Turning off the recommended feature in Windows 11 can actually make your Start menu look way cleaner and less cluttered. You know, those suggestions for apps or files that pop up based on what Windows thinks you want? Sometimes they’re just… not useful, or worse, distracting. So, to get rid of them, you basically need to tweak some settings in the Settings menu. It’s pretty quick, probably under five minutes—assuming you don’t get sidetracked poking around.
How to Turn Off Recommended in Windows 11
Why bother? Well, if that stuff annoys you, or if you prefer a minimal look, disabling these recommendations can help. It’s also handy if you’re trying to keep your private stuff a little more hidden—less likelihood anyone peeks at recent files or suggested apps. Here’s the deal: you open your Start menu, dive into Settings, then Personalization, and untick some options. Simple as that.
Step 1: Open the Start Menu
Click the Start button in the bottom-left corner or just tap the Windows key. The menu pops up, showing your apps and… probably a handful of suggested stuff and recent files. If it’s cluttered, that’s why you’re here.
Step 2: Access Settings
Once open, click on the gear icon labeled Settings. If you’re quick with keyboard shortcuts, Windows + I opens it faster. Inside Settings, you’re looking for a section called Personalization. It’s like the outfit designer for your Windows interface. Sometimes you gotta click around a bit, but it’s usually straightforward.
Step 3: Navigate to Personalization
In Settings, pick Personalization. This is where you can really customize how everything looks and behaves. Start scrolling, and in the left pane, find and click Start.
Step 4: Go to the Start Section
Now, within the Start settings, there are checkboxes for what Windows shows — like Show recently added apps, Show most used apps, and Show recently opened items in Start, Jump Lists, and File Explorer. Turn these off. On some setups, you might need to scroll down a bit to see all options.
Step 5: Disable Recommendations
Switch off those toggles. This basically tells Windows, “Nope, I got this.” You’ll notice your Start menu becoming a lot tidier afterwards. It stops showing recent files, suggested apps, and the like. It’s like cleaning out your digital junk drawer.
Honestly, on some machines, these changes seem to need a restart or a quick sign-out to fully take effect—Windows can be weird that way. Sometimes I’ve had to do a quick reboot to see the full effect, especially if the options aren’t immediately visible or don’t seem to stick right away. Because of course, Windows has to make it harder than necessary.
Tips for Turning Off Recommended in Windows 11
- If you’re a creature of habit, leave Show most used apps on if it actually helps you quick-launch your go-to programs.
- Check your Start menu every now and then—stuff can sneak back if you install updates or certain apps reset preferences.
- Dig around in the personalization settings—you can even customize which folders show up or hide shortcuts if you wanna get fancy.
- If you decide you want the suggestions back later, just toggle those settings on again. No big drama.
- Oh, and Windows updates sometimes shift these options around, so keep an eye out if things stop working as expected after an update.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why might I want to turn off recommendations in Windows 11?
It’s mostly for a cleaner look or privacy; those suggestions can sometimes feel intrusive or just get in the way of your workflow.
Can I re-enable recommendations later if needed?
Yup. Just head back into the same settings and toggle everything back on—pretty straightforward.
Will turning off recommendations affect any other settings?
Nope. It only stops showing suggestions, recent files, and app recommendations. Doesn’t mess with system performance or anything core.
Are these changes permanent?
Nope. As mentioned, it’s reversible. Windows makes it easy to configure stuff on the fly.
Do these settings impact system performance?
Disabling recommendations doesn’t really impact performance, but it does make your Start menu look less cluttered—which might make opening apps just a tiny bit faster in some cases.
Summary
- Open the Start menu.
- Access Settings (Windows + I shortcut helps).
- Navigate to Personalization and then Start.
- Disable the toggles for recent and suggested items.
Hopefully, this shaves off a few hours for someone. Sometimes tweaking these little things just makes life way easier.