How to Add or Remove Suggested Apps in Share dialog in Windows 11
Suggested apps in the Windows 11 Share dialog are the extra program recommendations that pop up when you share a file or link. Microsoft shows these app suggestions starting with Windows 11 version 22H2 to help you discover new tools, but they often just clutter your menu with apps you do not want.
You can turn off these suggested apps to keep your sharing list clean and only show programs you actually use. Clearing out the clutter makes sending photos, documents, and links much faster.
Open Settings, go to System, then Share, and toggle “Show me suggested apps in share surfaces” on or off. This setting controls whether apps are suggested in the Windows 11 Share dialog.
Why manage suggested apps?
Removing these recommendations keeps the menu focused strictly on programs already installed on your machine. Bypassing promotional clutter also prevents accidental clicks.
What happens when you change these settings?
Turning off suggestions ensures the Share dialog displays only applications already resident on the computer. Operating system navigation becomes faster and less cluttered as a result.
Method 1Using Settings (Easiest)
- Open Settings by pressing Win+I on your keyboard.
- Click System on the left, then select Share on the right. Open Share settings.
3. Flip the switch for Show me suggested apps in share surfaces to On or Off, whichever you prefer.
Method 2Using Registry Editor (Advanced)
Advanced users can modify the Registry Editor (the database holding core system configurations) to stop apps from appearing in the suggestions list.
2. Navigate to the following location: 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.
This registry value controls suggested apps in the Windows 11 Share dialog. Double-click the registry value and set its data to '1' to show suggested apps, or '0' to hide them.
Method 3Using Group Policy (Enterprise)
Windows 11 Pro and Enterprise users can manage the Share dialog for all user accounts simultaneously using the Group Policy Editor (a tool for controlling system features across an operating system).
2. Go to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Share Experience.
Windows 11 users can disable suggested apps in the Share dialog. Locate the "Turn off suggested apps in share experience" setting and select "Enabled." This action stops the Share window from displaying app suggestions, which speeds up sharing for those who prefer to avoid these recommendations.
Summary
Managing suggested apps in the Windows 11 Share menu occurs primarily through the Settings app. Granular control requires utilizing the Registry Editor or Group Policy Editor.
Does disabling suggested apps improve 🪟 Windows 11 performance?
Does disabling suggested apps impact my computer's performance?
Disabling suggested apps does not significantly change processing speeds. However, decluttering the user interface makes daily sharing workflows feel faster and more organized by removing promotional distractions.
Can I remove suggested apps on 🪟 Windows 11 Home edition?
Yes, removing suggested apps on Windows 11 Home is possible through the Settings app or the Registry Editor. The Group Policy Editor remains exclusive to Pro and Enterprise editions, but the other two methods function correctly across all versions of Windows 11.
Why do suggested apps reappear after a Windows update?
Major Windows updates occasionally reset specific user interface preferences back to default states. Re-visiting the Settings menu or Registry configuration restores preferred states if suggestions return unexpectedly. Such behavior frequently accompanies experimental features in newer builds.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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