If you use Windows 11, you might see a list of your recent files, folders, and apps in the Start menu under a section called Recommended. Some people like this feature, but if you want to keep your recent activity private, you can easily hide these items.
What is the Start Menu in Windows 11?
The Start menu is where you find your apps and files. It has three parts:
- Pinned: Your favorite apps that you pin for quick access.
- All apps: A full list of all the apps installed.
- Recommended: Shows recent files, folders, and apps you used.
You can remove individual recent items by right-clicking them and choosing Remove from list. But if you want to stop Windows from showing recent items at all, follow the steps below.
How to Hide Recently Opened Items and Apps in the Start Menu
Follow these simple steps to turn off recent items in the Start menu:
- Open Settings:
Click the Start menu button (the Windows icon at the bottom left), then click Settings.
Or press Windows key + I together on your keyboard to open Settings quickly.
- Go to Personalization:
In the Settings window, click on Personalization on the left side.
- Select Start:
On the right side, click on Start to open Start menu settings.
- Turn off recent items:
You will see two switches under Layout:- Show recently added apps
- Show recently opened items in Start, Jump Lists, and File Explorer
Click each switch to turn them off (so they are no longer blue).
- Close the Settings window. Your Start menu will no longer show recent files or apps.
Here is how your Recommended section will look after hiding recent items:
Summary
- You can easily remove or hide recent files and apps from the Windows 11 Start menu.
- Use the Settings app under Personalization > Start to turn off recent items.
- This also stops showing recent files in File Explorer and Jump Lists.
- These simple steps help keep your recent activity private and your Start menu cleaner.
If you want to learn more about using Windows 11, visit the Geek Rewind Windows 11 Start menu guide.
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