How to Enable or Disable Show Recommended Section in File Explorer Home in Windows 11
The “Recommended” section in File Explorer Home is a built-in feature in Windows 11 build 22000 and later that lists your recent files and folders right when you open the file manager. You can turn this section off if you want a cleaner view or more privacy on your screen.
Hiding these suggestions switches your main view back to a traditional layout that only shows your pinned folders. You can easily turn the recommendations back on whenever you want them again.
To enable or disable the “Show recommended” section, open File Explorer , click the three-dot menu, select Options, and go to the General tab. Check or uncheck “Show recommended section” under Privacy, then click OK.
Why Use the Recommended Section?
The File Explorer recommended section surfaces recently opened or downloaded files directly on the primary interface. Surfacing these important documents saves time when working with active projects or school assignments.
Work and school accounts display people icons within the Activity column. Hovering over these icons reveals a Microsoft 365 Live Persona Card, which shows who worked on the document and how they are connected to it.
Windows Insiders running a Microsoft account also see these profile indicators on File Explorer Home. Clicking or hovering over them opens a Windows People Card that facilitates direct communication through integrated apps like chat or calls.
What Happens When You Enable the Recommended Section?
Enabling the Recommended section swaps out the Quick access layout for a personalized collection of recent files and folders, speeding up daily navigation.
Method 1Use Folder Options
To Turn On the Recommended Section
Windows enables this setting by default.
- Open Folder Options.
- Go to the General tab.
- Under Privacy, check the box for Include account-based insights, recent, favorite, and recommended files.
- Under Privacy, check the box for Show recommended section.
- Click OK.
To Turn Off the Recommended Section
- Open Folder Options.
- Go to the General tab.
- Under Privacy, uncheck the box for Show recommended section.
- Click OK.
Method 2Use Windows Terminal
Administrative rights are needed for this method.
Open Windows Terminal with administrative rights, and then run the commands below.
To Turn On the Recommended Section
Windows enables this setting by default.
reg add "HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer" /v ShowCloudFilesInQuickAccess /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f
reg add "HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer" /v ShowRecommendations /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f
To Turn Off the Recommended Section
reg add "HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer" /v ShowRecommendations /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f
Summary
File Explorer Home displays frequently used and recently downloaded documents in the Recommended section, replacing the Quick access view when active.
What is recommended in File Explorer?
The Recommended section in File Explorer Home on Windows 11 shows files you use often or have downloaded recently, helping you quickly access important documents and cloud files.
How to disable recommended in File Explorer 🪟 Windows 11?
Turning off the Recommended section in File Explorer on Windows 11 requires opening File Explorer, clicking the three-dot menu, choosing Options, and unchecking 'Show recommended section' on the General tab.
How do I change the File Explorer view back to normal?
Restoring the standard File Explorer view involves opening Folder Options via the three-dot icon, unchecking 'Show recommended section' on the General tab, and setting 'Open File Explorer to' to 'This PC'.
How do I disable Microsoft recommendations?
Disabling Microsoft recommendations inside File Explorer takes place by opening Folder Options, clicking the three-dot icon, and clearing the 'Show recommended section' box on the General tab.
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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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