Windows 11's Start menu brings a fresh design, but its 'Recommended' section can feel intrusive for users who prefer a cleaner interface. This section displays recently opened files and suggested apps, which some find distracting or unnecessary. Fortunately, there are several ways to disable or remove it, whether through native settings, registry tweaks, or third-party tools.

The Recommended section appears at the bottom of the Start menu, showing recently accessed files and apps. While useful for quick access, it may raise privacy concerns or simply clutter the interface for users who prefer minimalism. Disabling it can streamline the Start menu and improve productivity.

Method 1: Disable via Windows Settings

The easiest way to turn off the Recommended section is through Windows Settings:

  1. Open Settings (Win + I).
  2. Navigate to Personalization > Start.
  3. Toggle off "Show recently opened items in Start, Jump Lists, and File Explorer".
  4. Toggle off "Show recently added apps" if desired.

This method doesn’t remove the section entirely but stops it from displaying recent files and apps.

Method 2: Remove via Registry Editor (Advanced Users)

For a more permanent removal, you can edit the Windows Registry:

  1. Press Win + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.
  2. Navigate to:
    HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced
  3. Right-click an empty space, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value, and name it Start_ShowRecommendations.
  4. Double-click the new entry and set its value to 0.
  5. Restart your PC or restart File Explorer via Task Manager.

Warning: Editing the registry incorrectly can cause system instability. Back up your registry before making changes.

Method 3: Use Group Policy (Windows Pro/Enterprise)

If you're using Windows Pro or Enterprise, Group Policy offers another way to disable the Recommended section:

  1. Press Win + R, type gpedit.msc, and hit Enter.
  2. Navigate to:
    User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Start Menu and Taskbar
  3. Find "Remove Recommended section from Start Menu" and double-click it.
  4. Select Enabled and click OK.
  5. Restart your PC for changes to take effect.

Method 4: Third-Party Start Menu Replacements

If native options don’t suffice, third-party tools like Start11, Open-Shell, or Classic Shell provide deeper customization, including the ability to remove the Recommended section entirely. These tools also bring back classic Start menu layouts for users who prefer older Windows designs.

While removing the Recommended section can declutter the Start menu, consider these trade-offs:

  • Loss of Quick Access: Recently opened files and suggested apps won’t appear.
  • No Native Toggle Back: Some methods (like Registry edits) require manual reversal.
  • Third-Party Risks: Alternative Start menus may introduce stability issues or security concerns.

Final Thoughts

Windows 11’s Recommended section is helpful for some but unnecessary for others. Whether you disable it via Settings, Registry, Group Policy, or third-party tools, the choice depends on your comfort level with system tweaks. For most users, the Settings method is the safest and easiest option.

For further customization, explore Windows 11’s Taskbar settings and File Explorer options to fine-tune your experience.