How to disable Windows 11 suggestions and recommendations

Windows 11 has brought with it a number of notable changes, both aesthetic and functional. Although many of these innovations have been well received, others, such as suggestions and recommendations, have generated controversy among users. These functions, present in the Start Menu and other areas of the operating system, are not always to everyone's liking.

If you find the suggestions annoying or you simply prefer a cleaner and more personalized environment, you are in luck. In this article, we will explain in a clear and detailed way how turn off recommendations and ads of Windows 11, optimizing your user experience.

What are tips and tricks in Windows 11?

Suggestions and recommendations are elements that Windows 11 shows by default in different areas of the system, such as the Start Menu, File Explorer, or even the taskbar. According to Microsoft, these recommendations are designed to improve productivity, based on the user's usage history.

However, for some users, these recommendations are intrusive or unnecessary. From app suggestions to hidden ads, elements that are not relevant and even take up useful space in the interface can appear.

How to disable Start Menu recommendations

The Start Menu in Windows 11 has undergone a significant redesign. In addition to its new centered location, it includes a section for recommendations which highlights recently opened apps, downloaded files, or items deemed important. If you want to get rid of this section, follow these steps:

• Click on Home and access Configuration.
• Go to the section Personalization. in the menu on the left.
• Choose Home.
• Here you will find three options that you can disable:
  • Show recently added apps
  • Show the most used applications
  • Show recently opened items in Start, shortcut lists, and File Explorer
• By disabling these features, The recommendations section will be completely empty, although the space will still be visible.

Remember that even if the recommendations disappear, The Start Menu layout will retain its size and structure.

How to remove ads from File Explorer

Another area where promotional items may appear is in File Explorer. Microsoft often displays ads for services like OneDrive. To disable them, follow these steps:

• Open the File Browser.
• Click on the three dots on the top toolbar and select Options.
• In the pop-up window, go to the tab View.
• Find the box Show sync provider notifications and uncheck it.
• Click on Apply and then in Accept.

Configure recommended applications

Windows 11 also suggests apps when trying to install programs that do not come from the Microsoft Store. If you want to disable this option, follow these steps:

• Go to Home > Configuration > Applications > Applications and features.
• En Installing apps, select the option Allow apps from anywhere o Disable app recommendationsdepending on the version of your operating system.

What to do with suggested apps?

Sometimes Windows 11 shows suggested apps that are not actually installed, but are shortcuts to the Microsoft Store. remove these apps, simply:

• Right click on the application in the Start Menu.
• Choose uninstall If it is already installed or Remove from the list if it is a suggestion.

Windows 11 allows users to customize their experience by removing unnecessary elements such as ads and recommendations. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can enjoy a more responsive system. Clean and adapted to your needs.