Windows 11 users have gravitated toward its modern design, enjoying a visually appealing interface, sharper icons, and a centered Start menu. However, not all design choices have been well received—foremost among the gripes is the persistent “Recommended” section in the Start menu. Positioned just beneath the selection of pinned apps, this area was envisioned by Microsoft as a productivity shortcut, surfacing recently used files or newly installed apps. Yet many users view it as an unnecessary intrusion that clutters an otherwise clean workspace. For professionals, privacy-conscious individuals, and those who prefer a minimalist desktop, the “Recommended” pane is a constant reminder of activities they'd rather keep tucked away.
When Microsoft introduced Windows 11, it touted the Start menu as the centerpiece of its new design philosophy: simplified, responsive, and dynamic. The “Recommended” section is part and parcel of this approach. Its purpose, according to Microsoft’s own documentation and support channels, is to surface documents, images, apps, and folders you’ve recently accessed—potentially saving you clicks and time. In corporate contexts, it can help employees pick up long-term projects where they left off.
However, a gap exists between Microsoft’s intentions and user experience. While some appreciate quick access to recent items, widespread user feedback indicates a preference for a more customizable and less revealing Start menu. In shared computers, files opened by one user appear to the next, potentially breaching privacy. Even on personal setups, users often dislike the mix of suggested apps, installation reminders, and files—some of which they might never wish to see on their homepage.
With these steps completed, the “Recommended” section will be as empty as possible on a standard Windows 11 install. Any accidental private file or unrelated document is now far less likely to show up, and the Start menu’s focus returns to applications—not services, not suggested installations, and not recently accessed data.
In Windows 11, Microsoft’s design unifies recommendations and recent files in a self-contained block, reducing the number of ways users can alter the Start menu’s lower half.
For those considering a downgrade solely to avoid “Recommended,” this should be weighed against the benefits and security improvements Windows 11 offers elsewhere.
Disabling “Show recently opened items” not only cleans up the Start menu but also disables the jump lists in File Explorer and on the taskbar for recently used files. This strikes at the root of privacy concerns, stopping Windows from continuously collecting and presenting history data—even if it means sacrificing some convenience.
Quick Recap:
This article is based on published Windows 11 documentation, official Microsoft support resources, community forums, and verification through independent review. Where claims diverge, we’ve noted risks and limitations, and recommend cautious experimentation for any advanced tweak.
Source: Hindustan Times https://www.hindustantimes.com/technology/how-to-clear-out-recommended-section-in-your-windows-11-start-menu-for-a-cleaner-look-101751445744752.html
Understanding the ‘Recommended’ Section in Windows 11
When Microsoft introduced Windows 11, it touted the Start menu as the centerpiece of its new design philosophy: simplified, responsive, and dynamic. The “Recommended” section is part and parcel of this approach. Its purpose, according to Microsoft’s own documentation and support channels, is to surface documents, images, apps, and folders you’ve recently accessed—potentially saving you clicks and time. In corporate contexts, it can help employees pick up long-term projects where they left off.However, a gap exists between Microsoft’s intentions and user experience. While some appreciate quick access to recent items, widespread user feedback indicates a preference for a more customizable and less revealing Start menu. In shared computers, files opened by one user appear to the next, potentially breaching privacy. Even on personal setups, users often dislike the mix of suggested apps, installation reminders, and files—some of which they might never wish to see on their homepage.
User Sentiment and Feedback
Surveying major feedback channels, including the official Microsoft Feedback Hub and Microsoft Tech Community forums, a consensus emerges: users want either more control over this area or the option to remove it altogether. A popular wish-list item since Windows 11’s public preview, requests for customization and hiding recommendations routinely draw thousands of upvotes. Despite this, Microsoft has only taken incremental steps, allowing users to hide contents but not eliminate the section’s presence entirely.Can You Remove ‘Recommended’ Entirely?
The hard truth for purists: as of the most recent Windows 11 builds, the “Recommended” section cannot be fully removed from the Start menu through official means. Microsoft does provide some toggles to reduce its visibility and clear its contents, but the real estate remains reserved. Third-party utilities, registry hacks, and unofficial tweaks exist, but they come with considerable risks—ranging from system instability to unsupported configurations that may break after Windows updates.What Official Controls Are Available?
Windows 11 offers users a few levers in the Settings app, specifically under Personalisation > Start. Three main toggle switches can be set:- Show recently added apps: When enabled, this will surface newly installed applications.
- Show most used apps: This puts frequently accessed programs front and center.
- Show recently opened items in Start, Jump Lists, and File Explorer: This is the broadest toggle, impacting not just the Start menu but also Jump Lists and File Explorer, removing recently accessed files from those surfaces as well.
| Setting | Effect |
|---|---|
| Show recently added apps | Hides new installs from Start menu |
| Show most used apps | Prevents most-used list from appearing |
| Show recently opened items | Removes recent documents from view |
| Switch to "More pins" layout | Maximizes pinned apps, minimizes “Recommended” |
Step-by-Step: Clearing Out Your Start Menu ‘Recommended’ Section
Getting started is straightforward—here’s how anyone can optimize their Start menu within official constraints:1. Open Start Settings
Click the Start button, then either:- Right-click in the empty lower space between the pinned apps and “All apps,” selecting Start settings, or
- Open Settings > Personalisation > Start directly.
2. Disable Recommendation Settings
Within Start settings, locate the following three toggles and set each to Off:- Show recently added apps
- Show most used apps
- Show recently opened items in Start, Jump Lists, and File Explorer
3. Switch to the ‘More pins’ Layout
At the top of the Start settings window, choose the More pins option—a layout that prioritizes your chosen apps, giving you a broader grid for quick launches and shrinking “Recommended” down to a single line (or as close as Microsoft permits).With these steps completed, the “Recommended” section will be as empty as possible on a standard Windows 11 install. Any accidental private file or unrelated document is now far less likely to show up, and the Start menu’s focus returns to applications—not services, not suggested installations, and not recently accessed data.
What to Expect After Making These Changes
The outcome of these tweaks is a markedly more minimal Start menu. Notably:- No more clutter: Files and apps you didn’t explicitly pin or install will no longer populate the lower half of your menu.
- Improved privacy: Shared devices no longer surface sensitive recent files to other users.
- A more focused workspace: Your pinned apps dominate, making navigation faster—especially for power users.
- No way to entirely reclaim the reserved space: Even with everything hidden, the Start menu still sections off an area for “Recommended,” displaying a blank placeholder or a message such as “To show your recent files and new apps, turn them on in Settings.”
- Losing convenience features: Those who occasionally depend on Windows automatically tracking their work may miss the instant resumption features, particularly in collaborative or creative environments.
- Settings are account-specific: Changing these options affects only your account—other users on the same device must set preferences themselves.
Advanced Considerations and Risks
For users who are adamant about completely erasing the “Recommended” section, third-party Start menu replacements like StartAllBack, Start11, or ExplorerPatcher offer powerful customization, including Start menu redesigns that omit recommendations altogether. But these utilities are not free of risk:- Compatibility issues: Every major Windows update threatens to break or disable third-party modifications.
- Potential for instability: Registry or group policy hacks meant to hide UI elements can cause system errors, update failures, or, in the worst case, render parts of Windows unusable.
- Security and privacy uncertainties: Downloading utilities from less reputable sources can introduce malware, spyware, or adware—an even bigger privacy compromise than the existence of “Recommended.”
Why Did Microsoft Make This So Hard to Remove?
A deeper dive into Windows telemetry, public interviews, and developer notes reveals a few reasons for Microsoft’s steadfast approach:- Consistency and branding: Microsoft wants Start to behave the same across devices, so universal elements stay in place.
- Engagement metrics: Tracking which files and apps users access helps inform feature development and service prioritization.
- Promoting recommended services: In some cases, the section is used to push Microsoft services (e.g., OneDrive suggestions, web apps, or collaborative editing prompts).
Comparative Look: Windows 11 vs. Windows 10 Start Menu Customization
Reflecting on previous versions, Windows 10’s Start menu handled recommendations differently, primarily surfacing “recent apps” or “recently added” sections, but not mixing files and applications as directly. User control was more granular, with the option to turn off specific recommendations or remove the panel entirely in some cases. Third-party customization was also more robust, facing fewer compatibility hiccups over time.In Windows 11, Microsoft’s design unifies recommendations and recent files in a self-contained block, reducing the number of ways users can alter the Start menu’s lower half.
| Version | Recommendation Control | Customization Limits |
|---|---|---|
| Windows 10 | High—could turn off or hide most items | Start menu could be greatly altered |
| Windows 11 | Medium—can hide entries but not section | Area remains, limited modification |
Alternatives, Workarounds, and Advanced Tweaks
If none of the official controls go far enough, adventurous users can explore advanced solutions. It’s worth repeating that these approaches are not supported by Microsoft, may void warranties, or cause unexpected bugs. Only attempt with good backups and a willingness to troubleshoot.1. Third-Party Start Menu Tools
Feature-packed replacements like Start11, StartAllBack, or Open-Shell restore older Start menu designs, stripping out “Recommended” or reshaping how apps and files are surfaced. These programs typically let users:- Increase pinned app space beyond official Windows limits.
- Remove all traces of the “Recommended” pane.
- Restore classic Start menu layouts from Windows 10/7.
2. Registry Edits
Specific registry hacks may reduce visibility further, but Microsoft often patches these workarounds. Editing the registry always carries a risk of corrupting system settings, so do so only with a full system backup and detailed instructions from a reputable guide.3. Group Policy (Enterprise/Education Editions)
Those using Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, or Education can tweak Start menu policy settings to further control what displays using the Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc). However, even here, complete removal is elusive.Privacy Implications and Security Considerations
One justification for disabling “Recommended” on shared or business devices is privacy. The Start menu, by default, may surface recently accessed documents, photos, or apps—sometimes revealing sensitive or confidential material accidentally. When no controls are set, anyone with access to your account or device can glimpse your activity. For professional environments, legal, or healthcare applications, this is a potential compliance headache.Disabling “Show recently opened items” not only cleans up the Start menu but also disables the jump lists in File Explorer and on the taskbar for recently used files. This strikes at the root of privacy concerns, stopping Windows from continuously collecting and presenting history data—even if it means sacrificing some convenience.
What About Microsoft Accounts and Cloud Sync?
With tight integration between Windows 11 and Microsoft services like OneDrive, files stored or worked on in the cloud may also appear in the “Recommended” section—even if the local device hasn’t recently opened them. For those wary of these touchpoints, disabling file recommendations and carefully managing cloud sync settings is essential.The Future: Will Microsoft Ever Allow Full Removal?
Looking ahead, the fate of the “Recommended” section likely hinges on changing user attitudes and competitive pressure. Every major Windows update brings new feedback and the possibility of more customization. The Windows Feedback Hub contains thousands of posts clamoring for more granular control, with insiders occasionally teasing expanded options in preview builds. For now, though, the persistent nature of “Recommended” is by design—with only its contents, not its existence, left in the user’s hands.Signals from Insider Builds
Some Windows Insider builds have quietly tested “hide recommendations” settings or experimented with further spacing and layout adjustments. But these have yet to filter into mainstream releases. Microsoft has not officially committed to making the area optional, but user advocacy and media attention may eventually tip the scales.Practical Summary: The Best You Can Do Right Now
For anyone seeking to clear out the “Recommended” section on their Windows 11 Start menu, the above steps allow you to hide contents, maximize pinned apps, and enjoy a dramatically tidier look. Unless Microsoft bends to user demand, some reserved space will remain—a frustrating but relatively minor price to pay for the security, speed, and polish of Windows 11.Quick Recap:
- Open Start settings: Either via the Start menu or Settings > Personalisation > Start.
- Disable all recommendations: Flip off toggles for recently added apps, most used apps, and recently opened items.
- Switch to ‘More pins’: Shrinks “Recommended” as much as possible.
- [Optional] Consider a third-party Start menu: At your own risk, and only with full backups.
This article is based on published Windows 11 documentation, official Microsoft support resources, community forums, and verification through independent review. Where claims diverge, we’ve noted risks and limitations, and recommend cautious experimentation for any advanced tweak.
Source: Hindustan Times https://www.hindustantimes.com/technology/how-to-clear-out-recommended-section-in-your-windows-11-start-menu-for-a-cleaner-look-101751445744752.html
