If you’re wondering how to remove Recommended from Windows 11, you’re not alone. The Recommended section in the Windows 11 Start menu can be useful, but many users prefer a cleaner Start menu without recently opened files, frequently used items, or suggested content taking up valuable space.

Windows 11 does not always provide a single switch that completely removes every part of the Recommended area. However, depending on your version of Windows 11, you can reduce, hide, or manage the content that appears there through Settings and other built-in options.

In this guide, we’ll explain how to remove Recommended from Windows 11 step by step. We’ll cover the available Windows settings, how to stop recently added and recently opened items from appearing, how to reduce Recommended content, and what to do if your Windows version doesn’t offer a complete removal option.

Quick Answer: Can You Completely Remove Recommended From Windows 11?

The answer depends on your Windows 11 version.

Microsoft has changed the Start menu and its customization options over time. On some versions, you can reduce the amount of Recommended content or turn off certain sources of recommendations. On others, the Recommended section itself remains part of the Start menu.

The easiest place to start is:

Settings → Personalization → Start

From there, look for options related to:

• Recently added apps
• Recently opened items
• Recommendations
• File recommendations
• Shortcuts or suggestions

Turn off the options you don’t want.

If your version of Windows 11 doesn’t include a setting to completely remove the Recommended section, you may need to use an alternative Start menu customization method.

What Is the Recommended Section in Windows 11?

The Recommended section is an area of the Windows 11 Start menu that can display recently used or suggested content.

Depending on your Windows version and configuration, it may show:

• Recently opened files
• Recently installed applications
• Frequently accessed content
• Suggested files
• Other recommendations

The idea is simple: Windows tries to put things you may want next within easy reach.

But convenience is subjective.

If you prefer a minimalist Start menu, the Recommended section can feel more like clutter than assistance.

Why Do People Want to Remove Recommended From Windows 11?

There are several reasons you might want to reduce or remove Recommended items.

You Want a Cleaner Start Menu

Some users prefer seeing only pinned apps and essential shortcuts.

You Don’t Want Recent Files Displayed

If you share a computer with other people, you may not want recently opened documents appearing in the Start menu.

You Prefer More Pinned Apps

The Start menu has limited space, so Recommended content can compete with pinned applications.

You Want More Privacy

Recent files and applications can reveal what you’ve been working on.

You Prefer the Older Windows Experience

Users moving from earlier Windows versions may prefer a simpler Start menu layout.

How to Remove Recommended From Windows 11 Using Settings

The first method is the safest because it uses Windows’ built-in settings.

Step 1: Open Windows Settings

Press:

Windows + I

The Windows Settings application will open.

You can also click:

Start → Settings

Step 2: Open Personalization

In Settings, select:

Personalization

This section contains options for changing the appearance and behavior of Windows.

Step 3: Select Start

Click:

Start

You’ll see several settings related to the Windows 11 Start menu.

The exact options can vary depending on your Windows 11 version.

Step 4: Review Start Menu Options

Look for settings related to Recommended content.

Depending on your Windows build, you may see options for displaying:

• Recently added apps
• Recently opened items
• Recommendations
• Recently opened files
• Tips or shortcuts

Turn off any options you don’t want.

Step 5: Close Settings

Once you’ve changed the settings, close the Settings window.

Open the Start menu again and check whether the Recommended content has changed.

If the section is still present, that’s not necessarily a problem. Some Windows versions keep the Recommended area even after you disable the content sources.

How to Stop Recently Added Apps From Appearing in Recommended

Recently installed applications can appear in the Start menu.

If you don’t want Windows highlighting new apps, you may be able to disable this behavior.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + I.
2. Select Personalization.
3. Select Start.
4. Find the option for recently added apps.
5. Turn it off.

This prevents Windows from using that setting as a source for Start menu recommendations.

How to Stop Recently Opened Files From Appearing

If your main concern is privacy, you may want to stop Windows from showing recently opened files.

Open:

Settings → Personalization → Start

Look for an option related to recently opened items or files.

Turn it off if available.

This can reduce the amount of recent activity displayed in the Start menu.

Keep in mind that the exact wording can vary between Windows 11 releases.

How to Clear Existing Recommended Items

Turning off a recommendation source doesn’t always immediately remove every item that was previously displayed.

If old files or shortcuts remain visible, you can try clearing the underlying recent-item history.

One approach is to open File Explorer and review your recent activity settings.

You can also remove individual recent files from lists where Windows provides a removal option.

For example, if a specific file appears in a recent list, right-clicking it may provide an option to remove it from that list.

The exact available options depend on the Windows version and item type.

How to Remove Recommended Files From the Start Menu

If your Windows 11 version displays files in the Recommended area, you may be able to remove individual recommendations.

Try this:

1. Open the Start menu.
2. Find the file under Recommended.
3. Right-click the item.
4. Look for an option to remove it from the list.
5. Select the appropriate removal option.

This doesn’t necessarily disable the entire Recommended section. It only removes the selected item.

If Windows keeps adding other files, change the relevant Start settings to reduce recent-item activity.

How to Remove Recommended Apps From Windows 11

Recommended apps can appear for different reasons, depending on your Windows configuration.

If the item is a recently installed application, check:

Settings → Personalization → Start

Disable the setting for recently added apps if available.

If an app is pinned to Start, that’s different.

You can remove a pinned app separately.

To unpin an app:

1. Open Start.
2. Find the application.
3. Right-click it.
4. Select Unpin from Start.

This removes the app from the pinned area rather than the Recommended area.

How to Hide Recommended Content Without Removing the Section

This is an important distinction.

You may not be able to completely remove the Recommended heading in every Windows 11 version.

However, you can often reduce what appears underneath it.

Think of it like an empty shelf. You can’t necessarily remove the shelf itself, but you can stop placing things on it.

To reduce Recommended content:

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to Personalization.
3. Select Start.
4. Disable available recommendation-related options.
5. Restart the Start menu or sign out and back in if necessary.

The result depends on your Windows 11 build.

How to Remove Recommended Using Group Policy

Advanced Windows 11 editions may provide additional policy settings through the Local Group Policy Editor.

However, Group Policy options vary by Windows edition and Windows release.

If you have Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, or Education, you can check whether relevant Start menu policies are available.

Step 1: Open Group Policy Editor

Press:

Windows + R

Type:

gpedit.msc

Press Enter.

If your edition supports the tool, Local Group Policy Editor will open.

Step 2: Browse Windows Policies

Navigate through the available policy categories related to the Start menu and taskbar.

The exact policy names can change between Windows releases.

Look for policies that control:

• Start menu recommendations
• Recent items
• Start layout
• Recommended content

Step 3: Review the Policy Description

Before enabling a policy, read its description carefully.

A policy intended for administrators can affect multiple users or computers.

Don’t change unrelated policies simply because they mention Start or Recommended.

Can You Remove Recommended With Registry Editor?

Advanced users may find Registry-based methods online for hiding or changing Windows 11 Start menu behavior.

However, Registry settings are version-dependent.

A registry tweak that works on one Windows 11 build may do nothing—or behave differently—on another.

If you choose to modify the Registry, create a backup or restore point first.

General safety rule:

Never paste an unknown Registry script into Windows just because a website claims it will “remove Recommended permanently.”

A Registry modification can affect Windows behavior beyond the Start menu.

For most users, the built-in Personalization settings are the safer first choice.

How to Reduce Recommended Content for Better Privacy

If privacy is your main concern, focus on reducing recent activity rather than simply hiding the visual section.

Start by reviewing:

Settings → Personalization → Start

Turn off available options that display recent files, recently installed applications, or recommendations.

You can also review your Microsoft account and Windows privacy settings to understand what activity-related features are enabled.

Remember that hiding something from Start doesn’t necessarily erase the underlying file, browser history, or application history.

Hiding a shortcut is not the same thing as deleting data.

How to Remove Recommended From Windows 11 for a Cleaner Start Menu

If your goal is simply a less cluttered interface, consider combining several changes.

Step 1: Disable Recent Items

Open the Start personalization settings and disable recent-item options where available.

Step 2: Disable Recently Added Apps

Turn off the recently added apps option if your Windows version provides it.

Step 3: Unpin Unwanted Apps

Right-click unnecessary pinned applications and choose Unpin from Start.

Step 4: Organize Your Pinned Apps

Keep only the applications you use regularly.

Step 5: Remove Individual Recommendations

Where Windows provides a removal option, remove unwanted Recommended items individually.

This creates a much cleaner Start menu without using risky third-party modifications.

What If There Is No Option to Turn Off Recommended?

This is one of the most important things to understand.

Windows 11 has changed its Start menu over multiple releases. The settings available on your computer may not match instructions written for an older or newer version.

If you open:

Settings → Personalization → Start

and don’t see a switch that completely removes Recommended, your Windows build may simply not provide that option.

In that situation, you can:

• Disable available recent-item settings.
• Remove individual Recommended items.
• Reduce the sources of recommendations.
• Keep your pinned apps organized.
• Use supported administrative policies where applicable.
• Consider a third-party Start menu replacement if you specifically need a different interface.

How to Check Your Windows 11 Version

Because Start menu features can vary, checking your Windows version can be helpful.

Step 1: Press Windows + R

Open the Run dialog.

Step 2: Type winver

Enter:

winver

Press Enter.

Step 3: Review the Information

Windows will display your version and build information.

This can help you determine why your Start settings look different from instructions created for another Windows 11 release.

How to Restart the Windows Explorer Process

If you change Start settings and the Start menu doesn’t update immediately, restarting Windows Explorer can help.

Step-by-step:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
2. Open Task Manager.
3. Find Windows Explorer.
4. Right-click it.
5. Select Restart.

Your taskbar and desktop may briefly disappear and return.

Then open Start and check the Recommended area again.

How to Remove Recommended From Windows 11 Without Third-Party Software

For most users, this is the preferred approach.

You don’t need a registry cleaner, system optimizer, or unknown Start menu utility just to reduce Recommended content.

Use:

Settings → Personalization → Start

Then configure the available options.

This approach has several advantages:

• No additional software
• No third-party permissions
• Lower risk
• Easy to reverse
• Uses Windows’ built-in controls

If your Windows version doesn’t allow complete removal, you can still reduce the content displayed there.

Should You Use a Third-Party Start Menu Replacement?

Third-party Start menu applications can provide layouts and customization options that Windows doesn’t offer.

They may allow you to change:

• Start menu appearance
• Menu layout
• Pinned app behavior
• Search behavior
• Recommended area visibility

However, third-party software isn’t necessary for basic Start menu customization.

If you install one, download it from a reputable source and understand what permissions or system changes it requires.

Also remember that major Windows updates can sometimes affect compatibility with third-party customization tools.

Common Problems When Removing Recommended

Recommended Items Keep Returning

Windows may continue showing new items if recent activity or recommendation settings remain enabled.

Review the Start personalization settings again.

The Recommended Section Is Still Visible

Some Windows 11 versions keep the section even when you disable certain content sources.

The section’s presence doesn’t necessarily mean the settings failed.

Start Menu Looks Different From a Tutorial

Your Windows build may have a different Start menu design.

Check your Windows version with winver.

Registry Tweak Doesn’t Work

Registry modifications often depend on a specific Windows build. A setting from an older tutorial may no longer apply.

Recommended Files Are Still Appearing

Check settings related to recently opened files and recent activity. Also remember that removing one item doesn’t necessarily disable future recommendations.

Recommended Settings for a Minimal Windows 11 Start Menu

If you want a cleaner Start experience, consider this setup:

Setting	Suggested approach
Recently added apps	Turn off if available
Recently opened items	Turn off if you don’t need them
Individual recommendations	Remove unwanted items
Pinned apps	Keep only frequently used apps
Third-party Start tools	Optional
Registry modifications	Avoid unless you understand the change
Windows updates	Keep Windows current

The goal isn’t necessarily to remove every Start component. It’s to make the Start menu work the way you prefer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I completely remove Recommended from Windows 11?

It depends on your Windows 11 version. Some versions let you reduce or disable sources of Recommended content, but the Recommended area itself may remain part of the Start menu.

How do I stop Recommended files from appearing?

Go to Settings → Personalization → Start and disable available settings related to recently opened files, recent items, or recommendations.

Why does Windows 11 still show Recommended after I turn it off?

Some Windows versions retain the Recommended section even when its content sources are disabled. You may need to remove individual items or use additional supported customization options.

Can I remove Recommended without editing the Registry?

Yes. Start with Settings → Personalization → Start. This is the safest and simplest approach for most users.

Does removing Recommended delete my files?

No. Removing an item from the Start menu or disabling recommendations does not normally delete the underlying file. It changes what Windows displays in the Start interface.

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to remove Recommended from Windows 11 is useful if you want a cleaner, more private, and less distracting Start menu.

The best place to begin is Settings → Personalization → Start. From there, disable available options for recently added apps, recently opened items, and other recommendation sources. You can also remove individual Recommended entries and organize your pinned applications.

Keep in mind that Windows 11 has changed its Start menu across different releases. As a result, you may not have an option to completely remove the Recommended section itself. If that setting isn’t available on your computer, reducing the content inside the section is the simplest built-in alternative.

For advanced users, Group Policy or third-party Start menu customization tools may provide additional control, but they aren’t necessary for basic cleanup. Avoid risky Registry modifications unless you understand exactly what they change.

With a few adjustments, you can make the Windows 11 Start menu feel much cleaner and keep the content you actually want within easy reach.