How to Remove Recommended from Windows 11 Start Menu Efficiently

By / September 20, 2025

If you’ve recently upgraded to Windows 11, you’ve probably noticed the Recommended section in the Start Menu. While it’s meant to highlight recently opened files and installed apps, many users find it distracting, unnecessary, or even a privacy concern. The good news? You can easily remove or minimize the Recommended section.

In this step-by-step guide, we’ll explore how to remove, hide, or customize the Recommended section in Windows 11 — efficiently and without third-party tools.

🔑 Key Takeaways

  • The Recommended section in Windows 11 shows recent files and apps by default.

  • You can’t fully remove it (yet), but you can disable recommendations and make it invisible.

  • Options include turning off recent files/apps, disabling via Settings, editing Group Policy/Registry, or even replacing the Start Menu with third-party tools.

  • Step-by-step instructions below help you customize the Start Menu to your liking.

Why Does Windows 11 Have a Recommended Section?

Microsoft designed the Recommended section to improve productivity by surfacing your most recent files and installed apps. For example:

  • Opening a Word document yesterday? It appears in Recommended.

  • Installed a new app? It shows up there too.

While useful for some, others dislike it because:

  • It clutters the Start Menu.

  • It invades privacy (shows files others might see if they use your PC).

  • It wastes space you’d rather dedicate to pinned apps.

Can You Remove Recommended from Windows 11 Start Menu?

Here’s the catch: you can’t completely delete the Recommended section with built-in settings. However, you can disable recent items so it appears empty — effectively making it invisible.

For advanced users, tweaks via Group Policy or Registry can further minimize it.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Remove Recommended from Windows 11 Start Menu Efficiently

Let’s go through several methods. Start with the easiest and move to advanced tweaks if needed.

1. Disable “Show Recently Opened Items” in Settings

The simplest way is to turn off recent files and apps.

  1. Press Win + I to open Settings.

  2. Go to Personalization > Start.

  3. Toggle off:

    • Show recently added apps

    • Show most used apps

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

Now, the Recommended section will appear blank.

2. Remove Individual Items from Recommended

Don’t want everything gone — just specific files? You can do that too.

  1. Open the Start Menu.

  2. Right-click on the item in Recommended.

  3. Select Remove from list.

3. Clear File Explorer History (Removes Recommendations)

Windows tracks recent files for both Explorer and Start Menu. Clearing history resets it.

  1. Open File Explorer Options (search in Start).

  2. Under the General tab, find Privacy.

  3. Click Clear.

  4. Uncheck: Show recently used files in Quick Access.

This prevents recent files from showing in Recommended.

4. Use Group Policy Editor (Pro & Enterprise)

If you’re on Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise, Group Policy lets you control recommendations.

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

  2. Navigate to:
    User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Start Menu and Taskbar

  3. Find and enable these policies:

    • Do not keep a history of recently opened documents

    • Turn off tracking of recently opened programs

Restart your PC, and the Recommended section should be disabled.

5. Use Registry Editor (All Versions of Windows 11)

For Windows 11 Home, Registry tweaks can achieve similar results.

⚠️ Warning: Editing the Registry incorrectly can harm your system. Back it up first.

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

  2. Navigate to:

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

  3. Create or edit these DWORD values (set to 0):

    • Start_TrackDocs (disable recent documents)

    • Start_TrackProgs (disable recent apps)

Restart to apply changes.

6. Resize Start Menu Layout (Minimize Recommended)

Windows 11 doesn’t allow complete removal, but you can resize Start so Recommended takes less space:

  1. Go to Settings > Personalization > Start.

  2. Choose More pins layout.

This pushes Recommended lower, giving more room to your apps.

7. Replace Start Menu with Third-Party Tools

If you want full control, third-party apps can replace Windows 11’s Start Menu. Popular choices:

  • Start11 (by Stardock) – customizable Start menu without Recommended.

  • Open-Shell – free, classic-style Start menu.

Comparison Table: Methods to Remove Recommended

Method Works On Removes All Items Difficulty
Settings Toggle All editions Yes Easy
Remove Individual All editions No (one at a time) Easy
File Explorer History All editions Yes Easy
Group Policy Pro/Enterprise Yes Medium
Registry Editor All editions Yes Medium/Advanced
Resize Start Menu All editions No Easy
Third-Party Tools All editions Yes (with custom menu) Easy

Privacy Concerns with Recommended

One major complaint about Recommended is privacy. Imagine sharing your screen during a meeting, and personal files pop up in the Start Menu.

Disabling Recommended ensures:

  • No one else sees your activity.

  • Your Start Menu stays clean and professional.

Prevent Recommended Items from Returning

To make sure they don’t come back:

  • Keep the Settings toggles off.

  • Regularly clear history.

  • Avoid installing unneeded apps that clutter Start.

Conclusion

The Recommended section in Windows 11’s Start Menu may be helpful for some, but for many users it’s unnecessary clutter. While you can’t completely delete it with default settings, the methods above let you remove, disable, or minimize it efficiently.

Whether you prefer a clean Start Menu with just your pinned apps, or you want to fully replace it with a third-party alternative, you now have multiple solutions at your fingertips.

FAQs About Removing Recommended from Windows 11

1. Can I permanently delete the Recommended section in Windows 11?
Not with built-in options — but you can disable it or replace Start with third-party tools.

2. Does turning off Recommended delete my files?
No, it just hides shortcuts. Your files remain safe.

3. Can Windows 11 Home users remove Recommended?
Yes, using Settings toggles or Registry Editor.

4. Is using Group Policy safer than Registry Editor?
Yes, Group Policy is safer because it prevents mistakes. Registry editing should be done carefully.

5. What’s the best method for beginners?
Use the Settings > Personalization > Start toggles. It’s the simplest and safest way.

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