Removing recommended items from Windows 11 can be done quickly and easily with just a few clicks. You’ll navigate through the settings menu, tweak a couple of options, and voila – a cleaner, more personalized start menu.
Step by Step Tutorial: How to Remove Recommended from Windows 11
Let’s get started on making your Windows 11 experience more tailored to your preferences. The following steps will guide you through the process of removing recommended items from your start menu.
Step 1: Open Settings
Open the Settings app by clicking the gear icon in the start menu or pressing Windows + I on your keyboard.
In this step, you’re accessing the control center of your Windows 11 operating system. The Settings app is where you can adjust all sorts of preferences and features to suit your needs.
Step 2: Navigate to Personalization
Once in Settings, click on "Personalization" to access the options that allow you to customize your PC’s appearance.
Personalization is all about making your PC look and feel just the way you like it. From changing your background to adjusting the start menu, this is where you can really make your mark on your Windows 11 experience.
Step 3: Click on Start
Within the Personalization menu, find and click on "Start" to access options specifically for customizing your start menu.
The Start section of Personalization is specifically focused on the start menu, which is the heart of navigating your PC. Here, you can adjust which apps appear and how they’re organized.
Step 4: Turn off Show Recently Added Apps
In the Start settings, look for a toggle labeled "Show recently added apps" and switch it off.
By turning this off, you’re telling your PC that you don’t want to see the apps you’ve recently installed in the recommended section of your start menu. This helps to keep things looking neat and tidy.
Step 5: Turn off Show Recently Opened Items
Finally, disable the toggle for "Show recently opened items in Start, Jump Lists, and File Explorer."
This step stops your start menu from showing files and apps you’ve recently used. It’s perfect for keeping your start menu focused on just the essentials.
After completing these steps, your start menu will no longer display recommended apps or recently opened items. This means a cleaner, more streamlined start experience that showcases only what you choose to pin or keep on your menu.
Tips for Managing Start Menu in Windows 11
- Regularly review and unpin apps you no longer use to keep the start menu clutter-free.
- Take advantage of folders in the start menu to group similar apps together and save space.
- Remember that you can always re-enable the recommended items if you miss them or find them useful down the line.
- Use the search function in the start menu to quickly find and launch apps without having them pinned.
- Consider customizing the size of your start menu by dragging the edges for a more personalized layout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I customize which recommended items I see?
Yes, you can pin specific apps to the start menu to ensure they always appear, but you cannot selectively choose which recommended items show up beyond that.
Will turning off recommended items affect my entire account?
Yes, these settings are tied to your user account, so they will apply across any device where you’re signed in with the same Microsoft account.
Can I still access recently added or opened items elsewhere?
Absolutely, recent items will still appear in their respective apps or in the Quick Access section of File Explorer.
Will disabling recommended items improve my PC’s performance?
While it may not have a significant impact, it can slightly reduce the load on your system, as it doesn’t need to populate those items on the start menu.
Is it possible to remove ads from the start menu?
While the steps in this article won’t remove ads, you can disable them by navigating to Settings > Privacy & security > General and turning off the options related to advertising.
Summary
- Open Settings.
- Navigate to Personalization.
- Click on Start.
- Turn off Show Recently Added Apps.
- Turn off Show Recently Opened Items.
Conclusion
And there you have it! A simple and straightforward way to remove recommended items from your Windows 11 start menu. With these quick steps, you can enjoy a more personalized and less cluttered start menu that focuses solely on the apps and files you care about. Not only does this make for a cleaner interface, but it also means less distraction and more productivity. Plus, it’s always nice to know you have control over what your operating system shows you. Remember, Windows 11 is all about offering a more modern and user-centric experience, so take the time to explore other personalization options and make your PC truly your own.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.