How to remove recommendations from the Start menu in Windows 11

Windows 11 has brought with it a host of visual and functional innovations, many of which have been well received by users. However, there are also certain decisions in its design and interface that have generated both discomfort and rejection, and one of them is the famous section of recommendations in the start menu.

This feature provides suggestions for recent files, apps, and shortcuts., supposedly intended to improve user productivity. However, for many, it becomes more of a nuisance than a help. Whether for privacy reasons, aesthetic reasons, or simply personal preference, Disabling these recommendations is a common desireIf you're looking for how to do it, you've come to the right place.

What exactly are Start Menu Recommendations in Windows 11?

The recommendations section appears just below the pinned apps when you access the new Start menu. There you'll see files and programs that Windows says you've used recently or frequently. At first glance, this may seem useful, but it can quickly fill up space with unnecessary items or even apps suggested by Microsoft.

This system can also display applications you have not installed, but that the system thinks might interest you. Sometimes, it's practically covert advertising, packaged as an improvement to the user experience. Also, keep in mind that you can also disable recommendations on other devices.

Additionally, some recommendations are based on your browsing history or activity. within the operating system, which can be unsettling if you are concerned about your privacy.

Where other recommendations and ads appear in Windows 11

Beyond the start menu, Windows 11 integrates recommendations into other parts of the system, which has generated even more frustration among users. Some of these locations include:

• File Browser: Promotional notifications appear, such as suggestions for upgrading your OneDrive plan.
• Lock screen: may display tips or sponsored news.
• System applications: Tips and suggestions that are actually Microsoft Store ads.

This type of advertising can be particularly intrusive. If you've already paid for your operating system license. Fortunately, all of these features can be disabled from various sections of the system. We explain how to do it step by step in the Start menu, but we also give you additional details to completely clean up your experience, as well as how to remove ads on Windows.

Method 1: Disable recommendations from general settings

This is the most direct and effective method if your goal is completely clean the recommendations section of the start menu.

1. Open the Start menu and click Configuration. You can also use the keyboard shortcut Windows + i.
2. Access the section Personalization..
3. Under Personalization, select the option Home.
4. Once inside, disable these three options:
   • Show recently added apps
   • Show the most used applications
   • Show recently opened items in Start, shortcut lists, and File Explorer

By doing this, the recommendations section in the start menu will be emptied completely. You will no longer be suggested recent accesses or frequently used apps.

This option is very useful if you are looking for privacy and a cleaner interfaceHowever, you'll lose some quick access to recent or useful tasks for your workflow if you used them regularly.

Method 2: Manually remove items from the recommended section

Another option is to go manually removing items you don't want to seeThis allows you to keep some useful recommendations but remove others that don't interest you or that bother you.

Follow these steps:

1. Click on the Start menu.
2. Locate the “Recommended” section.
3. Right-click on the file or application you want to delete and select Remove from the list.

You can also click "More" to see more recommended items and perform this cleaning in more detail. This method is more selective, but it can be more tedious if you have a lot of items you want to remove. Remember that if you want to remove adware, you can follow the same principle that applies to remove adware.

Removing suggested or advertising applications

Windows 11 also shows suggested applications as if they were already installedThis is a covert form of advertising that can be confusing.

To remove them:

• Access the Start menu.
• Right-click on the suggested application.
• Choose uninstall to remove it from the system.

In case you are not sure if an app is actually installed or just a suggestion, Right-click and check the context menu optionsIf options like "Settings" appear, it's likely already installed. If only "Install" appears or you're redirected to the Microsoft Store, that's a suggestion. Don't forget that you can also improve your system by following the recommendations on activate high performance mode.

How to remove ads in File Explorer

Sometimes while browsing your folders, Promotional messages may appear on Microsoft products such as OneDrive or Office.

To disable these types of ads:

1. Open the File Browser by clicking the folder icon on the taskbar.
2. Click on the three horizontal points located at the top right and select Options.
3. In the View, look for the option Show sync provider notifications.
4. Uncheck the box and click “Apply” and then “OK”.

With this, you will avoid seeing ads within the file system, which significantly improves the browsing experience through your documents.

Why does Microsoft insist on showing these recommendations?

Microsoft has defended these features by arguing that improve productivity and provide a more personalized experienceAccording to them, recommendations allow you to quickly access what you need and discover new tools that might be useful to you.

However, many users consider this invades privacy and makes more noise than goodOthers simply don't want the system to decide for them what they should see when they log in. If you're interested, you can also check out keyboard shortcuts that make using Windows easier.

If you are one of those who value a clean environment, without distractions or invasive elements, Taking a few minutes to make these adjustments can completely transform your Windows 11 experience..

Removing Start Menu Recommendations and Other Ad Suggestions in Windows 11 is entirely possible. And it doesn't require any advanced knowledge. The only thing you need is knowing where to look. Whether you prefer to disable everything at once or manually clean up what you don't need, the system is designed to give you control over your environment. This not only provides more privacy, but also a cleaner, more organized desktop focused on your true needs.

Related article:

Complete guide to removing PIN and password in Windows 11

Isaac

Passionate writer about the world of bytes and technology in general. I love sharing my knowledge through writing, and that's what I'll do on this blog, show you all the most interesting things about gadgets, software, hardware, tech trends, and more. My goal is to help you navigate the digital world in a simple and entertaining way.