With the sleek new interface of Windows 11, the “Recommended” section in the Start menu offers quick access to recent files and frequently used apps. However, we recognize that not everyone finds this feature beneficial. Some of us prefer a more minimalist approach or wish to tailor the Start experience to better fit our personal workflow. If the recommended section feels more like clutter than convenience, we can remove it through a few simple steps.
As advocates for personalization, we understand the need for a Start menu that aligns with our unique preferences. Removing the recommended section can not only streamline the interface but also potentially improve system performance by reducing the load on startup. Let’s embrace the ability to customize Windows 11 to our liking by modifying the Start menu to reflect our individual usage patterns.
Contents
Understanding the Recommended Section in Windows 11
The Recommended section in Windows 11 serves as a dynamic area for users to access their recently opened items, along with frequently used and recently added apps.
Purpose and Functionality
- Recently Added Apps: Showcases the latest installations, offering a shortcut to everything new on the device.
- Most Used Apps: Puts your frequently opened applications at the forefront for quick access.
- Recently Opened Items: Lists documents and files you’ve worked with, allowing for swift resumption of tasks.
Each entry within this segment of the Start menu is automatically generated based on individual user behavior.
Differences Between Windows 10 and Windows 11
In Windows 10, the Start menu emphasized a tile-based interface with live updates. With the introduction of Windows 11, we notice a shift towards a more centered design, focusing on simplicity and user engagement.
| Feature | Windows 11 |
| Recommended Section | Centrally located with apps and items based on usage |
| Live Tiles | Replaced with static icons in Windows 11’s Start menu |
| Personalization | Enhanced in Windows 11 with more focus on user activity |
Windows 11’s Recommended area is more streamlined, putting emphasis on the user’s recent activity rather than a broad range of live information.
Customizing the Start Menu and Taskbar
We can make the most of our experience with Windows 11 by tailoring the Start Menu and Taskbar to our preferences. From managing app visibility to handling our files, these customizations ensure a smoother and more personal interaction with our PC.
Pinning and Unpinning Apps
Managing Recently Opened Files
In the **Start Menu settings**, we have the option to show or hide recently opened files. This affects items in both **Jump Lists** and the Start Menu. For those concerned with privacy or preferring a clean Start layout, disabling this feature helps maintain a more organized look and protects our file privacy.
Adjusting Taskbar Settings
The Taskbar is another feature we can customize to our liking. Through the Taskbar settings, we can change the behavior and appearance of the icons. By right-clicking the Taskbar and choosing “Taskbar settings,” we access options to hide labels, revise icon grouping, and adjust notification area icons. These adjustments help create a streamlined workspace suited to our workflow.
| Feature | Advantage | How to Access |
| Pinning/Unpinning Apps | Quick access to frequently used applications. | Right-click app > Pin to Start / Unpin from Start |
| Recently Opened Files | Control over privacy and Start Menu clutter. | Settings > Personalization > Start |
| Taskbar Customization | Personalized Taskbar experience. | Right-click Taskbar > Taskbar settings |
Disabling the Recommended Section
In our quest for a cleaner Start menu, removing the Recommended section can be quite straightforward. We’ll guide you through various methods to disable this feature in Windows 11, ensuring a tidier interface that suits our preferences.
Using Windows Settings App
When we aim to simplify our Start menu, the Settings app is our first stop. It’s a user-friendly way to disable the Recommended section.
- Open the Settings app by pressing Win + I.
- Navigate to Personalization > Start.
- Toggle off the option that says Show recently added apps or Show recently opened items.
Editing Group Policy Settings
For users who are comfortable with administrative tools, the Group Policy Editor provides a more robust solution for managing system preferences, including the Recommended section.
| Procedure to edit Group Policy: |
| Press Win + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter to open the Group Policy Editor. Navigate to User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Start Menu and Taskbar. Find and set the policy for showing the Recommended section to Disabled. |
Modifying Windows Registry Entries
Altering registry entries is another method we use to disable the Recommended section. This approach is best reserved for users who are well-versed with Windows Registry, as it involves more complex steps.
- Press Win + R, input regedit, and hit Enter to access the Registry Editor.
- Navigate to the key: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced.
- Right-click on the right pane, create a new DWORD (32-bit) value, name it as Start_TrackProgs, and set its value to 0.
Enhancing Privacy and System Layout
In our quest for a tailored experience, adjusting the Start menu’s layout can enhance both system privacy and functionality. Privacy concerns may arise from how data is used to generate recommendations, and some users may prefer a cleaner layout to maximize their Start menu space.