Windows 11 introduces a new Start menu and taskbar that includes “suggested content” – recommendations for recent files, apps, websites and more. While potentially useful, this content may display sensitive or irrelevant information. Fortunately, there are ways to minimize or remove these suggestions.
Table of Contents
Turn Off Start Menu Suggestions
To stop seeing file and app recommendations in the Start menu:
- Open Settings > Personalization > Start
- Turn off the following toggles:
- Show recently added apps
- Show recently opened items in Start, Jump Lists and File Explorer
- Show recommendations
This removes all content from the Start menu’s Recommended section. The section itself will remain, but be empty.
Remove Individual Start Menu Items
To remove only certain items:
- Open the Start menu
- Right-click an item under Recommended
- Select Remove from list
This removes that specific item from future suggestions.
Disable Taskbar Widgets
The taskbar includes a “Widgets” button that displays news, weather, sports scores and more. To turn this off:
- Right-click the taskbar
- Open Taskbar settings
- Turn off the Widgets toggle
The Widgets button will disappear from the taskbar.
Use Group Policy (Business Editions Only)
Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise and Education include a Group Policy to fully disable the Recommended section:
- Open Group Policy Editor
- Navigate to User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Start Menu and Taskbar
- Right-click Remove Recommended section from Start Menu
- Click Edit and enable the policy
- Restart the computer
The Recommended section will vanish after restarting.
Try Third-Party Start Menu Replacements
If the built-in customization options don’t meet your needs, consider third-party Start menu replacements like Start11 or StartAllBack. These allow removing suggestions, resizing the menu, changing its position and more.
Conclusion
While you can’t delete the Recommended section completely in Windows 11 Home and Pro, you can remove its contents or turn it off through Group Policy. Disabling taskbar Widgets also minimizes suggestions. If you want more customization, third-party tools can fully replace the Start menu and taskbar. Carefully tailoring these areas creates a cleaner experience focused on your priorities.
