Many Windows 11 users notice that the Start Menu shows Recommended items, recently opened files, app suggestions, games, and browsing activity. These suggestions can make the Start Menu look cluttered and may also expose your recent activity to anyone using the computer. Fortunately, Windows 11 allows you to disable these recommendations and history options so the Start Menu becomes clean and private. In this guide, you will learn how to remove Recommended items, recent apps, games suggestions, and browsing history from the Windows 11 Start Menu.
Method 1: Disable Recommended Items from Start Menu Settings
This is the main method that stops Windows from showing recommendations and activity in the Start Menu.
• Right-click the Start Menu button on the taskbar.
• Click Start settings.
• The Personalization > Start page will open.
Now turn OFF the following options:
• Show recently added apps
• Show recommended files in Start, recent files in File Explorer, and items in Jump Lists
• Show recommendations for tips, shortcuts, new apps, and more
• Show websites from your browsing history
• Show most used apps
After disabling these options, Windows 11 will stop showing recommended apps, recent files, browsing activity, and suggestions in the Start Menu.
Method 2: Disable File Explorer Recent Files & History
Even after disabling Start Menu recommendations, Windows may still track recently opened files in File Explorer. You can disable this history as well.
• Open File Explorer.
• Click the three-dot menu in the top toolbar.
• Click Options.
• The Folder Options window will open.
Under the Privacy section:
• Uncheck Show recently used files
• Uncheck Show frequently used folders
• Uncheck Show files from Office.com
Now click Clear next to Clear File Explorer history.
Click Apply and then OK.
After disabling these options, File Explorer will stop tracking recently opened files and folders, which also helps remove recommendations from the Start Menu.
What Happens After Disabling These Options
Once these settings are turned off:
• The Recommended section becomes empty or minimal.
• Recently opened files stop appearing in Start Menu and File Explorer.
• Browsing history suggestions will no longer appear.
• App and game suggestions stop showing.
• Your Windows 11 Start Menu becomes cleaner and more private.
Why Many Users Disable Start Menu Recommendations
Many people prefer turning off these features because:
• It keeps the Start Menu clean and minimal.
• Prevents Windows from showing personal activity.
• Stops random app or game suggestions.
• Improves privacy and reduces tracking.
• Makes navigation simpler and distraction-free.
Conclusion
The Windows 11 Start Menu often shows recommended items, recent files, and browsing suggestions that many users do not actually need. By opening Start settings and disabling recommendation options, and by clearing File Explorer history, you can completely stop Windows from showing these suggestions. After applying these settings, the Start Menu becomes cleaner, more organized, and much more private.
FAQ
Why does Windows 11 show Recommended items in the Start Menu?
Windows displays recommended files, apps, and suggestions based on your recent activity to make frequently used content easier to access.
Can I completely remove the Recommended section in Windows 11?
Some Windows versions still keep the section visible, but turning off all recommendation options will make it empty and stop showing suggestions.
Does clearing File Explorer history affect my files?
No. Clearing File Explorer history only removes recently used file and folder records. Your actual files remain unchanged.
Will these settings improve privacy?
Yes. Disabling browsing suggestions and recent activity prevents Windows from displaying your usage history in the Start Menu and File Explorer.
Do these steps work in newer Windows 11 updates?
Yes. These settings are available in current Windows 11 versions and continue to work in newer updates.
