Windows 11's Start menu has undergone significant changes, including the introduction of a 'Recommended' section that displays recently used files and apps. While some users find this feature helpful, others consider it intrusive or unnecessary. If you're looking to declutter your Start menu or enhance privacy, here's how to remove or hide the 'Recommended' section in Windows 11.

The 'Recommended' section can be useful for quick access to frequently used files, but it also raises privacy concerns by displaying recent activity. Additionally, some users prefer a cleaner Start menu without distractions. Whether for aesthetic reasons or privacy, disabling this feature is straightforward.

Method 1: Using Windows Settings

The simplest way to hide the 'Recommended' section is through Windows Settings:

  1. Open Settings: Press Win + I or click the Start menu and select the gear icon.
  2. Navigate to Personalization: Select Personalization > Start.
  3. Toggle Off 'Show Recently Added Apps' and 'Show Recently Opened Items': Disabling these options will remove most content from the 'Recommended' section.

While this method doesn’t completely remove the section, it minimizes its visibility by clearing the displayed items.

Method 2: Registry Editor Hack

For users comfortable with advanced tweaks, the Windows Registry offers a more permanent solution:

  1. Open Registry Editor: Press Win + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.
  2. Navigate to the Key: Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced.
  3. Create a New DWORD (32-bit) Value: Right-click the right pane, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value, and name it Start_ShowRecommendations.
  4. Set the Value to 0: Double-click the new entry, set its value to 0, and click OK.
  5. Restart Explorer: Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc), find Windows Explorer, and click Restart.

This method completely disables the 'Recommended' section, providing a cleaner Start menu layout.

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

If you're running Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise, Group Policy Editor offers another way to disable the 'Recommended' section:

  1. Open Group Policy Editor: Press Win + R, type gpedit.msc, and hit Enter.
  2. Navigate to Start Menu Settings: Go to User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Start Menu and Taskbar.
  3. Disable Recommendations: Find Remove Recommended section from Start Menu, double-click it, select Enabled, and click OK.
  4. Apply Changes: Restart your PC or log out and back in for the changes to take effect.

Method 4: Third-Party Start Menu Replacements

If native options don’t meet your needs, third-party Start menu replacements like Open-Shell, Start11, or Classic Shell offer extensive customization, including the ability to remove the 'Recommended' section entirely. These tools provide a more traditional Start menu experience for users who prefer it.

Potential Risks and Considerations

  • Registry Edits: Modifying the registry can cause system instability if done incorrectly. Always back up the registry before making changes.
  • Group Policy Limitations: Available only in Pro and Enterprise editions of Windows 11.
  • Third-Party Tools: While effective, they may introduce compatibility issues or require additional system resources.

Final Thoughts

Windows 11’s 'Recommended' section is a polarizing feature, but thankfully, users have multiple ways to disable or hide it. Whether through built-in settings, registry tweaks, or third-party tools, you can tailor the Start menu to your preferences. Choose the method that best suits your technical comfort level and needs for a cleaner, more private computing experience.