If you use Windows 11, you might notice the Recommended section in your Start menu shows recently added apps, files you opened, and websites you visited. Sometimes, you might want to clear this section so it looks empty and clean.

Good news! You can follow simple steps to clear the Recommended section and keep it empty all the time for your user account.

What is the Start Menu Made Of?

The Windows 11 Start menu has three parts:

• Pinned – apps you choose to keep handy
• All apps – list of all your installed programs
• Recommended – shows your recently added apps, files, and websites

While you can’t remove the Recommended section completely, you can clear it so it stays empty.

Steps to Clear the Recommended Section

1. Open Settings: Press Win + I on your keyboard.
2. Click on Personalization on the left side menu, then click Start on the right.
3. Click here to open Start settings directly
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5. Under Layout, select More pins. This will make the Recommended section smaller.
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7. Turn off these options by clicking their switches to the Off position:
   • Show recently added apps
   • Show recently opened items in Start, Jump Lists, and File Explorer
   • Show recommendations for tips, shortcuts, new apps, and more
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9. Close the Settings window when you are done.

What Happens Next?

Once you do this, your Recommended section will stop showing recent apps, files, or websites. It will stay empty, making your Start menu look cleaner and less cluttered.

Summary

• Open Settings and go to Personalization > Start.
• Set the layout to More pins to shrink the Recommended area.
• Turn off all the options to stop showing recent apps, files, websites, and tips.
• Enjoy a fresh, clean Start menu without distractions.

If you want to learn more about customizing the Windows 11 Start menu, you can visit the official Microsoft guide here:
Customize the Windows 11 Start Menu.

That’s it! Your Start menu’s Recommended section will now stay empty and neat.