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Customize Your Start Menu: Expert Tips to Remove the 'Recommended' Section in Windows 11

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The Windows 11 Start Menu is designed to be a central hub for accessing applications, files, and system settings. By default, it includes a ‘Recommended’ section nestled just below your pinned applications. This section dynamically displays a list of new apps, recently accessed files, and frequently used items, aiming to provide quick access to what Windows predicts you might need next. While this feature can be convenient for some users, others may find it redundant, distracting, or simply prefer a cleaner, more personalized Start Menu experience.

If you fall into the latter category and wish to declutter your Start Menu, you’ll be pleased to know that Windows 11 offers several methods to completely remove or hide the ‘Recommended’ section. This customization allows you to streamline your workflow and create a Start Menu that perfectly aligns with your individual preferences and usage patterns. This article will guide you through expert tips and step-by-step instructions to remove this section using various methods, ensuring you can tailor your Windows 11 experience to perfection.

Before diving into the removal process, it’s beneficial to understand the purpose and functionality of the ‘Recommended’ section. Microsoft introduced this feature to enhance user productivity by proactively suggesting applications and documents that might be relevant based on recent activity. It’s designed to be intelligent and adaptive, learning from your usage habits to present a dynamic and personalized list.

However, the ‘Recommended’ section is not universally appreciated. Some users find that it clutters the Start Menu, pushing pinned applications and other essential items further down. Others are concerned about privacy implications, as the feature tracks recently opened files and applications. Regardless of the reason, Windows 11 provides the flexibility to disable this feature, empowering users to control their Start Menu experience.

There are primarily three methods to remove the ‘Recommended’ section from the Windows 11 Start Menu. Each method caters to different user preferences and Windows 11 editions. These methods include:

  1. Group Policy Editor: A powerful tool for system administrators and advanced users to manage Windows settings, offering a policy specifically designed to remove the ‘Recommended’ section.
  2. Registry Editor: A more direct approach that involves modifying the Windows Registry, providing a granular level of control over system configurations.
  3. ExplorerPatcher: A third-party utility that offers extensive customization options for Windows 11, including the ability to disable the ‘Recommended’ section along with other interface tweaks.

Let’s explore each of these methods in detail, providing step-by-step instructions to guide you through the removal process.

1. Utilizing Group Policy Editor

Utilizing Group Policy Editor

The Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc) is a Microsoft Management Console (MMC) snap-in that provides a user interface for managing Group Policy settings. Group Policy is a hierarchical infrastructure that allows administrators to manage user and computer settings in an Active Directory environment, or on a local computer. It’s a robust tool often used in enterprise environments to enforce system-wide configurations and security policies.

However, it’s crucial to note a significant limitation: the Group Policy setting to remove the ‘Recommended’ section is primarily intended for Windows 11 SE edition. Windows 11 SE is a specialized edition designed for educational institutions and low-end devices. While the policy setting exists in other editions like Windows 11 Pro and Enterprise, it may not function as expected or be officially supported. Future updates might bring broader support, but currently, its effectiveness is primarily confirmed for Windows 11 SE.

Steps to Access and Modify the Group Policy Setting:

  1. Open Group Policy Editor: Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box. Type gpedit.msc and press Enter. This will launch the Local Group Policy Editor. If you receive an error message stating that Windows cannot find ‘gpedit.msc’, it’s likely because you are using a Home edition of Windows, which does not include Group Policy Editor. In this case, you will need to use one of the other methods.
  2. Navigate to the Relevant Policy: In the Group Policy Editor window, navigate through the following path in the left-hand pane:
    • Computer Configuration
    • Administrative Templates
    • Start Menu and Taskbar
  3. Locate the ‘Remove Recommended section from Start Menu’ Setting: In the right-hand pane, scroll down until you find the setting named “Remove Recommended section from Start Menu”. Double-click on this setting to open its configuration window.
  4. Enable the Setting: In the setting’s window, you will see three options: ‘Not Configured’, ‘Enabled’, and ‘Disabled’. To remove the ‘Recommended’ section, select the ‘Enabled’ option.
  5. Apply and Save Changes: Click the ‘Apply’ button and then the ‘OK’ button to save the changes.
  6. Restart or Sign Out/Sign In: For the changes to take effect, you may need to restart your computer or simply sign out of your user account and sign back in.

After completing these steps, the ‘Recommended’ section should be removed from your Windows 11 Start Menu. If you wish to restore the ‘Recommended’ section in the future, simply repeat these steps and select the ‘Not Configured’ option in the Group Policy setting window. This will revert the policy to its default state, allowing the ‘Recommended’ section to reappear.

2. Editing the Registry

Editing the Registry

The Registry Editor (regedit.exe) is a powerful tool that allows you to view and modify the Windows Registry, a hierarchical database that stores low-level settings for the Microsoft Windows operating system and for applications that opt to use the registry. Modifying the registry can directly impact system behavior and application settings, offering a more direct approach to customization compared to Group Policy.

Similar to the Group Policy method, the Registry entry related to removing the ‘Recommended’ section was initially designed for Windows 11 SE and might not be officially supported on other editions like Pro or Enterprise. However, some users have reported success in using this registry tweak on various Windows 11 editions. It’s worth trying, but remember to proceed with caution when editing the registry, as incorrect modifications can lead to system instability. Always back up your registry before making any changes.

Steps to Modify the Registry to Remove the ‘Recommended’ Section:

  1. Open Registry Editor: Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box. Type regedit and press Enter. Click ‘Yes’ if prompted by User Account Control.
  2. Navigate to the Explorer Key: In the Registry Editor window, navigate to the following path in the left-hand pane by expanding the folders:
    • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
    • SOFTWARE
    • Policies
    • Microsoft
    • Windows
    • Explorer
      If the ‘Explorer’ key does not exist under ‘Windows’, you may need to create it. Right-click on ‘Windows’, select ‘New’ -> ‘Key’, and name it ‘Explorer’.
  3. Create the ‘HideRecommendedSection’ DWORD Value (if it doesn’t exist): In the right-hand pane of the ‘Explorer’ key, check if a DWORD (32-bit) Value named “HideRecommendedSection” already exists.
    • If it exists, proceed to step 4.
    • If it does not exist, right-click in the empty space in the right-hand pane, select ‘New’ -> ‘DWORD (32-bit) Value’, and name it “HideRecommendedSection”.
  4. Modify the ‘HideRecommendedSection’ Value: Double-click on the “HideRecommendedSection” DWORD value to open its Edit window.
  5. Set the Value Data to ‘1’: In the ‘Value data’ field, enter ‘1’ (without quotes). Ensure the ‘Base’ is set to ‘Hexadecimal’ or ‘Decimal’ - both will work for this DWORD value. Setting the value to ‘1’ will disable the ‘Recommended’ section.
  6. Click ‘OK’ to Save Changes: Click the ‘OK’ button to save the changes.
  7. Restart Explorer or Sign Out/Sign In: For the changes to take effect, you need to restart Windows Explorer or sign out of your user account and sign back in. To restart Explorer, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager, find ‘Windows Explorer’ in the ‘Processes’ tab, right-click on it and select ‘Restart’.

After restarting Explorer or signing back in, the ‘Recommended’ section should be removed from your Start Menu. To restore the ‘Recommended’ section, you can either delete the ‘HideRecommendedSection’ DWORD value or change its Value data to ‘0’.

Caution: Modifying the registry incorrectly can cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. Back up your registry before making any changes. If you are not comfortable editing the registry, consider using the Group Policy Editor (if applicable to your Windows edition) or ExplorerPatcher.

3. Utilizing ExplorerPatcher

Utilizing ExplorerPatcher

ExplorerPatcher is a popular open-source customization tool for Windows 11 and Windows 10. It provides a wide array of options to modify the Windows shell, allowing users to revert to classic Windows 10 taskbar and Start Menu styles, customize context menus, and tweak various other aspects of the user interface. One of its many features is the ability to disable the ‘Recommended’ section in the Windows 11 Start Menu.

ExplorerPatcher is often preferred by users who want a comprehensive customization solution without directly editing the registry or dealing with Group Policy limitations. It offers a user-friendly interface and a wide range of options, making it a versatile tool for personalizing the Windows 11 experience.

Steps to Remove the ‘Recommended’ Section using ExplorerPatcher:

  1. Download and Install ExplorerPatcher: Go to the official ExplorerPatcher website or a reputable source like GitHub to download the ExplorerPatcher executable (.exe) file. Run the downloaded file.
  2. Automatic Application of Settings: After executing the ExplorerPatcher installer, it will automatically apply its pre-set configurations. You might notice immediate changes to your taskbar, Start Menu, and other interface elements based on these default settings.
  3. Access ExplorerPatcher Properties: To customize ExplorerPatcher settings, including disabling the ‘Recommended’ section, you need to open its Properties window. Right-click on an empty area of the taskbar. In the context menu that appears, click on the ‘Properties’ option. This will open the ExplorerPatcher Properties window.
  4. Navigate to the ‘Start menu’ Section: In the ExplorerPatcher Properties window, locate and click on the ‘Start menu’ section in the left-hand navigation menu.
  5. Disable the ‘Recommended’ Section: Within the ‘Start menu’ section, find the option labeled “Disable the “Recommended” section”. Click on the checkbox next to this option to enable it (check the box).
  6. Apply Changes (if necessary): In most cases, the change is applied immediately. If not, look for an ‘Apply’ or ‘OK’ button in the ExplorerPatcher Properties window and click it to save the changes.
  7. Verify Removal: Open the Start Menu to confirm that the ‘Recommended’ section has been removed.

ExplorerPatcher offers a straightforward and convenient way to remove the ‘Recommended’ section. If you decide to restore the ‘Recommended’ section later, simply uncheck the “Disable the “Recommended” section” option in ExplorerPatcher Properties.

Uninstallation: If you decide to remove ExplorerPatcher entirely, you can uninstall it like any other application. Go to the Settings app (Win + I) -> Apps -> Installed apps (or Control Panel -> Programs and Features in older Windows versions), find ‘ExplorerPatcher’ in the list, and click ‘Uninstall’.

Choosing the Right Method

The best method for removing the ‘Recommended’ section depends on your Windows 11 edition, technical comfort level, and desired level of customization.

  • Group Policy Editor: Ideal for users on Windows 11 SE (and possibly future editions with broader support) who are comfortable using Group Policy and prefer a system-level configuration approach.
  • Registry Editor: Suitable for users comfortable with registry modifications and who want a direct, potentially more universally applicable method, although with a higher risk of system issues if not done correctly. Remember to back up your registry.
  • ExplorerPatcher: Recommended for users seeking a user-friendly, versatile customization tool that offers not only ‘Recommended’ section removal but also a wide range of other interface tweaks. It’s a good option for those who want a less technical approach and appreciate the additional customization options.

Consider your needs and technical expertise when choosing a method. Regardless of the method you choose, always proceed with caution and follow the instructions carefully to avoid unintended consequences.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I remove suggestions from my Start menu in Windows 10?

In Windows 10, the ‘Recommended’ section is not present in the same way as in Windows 11. Instead, Windows 10 has ‘Suggested apps’ which are different from the ‘Recommended’ content in Windows 11. To manage suggestions in Windows 10:

  • Turn off Suggested Apps: Right-click on a suggested app in the Start Menu and select “Turn off all suggestions”.
  • Disable Suggestions in Settings: Open the Settings app (Win + I) -> Personalization -> Start. Toggle off the option “Occasionally show suggestions in Start”.

These steps will disable app suggestions in the Windows 10 Start Menu.

How do I get the Classic Start menu in Windows 11?

Windows 11 features a redesigned Start Menu that is significantly different from the classic Start Menu in previous Windows versions. While there was a Registry setting to revert to a classic-style Start Menu in early Windows 11 builds, this method is no longer reliable in newer versions.

To achieve a classic Start Menu experience in Windows 11, you typically need to use third-party Start Menu alternative software. Popular options include:

  • Start Menu X: A feature-rich Start Menu replacement with advanced customization options and a classic style.
  • Open Shell (Classic Shell): A free and open-source Start Menu replacement that closely replicates the classic Windows Start Menu.
  • Start11: A paid option from Stardock that offers various Start Menu styles, including classic and Windows 10-like layouts.

These third-party tools provide a way to bring back the familiar classic Start Menu functionality and appearance to Windows 11, often with additional customization features. ExplorerPatcher also offers options to revert to a Windows 10 style Start Menu, in addition to removing the ‘Recommended’ section.

Conclusion

Removing the ‘Recommended’ section from the Windows 11 Start Menu is a straightforward customization that can significantly improve the user experience for those who prefer a cleaner and more focused Start Menu. By utilizing Group Policy Editor, Registry Editor, or ExplorerPatcher, you can easily tailor your Start Menu to your preferences.

Whether you choose to completely remove the section or simply explore other customization options, Windows 11 provides the flexibility to create a Start Menu that perfectly suits your workflow. Experiment with the different methods and find the one that best aligns with your needs and technical comfort level. Enjoy a more personalized and efficient Windows 11 experience!

Feel free to share your experiences and preferred methods for customizing your Windows 11 Start Menu in the comments below! What other Start Menu customizations do you find helpful?

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