Managing recommended actions from apps in Windows 11 can help you streamline your user experience, reduce unwanted notifications, and enhance your privacy. Whether you want to enable helpful suggestions or disable intrusive prompts, knowing how to control these settings ensures your Windows environment stays tailored to your preferences. This guide walks you through the process step-by-step, so you can easily turn on or off recommended actions from apps on your Windows 11 device.
What You’ll Need
- A Windows 11 PC with administrative access
- An active user account with permission to change system settings
- Internet connection (optional, for updates or additional app settings)
Step-by-Step
- Open the Settings app: Click on the Start menu (Windows icon) and select the gear-shaped Settings icon, or press Windows key + I on your keyboard to quickly open Settings.
- Navigate to Privacy & Security: In the Settings window, click on “Privacy & security” from the sidebar. This section contains options related to app permissions and recommendations.
- Access Recommendations Settings: Scroll down within the Privacy & security menu until you find the “Recommended actions” or “Suggested actions” section. Depending on your Windows 11 version, it might be labeled slightly differently.
- Toggle Recommended Actions: You will see a switch labeled “Show me suggested actions from apps” or similar. To turn off recommended actions, click the toggle to the “Off” position. To enable them again, switch it back to “On.”
- Adjust App-specific Recommendations (if available): Some apps may have their own notification settings. To customize these, go back to the main Settings menu, select “Apps,” then “Installed apps,” and choose the specific app. From there, click on “Advanced options” and modify notification or recommendation preferences.
- Close Settings: Once you’ve made your adjustments, simply close the Settings window. Your preferences will be saved automatically.
- Verify Changes: To ensure the recommended actions are disabled or enabled, you can perform a test by opening the app or triggering an action that would normally generate suggestions. Confirm that the notifications or prompts appear or cease accordingly.
Common Mistakes
- Not saving changes: Remember that in Windows 11, most toggle switches save automatically, but double-check that you’ve switched the toggle to the desired position.
- Confusing app notifications with system notifications: Recommended actions are often app-specific. Make sure you’re adjusting the correct settings area.
- Disabling recommended actions globally when only specific app suggestions are unwanted: Use app-specific settings if available to avoid losing beneficial prompts from other apps.
- Ignoring updates: Sometimes, settings may not work as expected if Windows or the app itself is outdated. Keep your system and apps updated for optimal control.
Tips
- Use the search bar in Settings: Quickly find “recommended actions” by typing it into the search box at the top of the Settings window.
- Check app-specific settings: Some apps have their own notification preferences. Adjust these directly within the app for more granular control.
- Update Windows regularly: Updates may improve or change how recommended actions are managed, so keep your system current.
- Create a backup of your settings: Before making major changes, consider exporting your current settings or creating a restore point.
Troubleshooting
If your changes do not seem to take effect, try the following steps:
- Restart your computer: Sometimes, a simple restart can apply new settings correctly.
- Check for Windows updates: Go to Settings > Windows Update and ensure your system is up to date.
- Reset app notifications: If specific apps still show suggestions, try resetting their notification settings or reinstalling the app.
- Use the Group Policy Editor (for Pro editions): If policies are overriding your settings, access the Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc) to enforce preferences.
- Run the Troubleshooter: Windows offers troubleshooting tools for notifications and app settings—access these via Settings > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I turn off recommended actions for specific apps only?
Yes, if the app provides its own notification or suggestion settings, you can disable or customize recommendations directly within that app’s settings.
2. Will turning off recommended actions affect system performance?
No, disabling recommended actions mainly stops notifications and suggestions; it does not impact the core performance of your system.
3. Are recommended actions enabled by default in Windows 11?
Typically, yes. Windows 11 often enables recommended actions to assist users, but you can turn them off if you find them unnecessary.
4. How do I revert changes if I accidentally disable recommended actions?
Simply revisit Settings > Privacy & security > Recommended actions and toggle the switch back to “On.”
5. Do recommended actions come from Microsoft apps only or third-party apps too?
Both. Windows 11 can show recommendations from Microsoft apps and supported third-party applications, depending on your settings.
6. Can I automate turning off recommended actions using scripts?
Advanced users can use PowerShell scripts or Group Policy settings to automate these preferences, but it’s recommended for experienced users to avoid unintended consequences.
By following these steps and tips, you can effectively control whether Windows 11 shows recommended actions from your apps, creating a more streamlined and personalized user experience.
Related
- How to Turn Off iPhone 5 Lock and Unlock Sound Easily
- How to Turn Off the Guest Network on Your Cisco E1000 Router
- How to Turn Off Auto Lock on iPhone 5 Easily