Removing the “Recommended” section on Windows 11 isn’t exactly a secret trick or some hidden setting, but it can be kinda weird how it’s tucked away. If you’re tired of those annoying suggestions popping up in your Start menu—files, recent apps, whatever—this guide can help you streamline things without messing up your setup too much. The goal here is to get a cleaner, less cluttered Start menu that’s more your style. The process is pretty straightforward, but sometimes Windows makes it a bit more convoluted than it needs to be, so hang in there.
How to Remove Recommended on Windows 11
Accessing Settings Through the Right Path
First off, you’ll want to open your Settings. The easiest way is to click on the Start button or press Windows key, then choose the gear icon Settings. In some setups, right-clicking the Start button and selecting Settings can be faster. From there, it’s a matter of navigating to the right menus.
Navigate to Personalization and the Start Menu
Once inside Settings, click on Personalization down the left side. Then, scroll down a bit and click on Start. This is where Windows controls what shows up when you hit that Windows key or click the Start menu.
Turning Off the Recommended Items
Under the Start settings, you’ll see options like Show recently opened items in Start, Jump Lists, and File Explorer and Show recently added apps. You want to toggle those off, but to get rid of the “Recommended” section specifically, look for an option called Show recently started apps or suggestions and switch it off. It’s kind of buried, so you might need to scroll a little or toggle all related options if you want to be thorough.
On some setups, that’s enough, but on others, you might also need to disable the Show suggestions occasionally in Start toggle. Turning these options off stops Windows from constantly trying to “help” with recent files and suggestions, clearing that clutter out.
Check Your Changes and Reboot if Needed
After toggling everything off, go ahead and open the Start menu again. The “Recommended” section should be gone or at least greatly diminished. If not, sometimes a quick reboot or log out and in helps Windows update those UI elements properly. Not sure why it works like that, but it’s a common quirk.
Extra Tips to Keep in Mind
- Use the Search Bar: Instead of digging through menus, just hit Windows key + S and type “Start” or “Personalization” to find related settings fast.
- Check for Windows Updates: Sometimes, issues with display or settings can be due to Windows being outdated. Make sure you’re on the latest build—go to Settings > Windows Update.
- Backup before Changes: If you’re doing a lot of tweaks, backing up your system or at least creating a restore point helps if something weird happens.
- Explore other personalization options: While you’re in the menu, it’s worth checking out what else can be customized. Windows loves to hide sometimes useful features in the most unlikely places.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Windows 11 keep showing recommended stuff?
It’s trying to help by showing recent files and apps you might want quick access to. Not everyone cares about that, though, especially if you prefer a minimalist look.
Can I get rid of the Recommended section completely?
Yep. Just toggle off the suggestions in the Personalization > Start settings, and it should vanish from most views.
Will disabling Recommended slow down my PC?
Nope, it’s just a visual thing. Disabling it doesn’t impact system performance—it just stops the suggestions from showing up.
What if I want those suggestions back later?
No problem. Just go back into the same settings and turn the options back on. It’s easy to toggle, no skin off your back.
Summary
- Open Start > Settings
- Go to Personalization > Start
- Disable options related to recent apps and suggestions
- Reboot if necessary
Wrap-up
Honestly, removing the “Recommended” section isn’t a big deal, but it can make your Windows 11 look and feel a lot less cluttered—especially if you’re the type that hates unnecessary suggestions. Just a handful of toggles, and your Start menu becomes a lot cleaner. Not sure why Microsoft makes it so hidden, but this workaround does the trick.
Hopefully, this shaves off a few hours for someone. It’s a small fix with a surprisingly noticeable impact on your workflow.