How to Remove the Recommended Section from the Start Menu in Windows 11

One of the most common complaints about the Windows 11 Start menu is the Recommended section. By default, it shows recently opened files, apps, and suggestions — but many users find it distracting, unnecessary, or simply a waste of space.

Unfortunately, Microsoft only provides limited options to hide or customize it. The full removal is officially supported only on Windows 11 SE through Group Policy, while other editions require registry tweaks, workarounds, or third-party tools.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through all the methods you can use to remove, hide, or reduce the Recommended section on Windows 11.

Method 1: Remove Recommended with Group Policy (Official on Windows 11 SE)

This method is officially documented for Windows 11 SE, where administrators can remove the section entirely. On Pro, Enterprise, or Home editions, the setting may be ignored.

Steps:

1- Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.

2- Type gpedit.msc and hit Enter.

3- Navigate to: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Start Menu and Taskbar

4- Double-click Remove Recommended section from Start Menu.

5- Select Enabled.

6- Click Apply → OK.

7- Open Task Manager with Ctrl + Shift + Esc.

8- Select Windows Explorer → Restart Task.

If you’re on Windows 11 SE, the Recommended section disappears completely. On other editions, move on to Method 2.

Method 2: Hide Recommended via Registry Policy (Works on Pro, Limited on Home)

This workaround mimics the Group Policy setting by editing the registry. It often works on Pro/Enterprise, and inconsistently on Home.

⚠️ Important: Create a restore point or export your registry before making changes.

Steps:

1- Open PowerShell as Administrator.

2- Paste the following commands:

Set-ItemProperty -Path "HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\PolicyManager\current\device\Start" -Name "HideRecommendedSection" -Value 1
Set-ItemProperty -Path "HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\PolicyManager\current\device\Education" -Name "IsEducationEnvironment" -Value 1
Set-ItemProperty -Path "HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Explorer" -Name "HideRecommendedSection" -Value 1

3. Press Enter.
4. Open Task Manager → Restart Windows Explorer.

If it works, the Recommended section should vanish. If not (especially on Home edition), continue with Method 3.

To undo changes: set all three values to 0 or delete them, then restart Windows Explorer.

Method 3: Reduce Recommended Using Start Settings (Official but Partial)

If complete removal isn’t possible, you can at least minimize the space Recommended takes up.

Steps:

1- Press Windows + I to open Settings.

2- Go to Personalization > Start.

3- Toggle off the following:

• Show recently added apps

• Show most used apps

• Show recently opened items in Start, Jump Lists, and File Explorer

4- Under Layout, choose More pins.

This reduces Recommended content and increases pinned apps visibility. However, the label and some empty space may remain.

Method 4: Use a Third-Party Start Menu Tool

If you want the Recommended section gone entirely, third-party Start menu tools are your best bet.

Some popular options:

• Start11
• StartAllBack
• ExplorerPatcher
• Windhawk’s Start Menu Styler (with “NoRecommendedSection” theme)

Steps:

1. Install a trusted third-party Start menu tool.
2. Enable its Hide/Remove Recommended option or apply a custom theme.

⚠️ Note: These tools modify the shell and may require updates after major Windows updates. Compatibility can break on Insider or preview builds.

Quick Tips

• If you want more space for pinned apps, Method 3 is the lowest-risk option.
• For a complete removal, Group Policy (Windows 11 SE) or registry hacks (Pro/Enterprise) are worth trying.
• Third-party Start menu tools provide the most flexibility but come with some maintenance overhead.

FAQ

Q: Can I completely remove Recommended on Windows 11 Home?
A: Not reliably through registry changes — your best option is Method 3 or a third-party Start menu replacement.

Q: Does hiding Recommended improve performance?
A: No, it’s purely cosmetic. It only changes what’s shown in the Start menu.

Q: Will Microsoft ever let users disable Recommended officially?
A: As of now, only Windows 11 SE officially supports this feature. Regular editions don’t.

Q: Are third-party Start menu tools safe?
A: Stick to trusted, widely used apps (Start11, StartAllBack, ExplorerPatcher). Avoid unknown sources.

Conclusion

While Microsoft restricts customization of the Start menu, there are still multiple ways to control or remove the Recommended section in Windows 11.

• On Windows 11 SE, Group Policy fully removes it.
• On Pro/Enterprise, registry edits often work.
• On Home, the safest method is reducing Recommended through Settings or using a third-party Start menu replacement.

If you’re tired of the wasted space, one of these methods will help you reclaim your Start menu for a cleaner, more efficient look.