How to Remove Recommended in Windows 11

Lee Stanton May 5, 2022

The Recommended section in Windows 11 was made with user convenience in mind, displaying recently used or opened files, apps, and folders. Unfortunately, the feature often causes privacy concerns because anyone who opens the Start menu can see a user’s latest used items. Furthermore, it takes up space that could otherwise be used for pinned apps.

If you dislike Windows 11 new Recommended feature and would like to get rid of it, we’re here to help. Read this guide to find out three methods of removing Recommended items from your Start menu and get answers to common questions related to the feature.

How to Remove Recommended in Windows 11

The easiest way to get rid of the Recommended section in your Windows 11 Start menu is via Settings. Here’s how to do that:

Use the “Win + I” keyboard shortcut to open Settings. Alternatively, search for “Settings” in the “Start” menu.
Select “Personalization” from the left sidebar.
Click on “Start.”
Shift the toggle next to “Show recently opened items in Start, Jump Lists, and File Explorer.” You may also disable “Show most used apps” and “Show recently added apps.”

Note: Disabling “Recently opened items” will also remove your favorite web pages from the Taskbar.

How to Remove Recommended in Windows 11 Dev Build

If you’re using Windows 11 Dev Build version released after December 1, 2021, you can shrink the Recommended section into one row by changing the layout. This way, you won’t get rid of the Recommended section entirely but will get more space for your pinned apps. Follow the instructions below:

Open the Settings menu using the “Win + I” shortcut.
Navigate to “Personalization” from the left sidebar.
Select “Start.”
You’ll see three available desktop layouts. Select the “More Pins” option.
Open the Start menu and add more pins if you wish. You’ll see that the Recommended section has been minimized to one row.

If you don’t like the new layout and would like to return to the default layout, follow the steps below:

Access the Settings using the “Win + I” keyboard shortcut.
Click on “Personalization” in the left sidebar, then on “Start.”
Select “Default” under “Layout.” Alternatively, you can select “More Recommendations” if you’ve changed your mind regarding the feature.

How to Remove Recommended in Windows 11 via Start Menu

Another method of getting rid of the Recommended apps and files is by removing them individually directly via the Start menu. This method is the best for users who don’t want to remove the section entirely but would like to gain control over items displayed in it. Follow the steps below:

Click on the “Start” button. in the bottom left corner to access the Start menu. Alternatively, hit the “Win” key on your keyboard.
You’ll see icons of your Pinned and Recommended items. Right-click the Recommended item you want to remove.
Select “Remove from list” from the dropdown menu.

Note: Although the removed item will no longer be visible in your Start menu, other items may take their place. If you have a lot of items, you can view them all by clicking on “More” in the upper right corner of the list.

FAQs

Read this section to find out more about the Windows 11 Recommended feature.

What is the recommended feature in Windows 11, exactly, and what’s its purpose?

Some Windows 11 users are confused regarding how items get into the Recommended section in the Start menu. The answer is straightforward – any app, file, or folder you open automatically and instantly gets into the Recommended menu. Some files and apps may also get into the section because you use them more frequently than others. The purpose of the feature is to facilitate quick access to recent and popular items, improving user experience. In a perfect world, this feature would be highly convenient, but in reality, it often causes privacy concerns, especially among office workers.

Can you change the Start menu layout in Windows 11 regular version?

If you’re concerned about the Recommended section taking up too much space rather than about privacy, you may want to change the Start menu layout. Unfortunately, the option is currently only available in the Windows 11 Dev Build version. Let’s hope that Microsoft developers will add the setting to the regular version Windows 11 sometime soon. Meanwhile, you can use third-party software to customize your Windows 11 Start menu layout but be careful not to install malware.

Customize the Start Menu

Hopefully, our guide has helped you get rid of the Recommended section in Windows 11 and make your Start menu layout more convenient and appealing. Unfortunately, neither of the methods is perfect. Removing the Recommended section via Settings affects the favorite websites in the Taskbar, removing items one by one is cumbersome, and layout change is only available in the Dev Build. The good news is that Microsoft is still fine-tuning Windows 11, so let’s hope that we’ll gain more control over the Start menu in the future.

Why do you dislike the Recommended feature, and what would you like to change about it? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.