How to Remove the Recommended Section from Windows 11 Start Menu

[ChatGPT]

Windows 11 is a significant departure from its predecessors, boasting a fresh look, reimagined features, and a much-discussed centered Start menu. However, with change often comes a bit of friction, as many users express their dissatisfaction with certain elements—particularly the Recommended section of the Start menu. This guide is your go-to resource for learning how to declutter your interface by removing this feature.

Why Remove the Recommended Section?​

For some users, the Recommended section appears to be more of a nuisance than a help. In this space, Windows insists on displaying recently opened files and newly installed apps, which, while designed for convenience, can expose sensitive information or simply add clutter. The idea of having documents pop up there—which could be embarrassing if someone else uses your PC—leads many to seek a cleaner, more personalized Start menu.

How to Clean Up Your Start Menu​

Here we’ll walk you through several effective methods to annihilate that pesky Recommended section from your Start menu.

Method 1: Using the Settings Menu​

This straightforward approach works for most users and can be accomplished in just a few clicks:

• Open Settings: Press Win + I.
• Navigate to Personalization: On the left pane, select Personalization.
• Select Start: Scroll down and click on Start from the options.
• Toggle Off Recommendations:
• Switch off Show recently installed apps.
• Turn off Show recently opened items in Start, Jump Lists, and File Explorer.
• Disable Show recommendations for tips, shortcuts, new apps, and more.
• Optionally, switch off Show account-related notifications occasionally in Start.

Done! Your Start menu will breathe easier, devoid of unnecessary distractions.

Method 2: Using Windows PowerShell​

For those who love some advanced tinkering, PowerShell offers a more technical means to achieve the same goal — but do note, this method is only available for Windows 11 Education and SE editions:

• Open PowerShell: Type PowerShell in the Start menu and run it as an administrator.
• Input Command:
  

  powershell New-ItemProperty -Path "HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Explorer" -Name "HideRecommendedSection" -PropertyType DWord -Value 1 -Force

• Hit Enter: The command will take effect without further ado.

Method 3: Using Group Policy Editor​

If you're running a compatible version, the Group Policy Editor can condense your task further:

• Access the Run Dialog: Press Win + R.
• Open Group Policy Editor: Type gpedit.msc and click OK.
• Find the Right Path: Navigate to:
• Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Start Menu and Taskbar.
• Configure Settings:
• Double-click on the option labeled Remove Recommended section from Start Menu.
• Set it to Enabled and press Apply.

Method 4: Editing the Registry​

For power users comfortable with editing the registry, here's how:

• Open Run: Press Win + R.
• Launch Registry Editor: Type regedit.msc and hit Enter.
• Navigate to the Path:
• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Explorer
• Modify the Value:
• Find HideRecommendedSection, double-click it and set the value from 0 to 1.
• Close the Editor: Your changes will be saved automatically.

In Conclusion​

The removal of the Recommended section from the Start menu can lead to a cleaner, more personalized experience on Windows 11. While some may appreciate the functionality it offers for quick access to frequently used files, others prefer a more curated approach—free from unintended exposures.
With the methods outlined above, you can tailor your Start menu to better fit your preferences. Whether you're a casual user or a tech aficionado, these steps cater to a wide range of user needs. Now, your Start menu can be just what you want it to be: a pleasant gateway to your computing experience without the unwanted fuss.
Feel free to explore other enhancements for Windows 11, such as optimizing performance for gaming or managing background processes. After all, enhancing your Windows experience is just a few tweaks away!

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Source: TechPP How to Remove the Recommended Section From Start Menu on Windows 11 - TechPP

 

[ChatGPT]

Ah, File Explorer—the cornerstone of Windows that’s been around for decades but seems to always run slower than your morning coffee machine. In its noble quest to modernize and "enhance" user experience, Microsoft has introduced a new “Recommended” section in File Explorer starting with Windows 11 Insider Beta (22635.4800). But for many, this feature feels more like a clunky add-on than a breakthrough enhancement. The main complaint? It adds bloat, distracts the interface, and hampers performance, especially for local file exploration.
If you're tired of unsolicited recommendations and cloud integration clogging up your File Explorer, buckle up because we're diving into everything you need to know—and more. Here’s an easy tutorial to remove this feature and get your File Explorer back to its sleek roots.

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What’s This New “Recommended” Section All About?​

For the uninitiated, the "Recommended" section is a shiny new feature added to File Explorer in Windows 11. It offers tailored suggestions based on files you've recently accessed or worked on. With Microsoft leaning heavily on its OneDrive integration across Windows products, this section pulls recommendations from both your local machine and your OneDrive account.
From a conceptual standpoint, it could be helpful for certain workflows, especially for users deeply invested in Microsoft’s ecosystem. But in practice, it often backfires because:

• It slows down File Explorer’s performance.
• It clutters the interface, pulling focus from what you’re working on—your actual files.
• It integrates OneDrive data too deeply, prompting fears about privacy and complicating file management for users who prefer working offline.

Let’s be honest, File Explorer is already burdened with enough updates and redesign-induced hiccups. Adding more to the mix isn't winning Microsoft any thank-you notes.

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Why Would You Want to Remove It?​

The new "Recommended" section might seem like a promising feature initially, but the headline issues are hard to ignore. If you’ve noticed that simple actions like opening folders or searching files are excruciatingly slow, this could be why. Beyond the drag on performance, here are other reasons:

• Privacy Concerns: Not everyone is comfortable seeing their OneDrive or account insights featured front and center in File Explorer. Besides, what you worked on recently is, frankly, nobody else's business.
• Interface Clutter: Modern design is supposed to simplify, not complicate. And yet, we’ve strayed far from the minimalist appeal of earlier Windows versions.
• Local Focus is Key: Many users rely heavily on quick access to folders and storage for instant navigation. File recommendations disrupt this flow, turning a simple utility tool into an attention-dividing interface.

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Step-by-Step: The Tools You'll Use to Send "Recommended" Packing​

Relax; removing this feature doesn't require you to be a tech wizard or scurry through your Registry Editor. You can disable the "Recommended" section through the File Explorer’s trusty Folder Options menu quickly and efficiently.
Here’s the game plan:

1. Access Folder Options​

• Press Windows + E to open File Explorer.
• Look for the three-dot menu (ellipsis) in the File Explorer toolbar. Click it and select Options.

2. Disable the “Recommended” Section​

• Inside the Folder Options menu, locate the option labeled “Show recommended section.”
• Uncheck the box to disable it.

3. Apply & Save​

• Hit Apply and then OK to lock in your changes. Voilà, the pesky Recommended section is gone!

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Going the Extra Mile: Removing OneDrive-Recommended Files​

If you thought disabling the "Recommended" section was satisfying, wait until you clean house by ditching OneDrive-based recommendations. These often add to your File Explorer woes with unnecessary account-based insights and recent files.

Steps for a Cleaner Privacy Break:​

• Under the same Folder Options menu, find the Privacy section at the bottom.
• Uncheck the box labeled:
• “Include account-based insights, recent, favorite, and recommended files.”
• Again, click Apply -> OK to finalize your preferences.

Congratulations! Your File Explorer is now officially pristine and focused solely on local file access.

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The Performance Factor: Does This Really Speed Things Up?​

You might be scratching your head, wondering: does dumping the “Recommended” section actually make File Explorer faster? From anecdotal evidence and user reports, the answer is a resounding “yes.” By disabling these features, you’re cutting down on unnecessary system overhead caused by cloud syncing and processing recommendations in the background.
When File Explorer doesn’t have to work harder than your GPU rendering a gaming session, it snaps back to life. Whether you're whipping through directories or running file searches, the difference in response time is quite tangible.

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Broader Implications: Is Microsoft Adding Too Much Bloatware?​

Microsoft's soft introduction of bloatware into core utilities like File Explorer highlights a growing trend: an incessant push for cloud-based services and telemetry. While innovations like OneDrive integration or AI-based search features can be robust for enterprise use cases, they aren’t for everyone.
Let’s be real—Windows is beloved for its flexibility and modularity. Users should have the freedom to configure core utilities like File Explorer to suit their needs without jumping through hoops. Stripping features like the "Recommended" section is a step toward reclaiming that simplicity.

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In Closing​

At the end of the day, File Explorer should be what it’s always meant to be: fast, functional, and focused. Removing the intrusive “Recommended” section is one of the simplest ways to restore performance and improve your Windows experience—especially if you’re someone juggling local and cloud files without wanting your screen to look like a Pinterest board of recently-accessed chaos.
And hey, File Explorer sans fluff is the nostalgic callback we need amidst ever-increasing "features" that sometimes feel like solutions in search of problems.
Now, Windows power users, it’s your turn to weigh in. Are you pro “Recommended” section, or do you prefer a sleeker, stripped-down File Explorer? And Microsoft, if you’re listening, how about making these features truly optional moving forward? Drop your comments below, and let’s geek out!

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If you’re looking for more ways to speed up Windows 11 or debloat it like a boss, check out more tutorials on WindowsForum.com. Keep the conversation going, and stay tuned for more troubleshooting tips!

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Source: Beebom How to Remove the 'Recommended' Section from File Explorer in Windows 11

 

[ChatGPT]

Microsoft’s Windows 11 has steadily morphed into an ecosystem rife with user-friendly tweaks and features. Among the many enhancements, File Explorer—a cornerstone of the Windows file management experience—has been revamped to pack in new visual and functional updates. However, one addition, the "Recommended" section, has become divisive among users. What’s up with this feature, why does it divide users, and how do you banish it if it’s not your cup of tea? Let’s delve into it.

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What's the Deal with the "Recommended" Section?​

Picture this: You open File Explorer, expecting the clean, precise organization you’re used to, and instead, your Home screen is now a space cluttered with recently accessed or modified files and folders under the banner of the "Recommended" section. For Microsoft, this feature is a nod to modernity—streamlining access to your files by surfacing your most recent activity. From a practical standpoint, users who juggle multiple projects or frequently check certain documents might find this shortcut handy.
But for some, it feels a bit intrusive. Maybe you share your PC with others; maybe you just don’t want people poking their noses at your digital breadcrumbs. It’s understandable—it’s your data on display, and maybe the "Recommended" section feels less like a convenience and more like clutter.

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The Easiest Way to Disable the Recommended Section​

So, what can you do about it? Thankfully, Microsoft didn’t bury the off-switch for this feature in some obscure systems folder. Disabling the "Recommended" section is straightforward and doesn’t require pro-level skills, like editing the Registry or diving into advanced settings. Here’s an easy guide to reclaim your File Explorer Home screen:

Step-by-Step Guide​

• Open File Explorer: Launch the File Explorer app. You can find it in your taskbar or press Win + E.
• Access Options: Click the three dots (...) on the right-hand side of the File Explorer menu bar.
• Select "Folder Options": From the dropdown menu, choose the option labeled Options. This will open the Folder Options window.
• Adjust Privacy Settings:
• Navigate to the General Tab, where you will find a "Privacy" section at the bottom.
• Disable Recent Files and Folders:
• Uncheck the box next to "Show recently used files in Quick access."
• Uncheck the box next to "Show recently used folders in Quick access."
• Save and Close:
• Hit the Apply button and then OK.
• Voila! The "Recommended" section will disappear from File Explorer’s Home screen.

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Why This Method Rocks​

There’s a lot to love about this approach:

• Zero Complexity: This process skips any need to mess with the Registry Editor or use third-party tools, making it safe for even the most tech-shy users.
• Reversible: If you wake up one day and decide you miss seeing your recently used files, the steps are easy to undo—just re-check those two privacy settings.

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What If You Want More Customization?​

If you’re someone who really likes a tailored experience and wants File Explorer to feel more you, there are loads of options for customization beyond just removing the "Recommended" section. For example:

• Custom Views: Make use of toolbar options to optimize Explorer for documents, images, or other file types.
• Pin Favorites: Stick folders/files to Quick Access for lightning-fast navigation.
• Add Colors with Third-Party Tools: Use apps like Folder Marker to assign colors or icons to specific folders for even more visual organization.

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Final Thoughts: To Recommend, or Not to Recommend?​

Microsoft often walks a fine line between being helpful and overstepping; the "Recommended" section in File Explorer is a prime example of this. For some, it’s a godsend—a quick glance at yesterday’s presentation draft or last week’s budget worksheet. For others, it’s a source of frustration, unnecessarily cluttering their UI or breaching their sense of privacy. The beauty of Windows 11 is its flexibility. With just a few clicks, you can make File Explorer work your way.
So, is the "Recommended" section clutter or convenience? That’s entirely up to you. All we know is that the power to choose rests firmly in your hands. Share your thoughts on WindowsForum.com—what do you think about the "Recommended" section? Is it a keeper, or was it eliminated at first sight? Let’s hash it out!

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Related Reads for Windows 11 Enthusiasts​

• How to Make Windows 11 Look Like Windows XP: Nostalgia overload with detailed customization tricks.
• 10 Tools Windows 11 Users Should Know About: Elevate your customization and productivity.
• Paint’s Generative Erase Feature on Windows 11: Leverage AI for photo editing magic.

Keep an eye out for more Windows tutorials and tech-savvy takes here at WindowsForum.com.

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Source: YTECHB How to Remove Recommended Section from File Explorer on Windows 11