How to Enable or Disable Hide Recently Opened Files in Windows 11 Start Menu

If you use Windows 11, you might see a list of your recent files, folders, and apps in the Start menu. This section is called “Recommended.” Some people like this feature. But if you want to keep your activity private, you can hide these items. It’s easy to do.

Why Hide Recently Opened Items?

Your Start menu shows files and apps you used recently. This is helpful if you want quick access. But it also means anyone using your computer can see what you’ve been working on. Hiding these items keeps your activity private.

What is the Start Menu in Windows 11?

The Start menu is where you find your apps and files. It has three main parts:

• Pinned: Your favorite apps that you pin for quick access.
• All apps: A full list of all the apps you installed.
• Recommended: Shows recent files, folders, and apps you used.

You can remove one recent item at a time by right-clicking it and choosing “Remove from list.” But if you want to stop Windows from showing any recent items, 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:

1. 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.
   
2. Go to Personalization
   
   In the Settings window, click on Personalization on the left side.
   
   

   

   
   
3. Select Start
   
   On the right side, click on Start to open Start menu settings.
   
   

   

   
   
4. 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).
   
   
   

5. 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.