How to Add or Remove Suggested Apps in Share dialog in Windows 11

You can control suggested apps in the Windows 11 Share dialog to customize your sharing experience.

The Windows Share dialog is a quick way to send files or links to other apps or contacts. Microsoft introduced a feature that suggests apps to install directly within this menu, aiming to streamline the process for users.

In Windows 11, version 22H2 and later, you can choose to disable these suggestions entirely if they clutter your workflow or if you prefer a cleaner interface. This tutorial shows you exactly how to do it.

Why manage suggested apps?

You might want to remove these suggestions to keep your menu clean and focused on apps you already use. Removing them helps you avoid accidental clicks on promotional content.

What happens when you change these settings?

When you turn off suggestions, the Share dialog will only show apps you have already installed on your computer. This makes the menu faster and less cluttered.

Method 1: Using Settings (Easiest)

1. Open Settings by pressing ⊞ Win+I on your keyboard.

2. Click System on the left, then select Share on the right. Open Share settings.

3. Toggle Show me suggested apps in share surfaces to On or Off based on your preference.

Method 2: Using Registry Editor (Advanced)

Warning: Editing the registry can cause system issues if done incorrectly. Always back up your registry before making changes.

1. Press ⊞ Win+R, type regedit, and press Enter. [Requires Admin Privileges]

2. Navigate to: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\CDP

3. Right-click in the right pane, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value, and name it EnablePromotionalAppsForShare.

4. Double-click the value and set it to 1 to show apps or 0 to hide them.

Method 3: Using Group Policy (Enterprise)

For Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise users, you can manage this for all users using the Group Policy Editor.

1. Press ⊞ Win+R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter. [Requires Admin Privileges]

2. Go to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Share Experience.

3. Find Turn off suggested apps in share experience and set it to Enabled to remove them.

Summary

Managing suggested apps in the Windows 11 Share dialog is simple. You can use the Settings app for a quick fix, or use the Registry Editor and Group Policy for more advanced control. By following these steps, you can keep your sharing experience clean and free of unwanted recommendations. For more details, visit the official Microsoft documentation.