Personalization Clear Start Menu Recommended Section in Windows 11


Start_banner.png

This tutorial will show you how to clear the Start menu Recommended section to always show empty for your account in Windows 11.

The Start menu in Windows 11 is comprised of three sections: Pinned, Recent, and All apps.

The Recent section on the Start menu shows a list of your recently added apps, recently opened items, and websites.

While you currently cannot remove the Recommended section on the Start menu, you can clear the Recommended section to always show empty.

Starting with Windows 11 build 26100.9278 (24H2), build 26200.9278 (25H2), and build 2800.3086 (26H1), the "Recommended" section has been renamed to "Recent" in Start and Settings page.


EXAMPLE: Start menu Recommended section

Default_Start_menu_Recommended.jpg
Empty_Start_menu_Recommended.jpg




Here's How:

1 Open Settings (Win+I).

2 Click/tap on Personalization on the left side, and click/tap on Start on the right side. (see screenshot below)


Start_menu_Recommended_section-1.png

3 Under Layout, select (dot) More pins to reduce the size of the Recommended section. (see screenshots below)

4 Turn off Show recently added apps.

5 Turn off Show recently opened items in Start, Jump Lists, and File Explorer.

This will clear your recent items list, and will also stop showing recently opened items in Jump Lists and File Explorer > Home > Recent.


6 Turn off Show websites from your browsing history.

7 Turn off Show recommendations for tips, shortcuts, new apps, and more.

8 You can now close Settings if you like.

Start_menu_Recommended_section-2.png
Start_menu_Recommended_section-3.png



That's it,
Shawn Brink


Related Tutorials

 
Last edited:
Click to expand...
Hello,

Are there any registry modifications for these toggles, specifically for "Show recommended files in Start, recent files in File Explorer, and items in Jump Lists", "Show recommendations for tips, shortcuts, new apps, and more", and "Show account-related notifications"?
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 10
OS
Windows 10
8bithero said:
Hello,

Are there any registry modifications for these toggles, specifically for "Show recommended files in Start, recent files in File Explorer, and items in Jump Lists", "Show recommendations for tips, shortcuts, new apps, and more", and "Show account-related notifications"?
Click to expand...

Hello, :alien:

The tutorials below for those settings do include REG options.

www.elevenforum.com

Enable or Disable Recommended Tips, Shortcuts, New Apps, and more on Start Menu in Windows 11

This tutorial will show you how to turn on or off showing recommended tips, shortcuts, new apps, and more on the Start menu for your account in Windows 11. The Start menu in Windows 11 is comprised of three sections: Pinned, Recent, and All apps. You can choose to turn on or off show...
www.elevenforum.com www.elevenforum.com

www.elevenforum.com

Enable or Disable Notification Badging for Microsoft Accounts on Start menu in Windows 11

This tutorial will show you how to enable or disable showing notification badging for Microsoft accounts on the Start menu and Settings for your account in Windows 10 and Windows 11. Starting with Windows 11 build 22621.1928, Microsoft rolled out notification badging for Microsoft accounts on...
www.elevenforum.com www.elevenforum.com
 

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    Windows 11 Pro for WorkstationsIntel i7-8700K 5 GHz64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600...ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING (11GB GD...
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    Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
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    Internet Speed
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    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 ProSnapdragon X Elite (12 core) 3.42 GHz16 GB LPDDR5x-7467 MHz
    Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Surface Laptop 7 Copilot+ PC
    CPU
    Snapdragon X Elite (12 core) 3.42 GHz
    Memory
    16 GB LPDDR5x-7467 MHz
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15" HDR
    Screen Resolution
    2496 x 1664
    Hard Drives
    1 TB SSD
    Internet Speed
    Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4
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    Chrome and Edge
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Defender
Thanks for the tutorial. However, I already have all the options OFF and still see an item under RECOMMENDED when I open the Start Menu after I open one. This only started to occur today after I did a clean reset on Win11 2H24. years prior no issues, just decided yesterday to mess around with removing Start Menu apps.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Window 11 Pro
OS
Window 11 Pro
Computer type
Laptop
Manufacturer/Model
HP Elitebook 8
CKavanagh said:
already have all the options OFF and still see an item under RECOMMENDED when I open the Start Menu after I open one. This only started to occur today after I did a clean reset on Win11 2H24. years prior no issues, just decided yesterday to mess around with removing Start Menu apps.
Click to expand...
Maybe I am misunderstanding your post but this does not remove the recommended section entirely. As Brink said "While you currently cannot remove the Recommended section on the Start menu, you can clear the Recommended section to always show empty." Are you saying you have an item listed under recommended? What is it?
 

My Computers My Computers

System One System Two Other systems

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Pro 26H2 26300.9457i9-10900 10 core 20 threads32 gbnone-Intel UHD Graphics 630
    OS
    Windows 11 Pro 26H2 26300.9457
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Optiplex 7080
    CPU
    i9-10900 10 core 20 threads
    Motherboard
    DELL 0J37VM
    Memory
    32 gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    none-Intel UHD Graphics 630
    Sound Card
    Integrated Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    2x1tb Solidigm m.2 nvme /External drives 512gb Samsung m.2 sata+2tb Kingston m2.nvme
    PSU
    500w
    Case
    MT
    Cooling
    Dell Premium
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Internet Speed
    so slow I'm too embarrassed to tell
    Browser
    #1 Edge #2 Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender+MWB Premium

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Pro 24H2 26200.9457AMD Ryzen 7 6800U32 gbintegrated
    Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro 24H2 26200.9457
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Beelink Mini PC SER5
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 6800U
    Memory
    32 gb
    Graphics card(s)
    integrated
    Sound Card
    integrated
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Crucial nvme
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Internet Speed
    still too embarrassed to tell
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender
  • System 3 is non compliant Dell 9020 i7-4770/24gb ram Win11 PRO 26200.9457
All options are OFF yet items appear under Recommended. I am not new to this, I know hiw the settings work. It only started happening after I did a reset yesterday. Now under Recommended it will show a random app. I close it, reopen Start Menu and a different app appears.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Window 11 Pro
OS
Window 11 Pro
Computer type
Laptop
Manufacturer/Model
HP Elitebook 8
CKavanagh said:
I did a reset yesterday
Click to expand...
I noticed you have another thread open about this and other issues. They are giving you good advice about a clean install. Another option is to restore an image made when everything was working correctly...if you have one.
I have never done one reset since Windows 11 was released but I have restored a system image several times. Took me less than 10 minutes.
 

My Computers My Computers

System One System Two Other systems

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Pro 26H2 26300.9457i9-10900 10 core 20 threads32 gbnone-Intel UHD Graphics 630
    OS
    Windows 11 Pro 26H2 26300.9457
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Optiplex 7080
    CPU
    i9-10900 10 core 20 threads
    Motherboard
    DELL 0J37VM
    Memory
    32 gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    none-Intel UHD Graphics 630
    Sound Card
    Integrated Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    2x1tb Solidigm m.2 nvme /External drives 512gb Samsung m.2 sata+2tb Kingston m2.nvme
    PSU
    500w
    Case
    MT
    Cooling
    Dell Premium
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Internet Speed
    so slow I'm too embarrassed to tell
    Browser
    #1 Edge #2 Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender+MWB Premium

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Pro 24H2 26200.9457AMD Ryzen 7 6800U32 gbintegrated
    Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro 24H2 26200.9457
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Beelink Mini PC SER5
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 6800U
    Memory
    32 gb
    Graphics card(s)
    integrated
    Sound Card
    integrated
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Crucial nvme
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Internet Speed
    still too embarrassed to tell
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender
  • System 3 is non compliant Dell 9020 i7-4770/24gb ram Win11 PRO 26200.9457
I just used recovery options in Windows 11 a couple of times as well as the pressing F11 for options and entering Bitlocker key. Just completed another reset because file explorer was extremely slow to open (was the reason I did the 1st reset) and choose to clean drive. All configured...again. Now I will just leave it alone and ignore unwanted apps. Still an issue with items appearing under Recommended although mo option selected but I'll live with it. Wasn't an issue before I reset.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Window 11 Pro
OS
Window 11 Pro
Computer type
Laptop
Manufacturer/Model
HP Elitebook 8
CKavanagh said:
Thanks for the tutorial. However, I already have all the options OFF and still see an item under RECOMMENDED when I open the Start Menu after I open one. This only started to occur today after I did a clean reset on Win11 2H24. years prior no issues, just decided yesterday to mess around with removing Start Menu apps.
Click to expand...
CKavanagh said:
I just used recovery options in Windows 11 a couple of times as well as the pressing F11 for options and entering Bitlocker key. Just completed another reset because file explorer was extremely slow to open (was the reason I did the 1st reset) and choose to clean drive. All configured...again. Now I will just leave it alone and ignore unwanted apps. Still an issue with items appearing under Recommended although mo option selected but I'll live with it. Wasn't an issue before I reset.
Click to expand...

Hello, :alien:

Which items are still showing under the Recommended section?

Luckily, an option below to actually remove the Recommended section instead of just clearing and leaving it empty is on the way to public builds.

www.elevenforum.com

Add or Remove Recommended Section on Start Menu in Windows 11

This tutorial will show you how to add or remove the Recommended (Recent) section from the Start Menu for your account, specific users, or all users in Windows 11. The Start menu in Windows 11 is comprised of three sections: Pinned, Recent, and All apps. The Recommended section on the Start...
www.elevenforum.com www.elevenforum.com
 

My Computers My Computers

System One System Two

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Pro for WorkstationsIntel i7-8700K 5 GHz64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600...ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING (11GB GD...
    OS
    Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self build
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING (11GB GDDR5X)
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G75 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    TerraMaster F8 SSD Plus NAS
    PSU
    Seasonic Prime Titanium 850W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3 wall mounted
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Amazon Basics Wired Full Keyboard MD005
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 4
    Internet Speed
    2 Gbps Download and 100 Mbps Upload
    Browser
    Chrome and Edge
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Defender
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 ProSnapdragon X Elite (12 core) 3.42 GHz16 GB LPDDR5x-7467 MHz
    Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Surface Laptop 7 Copilot+ PC
    CPU
    Snapdragon X Elite (12 core) 3.42 GHz
    Memory
    16 GB LPDDR5x-7467 MHz
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15" HDR
    Screen Resolution
    2496 x 1664
    Hard Drives
    1 TB SSD
    Internet Speed
    Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4
    Browser
    Chrome and Edge
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Defender
I set option to show more pins. Always have it set like this so the Recommended prompt is lower down. It was not an issue for years before I did a system reset. Now everytime I click the Start Menu I see a last used frequent app. Just one and not necessarily the last one I acutal last opened. I select tk not show in Recommended but when I open Start Menu again another random app appears.
 

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    33.2 KB · Views: 52

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Window 11 Pro
OS
Window 11 Pro
Computer type
Laptop
Manufacturer/Model
HP Elitebook 8
CKavanagh said:
I set option to show more pins. Always have it set like this so the Recommended prompt is lower down. It was not an issue for years before I did a system reset. Now everytime I click the Start Menu I see a last used frequent app. Just one and not necessarily the last one I acutal last opened. I select tk not show in Recommended but when I open Start Menu again another random app appears.
Click to expand...

The only setting I see that needs changing is to show More pins instead of Default at the top.

www.elevenforum.com

Turn On or Off Show All Pins on Start Menu in Windows 11

This tutorial will show you how to turn on or off show all pins on the Start menu for your account in Windows 11. The Start menu in Windows 11 is comprised of three sections: Pinned, Recent, and All apps. Sections within Start are also responsive so you can see more or less of your Pinned and...
www.elevenforum.com www.elevenforum.com
 

My Computers My Computers

System One System Two

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Pro for WorkstationsIntel i7-8700K 5 GHz64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600...ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING (11GB GD...
    OS
    Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self build
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING (11GB GDDR5X)
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G75 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    TerraMaster F8 SSD Plus NAS
    PSU
    Seasonic Prime Titanium 850W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3 wall mounted
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Amazon Basics Wired Full Keyboard MD005
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 4
    Internet Speed
    2 Gbps Download and 100 Mbps Upload
    Browser
    Chrome and Edge
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Defender
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 ProSnapdragon X Elite (12 core) 3.42 GHz16 GB LPDDR5x-7467 MHz
    Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Surface Laptop 7 Copilot+ PC
    CPU
    Snapdragon X Elite (12 core) 3.42 GHz
    Memory
    16 GB LPDDR5x-7467 MHz
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15" HDR
    Screen Resolution
    2496 x 1664
    Hard Drives
    1 TB SSD
    Internet Speed
    Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4
    Browser
    Chrome and Edge
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Defender
I went into Settings-Privacy and Security. I unchecked all the options under Recommendations and Offers. Tested and issue seems resolved. Not sure if all need to be unchecked but did all anyway. Frequently used/last used app no longer appears in Start Menu under Recommended.

I've always selected more pins with nothing checked so the Recommended section would be lower down windows. Never an issue until I reset laptop.
 

Attachments

  • Resolve_Turn options OFF on Privacy and Security_Recommendation and Offers.webp
    Resolve_Turn options OFF on Privacy and Security_Recommendation and Offers.webp
    76.4 KB · Views: 49

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Window 11 Pro
OS
Window 11 Pro
Computer type
Laptop
Manufacturer/Model
HP Elitebook 8
CKavanagh said:
I went into Settings-Privacy and Security. I unchecked all the options under Recommendations and Offers. Tested and issue seems resolved. Not sure if all need to be unchecked but did all anyway. Frequently used/last used app no longer appears in Start Menu under Recommended.
Click to expand...
:shawn:
 

My Computers My Computers

System One System Two

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Pro for WorkstationsIntel i7-8700K 5 GHz64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600...ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING (11GB GD...
    OS
    Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self build
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING (11GB GDDR5X)
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G75 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    TerraMaster F8 SSD Plus NAS
    PSU
    Seasonic Prime Titanium 850W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3 wall mounted
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Amazon Basics Wired Full Keyboard MD005
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 4
    Internet Speed
    2 Gbps Download and 100 Mbps Upload
    Browser
    Chrome and Edge
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Defender
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 ProSnapdragon X Elite (12 core) 3.42 GHz16 GB LPDDR5x-7467 MHz
    Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Surface Laptop 7 Copilot+ PC
    CPU
    Snapdragon X Elite (12 core) 3.42 GHz
    Memory
    16 GB LPDDR5x-7467 MHz
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15" HDR
    Screen Resolution
    2496 x 1664
    Hard Drives
    1 TB SSD
    Internet Speed
    Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4
    Browser
    Chrome and Edge
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Defender
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