Removing the “Recommended” section on Windows 11 is easier than you might think. If you’re someone who prefers a cleaner, more personalized screen, this guide is for you. In just a few simple steps, you can get rid of those annoying suggestions that Windows keeps throwing at you. All you need to do is navigate to the “Start” settings and make a couple of quick changes. This will allow you to keep your Start menu decluttered and tailored to your specific needs.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to clear up your Start menu by removing the “Recommended” section on Windows 11. By doing so, you will enjoy a cleaner and more personalized experience every time you boot up your computer.

Step 1: Open the Start Menu

Click on the Windows icon in the bottom-left corner of your screen to open the Start menu.

The Start menu is your go-to place for accessing apps and settings on Windows 11. It’s where you’ll make the necessary changes to remove the “Recommended” section.

Step 2: Access Settings

Click on the gear icon to open “Settings”.

The gear icon is your gateway to all the system settings, where you can tweak and adjust various options to suit your preferences.

Step 3: Navigate to Personalization

Once in Settings, click on “Personalization” located on the left-hand side.

Personalization settings let you customize the look and feel of Windows 11, including what appears on your Start menu.

Step 4: Go to Start

Inside “Personalization,” click on “Start” to access menu customization options.

This is where you can make changes to what appears in your Start menu, helping you to get rid of the “Recommended” section.

Toggle off the options under the “Recommended” section.

By switching these options off, Windows will no longer suggest files or apps, freeing up space in your Start menu for what’s truly important to you.

Once you complete these steps, your Start menu will no longer feature the “Recommended” section. You can enjoy a cleaner, less cluttered interface that reflects your personal style and needs.

  • Use the Search Bar: You can quickly find settings by using the search bar in the Start menu.
  • Explore Other Settings: While in the Personalization settings, look around. You might find other features to customize.
  • Check Updates: Ensure your Windows is up to date to avoid any glitches while changing settings.
  • Backup Settings: Before making changes, consider backing up your current settings in case you want to revert.
  • Utilize Help Resources: If you’re stuck, the Windows Help section is a great resource for troubleshooting.

Windows 11 shows recommended items to help users access recently used files or apps quickly. It’s designed to improve productivity, though not everyone finds it useful.

Yes, by following the steps above, you can disable the “Recommended” section in your Start menu.

No, removing the “Recommended” section is purely a cosmetic change and will not affect system performance.

Is there a way to hide only specific recommendations?

Unfortunately, as of now, Windows 11 doesn’t offer an option to hide specific recommendations; it’s all or nothing.

You can easily toggle the options back on in the Start settings if you decide you miss the “Recommended” section.

Summary

  1. Open the Start menu.
  2. Access settings.
  3. Navigate to personalization.
  4. Go to Start.
  5. Disable recommended options.

Conclusion

Removing the “Recommended” section on Windows 11 is a straightforward process that offers more control over your Start menu. By making these small adjustments, you create a cleaner, more focused workspace tailored to your personal needs. This can enhance your productivity and make your computer experience more enjoyable each time you log on.

If you’re the type who loves tweaking settings to suit your preferences, removing the “Recommended” section is just one of many ways to personalize your Windows 11 experience. Also, keep exploring the plethora of options available in the settings menu. You might stumble upon other features that can make your life easier.

For those who love a clutter-free digital environment, these simple steps are a game-changer. You won’t have to deal with irrelevant files popping up in your Start menu anymore. Instead, it’s all about you and your most-used applications.

Matthew Burleigh Solve Your Tech - 1

Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.

After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.

His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.

Read his full bio here.

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