Customizing your Windows 11 Start menu can help you create a cleaner, more focused workspace. Removing the Recommended section eliminates distractions and makes it easier to access your favorite apps quickly. Whether you want a minimalist look or just prefer to keep your Start menu organized, this guide provides simple, step-by-step instructions to remove the Recommended section efficiently.
What You’ll Need
- A Windows 11 PC with administrative access
- Basic familiarity with Windows settings
Step-by-Step
- Open the Settings app by clicking on the Start menu and selecting the gear icon, or press Windows + I on your keyboard.
- Navigate to the Personalization section by clicking on “Personalization” in the sidebar.
- Select “Start” from the list of options on the left.
- Look for the toggle labeled “Show recently added apps” and turn it off if you wish to remove recent app suggestions.
- Next, find the option “Show recently opened items in Start, Jump Lists, and File Explorer” and disable it to stop recent files and activities from appearing.
- To specifically remove the Recommended section, scroll down to the “Start menu layout” options (if available) or look for the “Show suggestions occasionally in Start” setting and disable it.
- Close Settings. Your Start menu should now be free of the Recommended section and recent activity suggestions.
- Optionally, you can customize further by right-clicking on the Start menu, selecting “Personalize menu,” or using third-party tools for more granular control.
Common Mistakes
- Not disabling all relevant options: Simply turning off one setting may not remove all suggested content.
- Forgetting to restart or log out after changing settings: Some changes only take effect after a restart or sign-out.
- Confusing “Show recently added apps” with “Show suggestions”: These are separate settings that affect different parts of the Start menu.
- Using outdated guides: Windows 11 updates may change where certain options are located, so ensure your steps match your current version.
Tips
- Use the search bar in Settings to quickly find options like “Start” or “Personalization.”
- For more control, consider using third-party customization tools designed for Windows 11.
- If you want a completely clean Start menu, consider pinning only your most-used apps and removing all others.
- Regularly review your Start menu customization to keep it organized as your app usage changes.
Troubleshooting
If the Recommended section persists after following the steps above, try the following:
- Restart your computer to ensure all settings are applied correctly.
- Check for Windows updates, as some customization options may be affected by system updates.
- Use the Group Policy Editor (if available) to enforce restrictions on suggested content, especially in enterprise environments.
- Reset the Start menu layout by deleting the “Start” layout cache files. To do this, open File Explorer, navigate to
C:, and delete or rename the relevant files. Note: Be cautious and back up data before editing system files.
Users\
AppData\Local\TileDataLayer - If all else fails, consider creating a new user account to see if the issue persists there, indicating a profile-specific problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove the Recommended section without affecting other Start menu features?
Yes, by disabling specific settings like “Show suggestions” and recent activity options, you can remove the Recommended section without impacting other features.
Will removing the Recommended section disable app suggestions?
Yes, disabling the “Show suggestions occasionally in Start” setting stops app suggestions from appearing.
Is it possible to hide the Recommended section with third-party tools?
While Windows 11 doesn’t officially support hiding this section via third-party tools, some customization apps may offer advanced Start menu tweaks.
Does removing the Recommended section affect system performance?
No, it primarily affects the user interface and has no impact on system performance.
Can I revert these changes later?
Absolutely. Simply re-enable the settings you turned off in the Personalization > Start menu options to restore the Recommended section.
Are these steps the same for all Windows 11 versions?
Most recent versions of Windows 11 follow similar steps, but some options may vary slightly depending on updates or editions.
By following this guide, you can customize your Windows 11 Start menu to suit your preferences, making your workspace cleaner and more efficient. Remember to check for system updates and revisit your settings periodically to maintain your preferred layout.
Related
- How to Remove an Underline from an Error in Word Easily
- How to Remove an Extension from Google Chrome Desktop Browser
- How to Remove an Embedded Chart in Excel Quickly and Easily