > Start.
Can I Hide Recently Installed Apps?
Yes. Disable Show Recently Added Apps in the Start menu settings.
Does Disabling Recommendations Improve Privacy?
Yes. It prevents recent documents, recently used files, and certain account-related information from appearing in the Start menu.
Why Is The Recommended Section Still Visible?
Microsoft currently keeps the section visible in many Windows 11 versions even when no recommendations are displayed.
Will Windows Updates Restore Recommendations?
Major updates may occasionally reset certain personalization settings, so it is worth reviewing Start menu settings after significant upgrades.
Final Thoughts
The Recommended section in Windows 11 is designed to provide quick access to recent files, newly installed apps, and suggested content, but not everyone finds these recommendations useful. For users who value privacy, prefer a cleaner interface, or simply want greater control over the Start menu, disabling recommendation features can significantly improve the overall experience.
By turning off recently opened items, recently added apps, account notifications, activity history, and related recommendation features, you can greatly reduce or eliminate the content that appears in the Recommended area. Choosing the More Pins layout and clearing existing recommendations further helps create a streamlined Start menu focused on the applications and shortcuts you actually use.
While Microsoft currently does not allow complete removal of the Recommended section in all Windows 11 versions, the methods outlined in this guide provide the most effective way to minimize recommendations and create a cleaner, more organized Start menu environment.
