How to Remove Recommended from Windows 11 Start Menu Efficiently

By / September 20, 2025

Windows 11 brought a refreshed Start Menu design, but not everyone is a fan of the “Recommended” section that shows recently opened files and apps. If you prefer a cleaner look or simply value privacy, you might want to remove Recommended from Windows 11 Start Menu efficiently.

In this comprehensive step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through multiple methods to disable or minimize the Recommended section — whether through settings, registry tweaks, or third-party tools. By the end, you’ll have full control over how your Start Menu looks and functions.

🔑 Key Takeaways

  • The Recommended section shows recently opened files and apps by default.

  • You can hide or minimize Recommended using Windows Settings.

  • More advanced users can use the Registry Editor or Group Policy Editor.

  • Third-party tools provide additional customization options.

  • Customizing your Start Menu boosts privacy, productivity, and aesthetics.

Why Does Windows 11 Show a Recommended Section?

The Recommended section in Windows 11 is designed to give you quick access to recently used files, apps, and suggestions from Microsoft. While some users find it helpful, others see it as:

  • A privacy concern (since it displays recent files).

  • Clutter that makes the Start Menu look busy.

  • An unnecessary feature if you prefer a minimalist interface.

If you fall into the second or third category, let’s dive into how you can efficiently remove or hide Recommended.

How to Remove Recommended from Windows 11 Start Menu Efficiently

We’ll explore different methods, starting with the easiest and moving toward advanced options.

Method 1: Disable Recommended Using Windows Settings

This is the simplest way to hide recent items and apps from showing up in the Recommended section.

Steps:

  1. Open Settings: Press Win + I on your keyboard.

  2. Navigate to Personalization > Start.

  3. Toggle off the following options:

    • Show recently added apps

    • Show most used apps

    • Show recently opened items in Start, Jump Lists, and File Explorer

👉 Once disabled, your Recommended section will no longer display recent files or apps.

Method 2: Clear Recommended Items Manually

Even if you turn off recommendations, some items may still appear. You can clear them manually.

Steps:

  1. Open the Start Menu.

  2. Right-click any file or app under Recommended.

  3. Select Remove from list.

This is useful if you only want to clear specific items instead of disabling the feature entirely.

Method 3: Resize the Start Menu to Minimize Recommended

If you don’t want to remove Recommended completely but wish to minimize its visibility:

Steps:

  1. Right-click the Taskbar and select Taskbar settings.

  2. Scroll to Start Menu layout options.

  3. Choose More pins, fewer recommendations.

This option replaces most of the Recommended space with app shortcuts.

Method 4: Use Registry Editor to Disable Recommended

For advanced users, the Registry Editor allows deeper customization.

⚠️ Warning: Editing the registry incorrectly may cause system issues. Always back up your registry before making changes.

Steps:

  1. Press Win + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.

  2. Navigate to:

    HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced

  3. Right-click the right pane → New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.

  4. Name it Start_TrackDocs.

  5. Set its value to 0.

  6. Restart your PC.

This disables document tracking in Recommended.

Method 5: Use Group Policy Editor (Windows 11 Pro & Enterprise)

If you’re using Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise, you can use the Group Policy Editor.

Steps:

  1. Press Win + R, type gpedit.msc, and hit Enter.

  2. Go to:

    User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Start Menu and Taskbar

  3. Find Do not keep history of recently opened documents.

  4. Double-click and set it to Enabled.

  5. Restart your computer.

This removes recent items from Recommended.

Method 6: Use Third-Party Start Menu Customization Tools

If you want more control over the Start Menu, third-party tools like Start11, Open-Shell, or StartIsBack can completely replace the default Start Menu.

Benefits:

  • Fully remove the Recommended section.

  • Customize layout, icons, and themes.

  • Restore a Windows 10 or even Windows 7-style Start Menu.

Method 7: Hide Microsoft’s Suggested Apps in Recommended

Sometimes, Microsoft promotes apps in the Recommended section. To disable app suggestions:

  1. Open Settings → System > Notifications.

  2. Scroll down and disable “Suggest ways I can finish setting up my device”.

  3. Also disable Offer suggestions on how I can set up my device.

This prevents Microsoft from pushing suggested apps into your Start Menu.

Method 8: Pin Your Own Apps to Replace Recommended

A practical workaround is to fill your Start Menu with pinned apps, leaving little room for Recommended.

Steps:

  1. Open the Start Menu.

  2. Right-click an app and choose Pin to Start.

  3. Drag and arrange apps into groups.

By doing this, Recommended becomes less visible and more functional space goes to apps you actually use.

Pros and Cons of Removing Recommended

Pros Cons
Cleaner and minimal Start Menu Lose quick access to recent files
Improved privacy Requires manual navigation to files
More room for pinned apps Some features only hide, not fully remove
Less distraction May require third-party tools for full removal

Why Should You Remove Recommended?

You might want to remove Recommended if you:

  • Share your PC and don’t want others to see recent files.

  • Prefer a minimalist Start Menu with only apps you choose.

  • Value privacy over convenience.

  • Want to speed up workflow by pinning only necessary apps.

Troubleshooting: Recommended Keeps Reappearing

If Recommended items keep showing up even after disabling them:

  • Double-check Settings > Personalization > Start.

  • Make sure Group Policy or Registry tweaks are applied correctly.

  • Restart your system after changes.

  • If nothing works, consider a third-party Start Menu replacement tool.

Final Thoughts

The Recommended section in Windows 11 Start Menu can be useful for some but intrusive for others. Luckily, you have multiple ways to remove or minimize Recommended efficiently:

  • Use Settings for a quick fix.

  • Use Registry or Group Policy for advanced control.

  • Explore third-party tools for full customization.

By tailoring your Start Menu, you’ll enjoy a cleaner, faster, and more private Windows 11 experience.

FAQs About Removing Recommended from Windows 11 Start Menu

1. Can I completely remove Recommended from Windows 11?
Not entirely using default settings, but you can hide or minimize it. Third-party tools allow full removal.

2. Does removing Recommended affect system performance?
No, it only changes what’s displayed in the Start Menu.

3. Is it safe to edit the Registry to disable Recommended?
Yes, if done correctly. Always back up your registry first.

4. Can I restore Recommended later if I need it?
Yes, just re-enable the toggles in Settings > Personalization > Start.

5. Do third-party Start Menu tools slow down Windows 11?
Most are lightweight and optimized, so they won’t noticeably impact performance.

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