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 that handy menu you see when you want to send files or links to other apps or people. Microsoft added a feature that suggests apps you might want to install right inside this menu, hoping to make sharing even quicker for you.
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.
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?
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 1Using 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. Flip the switch for Show me suggested apps in share surfaces to On or Off, whichever you prefer.
Method 2Using Registry Editor (Advanced)
You can remove suggested apps in Windows 11 using the Registry Editor, but it’s a bit more technical and requires caution. This method lets you directly change system settings to stop those app suggestions from appearing in the Share menu. Just remember to back up your registry first, as mistakes can affect your computer.
1. Press ⊞ Win+R, type regedit, and press Enter. [Requires Admin Privileges]
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.
4. Double-click this value. Set it to ‘1’ if you want to see suggested apps, or ‘0’ if you’d prefer to hide them.
Method 3Using Group Policy (Enterprise)
Windows 11 Pro and Enterprise users can remove suggested apps for everyone on the computer using the Group Policy Editor. This tool lets you control system features, including the app suggestions that pop up when you share something. It’s a good way to manage these settings if you’re comfortable with system-level changes.
- Press ⊞ Win+R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter. [Requires Admin Privileges]
- Go to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Share Experience.
- 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 straightforward, whether you want a quick fix or more control. You can use the simple Settings app, or for advanced users, the Registry Editor or Group Policy Editor offer deeper ways to remove these recommendations. Following these methods helps keep your sharing experience tidy and focused on what you need.
Does disabling suggested apps improve 🪟 Windows 11 performance?
Does disabling suggested apps impact my computer’s performance?
Disabling suggested apps does not significantly change your computer’s processing speed. However, it does declutter the user interface, which can make your workflow feel faster and more organized by removing unnecessary promotional distractions from your daily sharing tasks.
Can I remove suggested apps on 🪟 Windows 11 Home edition?
Yes, you can remove suggested apps on Windows 11 Home using the Settings app or the Registry Editor. The Group Policy Editor is only available on Pro and Enterprise editions, but the other two methods work perfectly on all versions of Windows 11.
Why do suggested apps reappear after a Windows update?
Sometimes, major Windows updates reset certain UI preferences to their default state. If you notice suggestions returning, simply revisit the Settings menu or your Registry configuration to re-apply your preferred settings. This is a common behavior for experimental features in newer Windows 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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