Changing app recommendation settings in Windows 11 S Mode isn’t always a walk in the park, especially if you just want a bit more control over what pops up. Typical Windows style — it’s a bit more fiddly than it needs to be. Usually, these settings are hidden away in different menus, and sometimes what you see isn’t super clear or doesn’t stay saved properly. If you’ve noticed that, even after adjusting your prefs, suggestions keep popping up or options aren’t behaving, this guide should help you sort it out. The aim here is to help you turn off or tweak app recommendations so your device only suggests stuff that makes sense for you, not just random junk.
This involves navigating through Windows’ Settings, but also digging into some less obvious spots. The steps can vary a bit depending on your version and how Windows updates itself — sometimes the menus move around. After you’ve followed these steps, you should have a bit more say over whether your PC is pushing apps at you or just keeping quiet. It’s a bit of a pain, but once it’s sorted, your experience will be way cleaner and less cluttered with unwanted suggestions.
How to Change My App Recommendation Settings in Windows 11 S Mode
Find the right settings inside Windows
First up, open the Settings app by clicking the Start menu and hitting the gear icon, or press Windows + I. From there, head to Apps. That’s where all the app stuff lives now — everything from installed apps to a bunch of hidden preferences. On some builds, you might need to scroll down or look for Apps & Features, but usually it’s just under Apps.
Dig into advanced app options
Inside Apps, find a link called Advanced App Settings. Not sure why it’s not right there in the main menu, but that’s where Microsoft hides the finer controls. If it’s not showing immediately, you might need to scroll a bit, or it could be under a submenu or a toggle for “Compatibility options.” This is the real control hub for adjusting app recommendations, so don’t skip it.
Locate and toggle app recommendations
Keep scrolling until you see App Recommendations. Sometimes the label is a bit vague — it might be under a sub-menu like Suggested Apps. If there’s an on/off toggle, that’s your main switch. Turning it off should stop Windows from constantly suggesting apps — a lot of folks find that pretty annoying. Keep in mind, on some setups, you might need to restart or sign out for the changes to take effect properly. Weirdly, on some PCs, it’s instant, but on others, you’ll need a reboot or a sign-out/sign-in cycle.
Set your preferred options
Once you’ve turned suggestions off, you can go further and set it to only recommend from the Microsoft Store, or turn recommendations off altogether. Just be aware that these settings can sometimes reset after a big Windows update, so it’s worth keeping an eye on that. Of course, Windows loves to remind us who’s boss!
Extra tips to get this sorted
- Make sure your PC is connected to the internet — some of these settings only work if Windows can verify your preferences online.
- Update Windows regularly via Settings > Windows Update. Sometimes, the latest updates change how these options behave or add new ones.
- You can also explore the Microsoft Store for new app suggestions, but remember, you can control that from the Store’s own preferences too.
- If you want even less noise, try turning off personalized ads and suggestions in Privacy & Security > General. But fair dinkum, that’s a whole other story.
One thing to keep in mind — sometimes toggling these settings doesn’t fix things straight away. You might need to restart your PC or at least restart Explorer (run taskkill /f /im explorer.exe in PowerShell or Command Prompt, then start Explorer again) to clear out any lingering suggestions. It can be a bit frustrating, but that’s Windows for ya.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Windows 11 S Mode?
It’s a more locked-down version of Windows, where you’re limited to apps from the Microsoft Store for better security and performance. Think of it as Windows Lite with some restrictions.
Can I switch out of S Mode?
Yeah, but it’s a one-way trip — once you switch out, you can’t go back. Usually, you find the option in Settings > Activation. Just click on Switch to Windows 11 Home/Pro and follow the prompts.
Why can’t I see certain apps in the Store?
Some apps aren’t available in your region or just don’t work with S Mode — Microsoft keeps a few things locked down to keep the ecosystem tight.
How do app recommendations help me?
They might show you some new tools or games, but honestly, they’re mostly just a pain. Turning them off keeps your screen cleaner.
Is it safe to disable app recommendations?
Absolutely. It just stops Windows from pestering you with app promos. No worries about your system’s safety.
Summary
- Open Settings > Apps
- Find and click on Advanced App Settings
- Look for App Recommendations
- Toggle the switch off or adjust as needed
Wrap-up
Getting rid of those endless app suggestions isn’t a walk in the park, but with a bit of a root around, it’s doable. It’s one of those things that makes Windows a touch less annoying if you’re not into the constant upsell. Once you’ve disabled recommendations, your device feels a lot cleaner, especially if you’re not into the hype around new apps or you just want a tidier screen. It’s a small win, but it’s a step towards making your PC more yours. Hope this helps someone avoid a headache or two!