Dealing with those annoying recommended files and apps cluttering up the Windows 11 Start Menu? Yeah, it’s kind of a pain, especially if you just want a cleaner look. Luckily, it’s not too complicated to get rid of them once you know where to look. The key is tweaking a few settings in the system. Don’t worry, it’s pretty straightforward once you get the hang of it.
Step-by-Step Tutorial for Removing Recommended from Windows 11 Start Menu
Basically, you’ll turn off these options in the Start settings, but just so you know why: these recommended sections are meant to quick-launch your recent activity or new apps, but if they clutter things up or distract, disabling them will give your Start Menu a much cleaner space. When you do this, you shouldn’t see those recent or recommended files poking into your view anymore, which can make your workflow a lot more focused.
Step 1: Open Settings
First, get into Settings. You can do this by clicking on the Start button, then the gear icon. Or, if you’re feeling quick, hit Windows + I — that usually opens Settings faster. Sometimes, on certain setups, it takes a couple seconds for the menu to pop up, so don’t panic if it seems laggy.
Step 2: Navigate to Personalization
From there, click on Personalization. It’s in the sidebar, usually right there on the first page. This is where a lot of customization magic happens, including your Start menu, lock screen, colors, etc.
Step 3: Access Start Settings
Once inside Personalization, scroll down to find the Start section. Click on it. If you’re like me, you’re probably scrolling past a ton of options, but the main ones you want are under this tab.
Step 4: Turn Off Show Recently Added Apps
Look for the toggle labeled “Show recently added apps”. Switch that off. That stops new apps from automatically showing up as recommendations in your Start Menu. Because of course, Windows has to make it harder than necessary by default. On some setups, this toggle might be a little buggy or not turn off immediately — a quick restart sometimes fixes it.
Step 5: Turn Off Show Recently Opened Items
Right below that, there’s another toggle called “Show recently opened items in Start, Jump Lists, and File Explorer.” Disable that too. That one’s what puts your recent files and documents into the mix, which can also get cluttered fast.
Once both toggles are off, your Start Menu should look a lot cleaner, no more recent apps or files sneaking their way in. Expect less distraction and a more minimal view. Worth noting that some updates or patches might reset these toggles occasionally — so if you notice stuff creeping back, just revisit this step.
Tips for Removing Recommended from Windows 11 Start Menu
- Instead of relying on the recommended section, try pinning your essential apps directly to the Start or the taskbar. That way, they’re always there, quick and easy.
- Keep an eye on your layout. Sometimes dragging icons around or removing unwanted tiles can help tidy things up more than just toggling settings.
- If you realize you miss the recommendations later, re-enable the toggles. Windows makes that part easy, but remembering where these options are can take some poking around.
- Remember, Search is your friend—use Windows + S to find things fast without cluttering your Start Menu.
- Running Windows updates regularly keeps everything running smoothly, and sometimes it fixes bugs with these toggle options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I hide specific recommended items instead of all?
Nah, Microsoft’s current setup doesn’t let you pick which recommended files to hide. It’s an all-or-nothing deal, so if you want a truly clean look, you gotta turn off the whole section.
Will this mess with my pinned apps?
Not at all. Your pinned apps stay put, unaffected by removing the recommended section. You still get quick access to what matters.
Can I access recent files somewhere else?
Yep, sure can. The File Explorer’s Recent Files section or other apps’ sidebar often show recent stuff without messing with your Start Menu clutter. Might be a better spot if you’re particular.
Is there a way to hide just the recommended section without disabling everything?
As of now, nope. Windows 11 doesn’t support more granular hiding options for just that part. Maybe in future updates, but for now, toggling is all you get.
What if the settings don’t change immediately?
Try restarting your PC or logging out and back in. Sometimes, Windows just needs a nudge to apply those changes properly. On some setups, a restart is the only way to see the difference.
Summary
- Open Settings and go to Personalization.
- Select Start.
- Turn off “Show recently added apps”.
- Turn off “Show recently opened items in Start, Jump Lists, and File Explorer”.
Conclusion
Getting rid of those automatic recommendations can seriously declutter your Start Menu, making everything look less chaotic. It’s pretty satisfying when your workspace doesn’t look like a constant stream of ‘new things’ flashing up every few minutes. Not exactly clear why Microsoft makes this default so chatty, but tweaking these settings is a quick fix. Just remember, on some machines this might need a reboot, or the setting might revert after an update — so keep an eye out. Fingers crossed, this helps keep your digital space clean and focused.