How to Enable or Disable Show Recommended Section in File Explorer Home in Windows 11
Want to make File Explorer on Windows 11 work better for you? You can choose whether or not to show the ‘Recommended’ section.
File Explorer's Home view displays a 'Recommended' section. When the 'Recommended' section is active, the section replaces the former 'Quick access' area. This section displays files accessed recently and folders used frequently.
File Explorer Home in Windows 11 displays your most relevant documents, helping you quickly return to ongoing work. This feature is a key element of the updated Windows 11 File Explorer, first appearing in version 22000 updates.
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.
What is File Explorer Home?
File Explorer Home gives you a central spot for all your files and folders. You’ll see things like:
- Quick access = Shows up to 13 folders you pinned or opened often
- Favorites = Files you pinned
- Recent = Shows up to 25 files you opened most recently
Why Use the Recommended Section?
The Recommended section in File Explorer Home helps you find files you’ve used or downloaded recently, saving you time by showing important documents right on the main screen.
File Explorer shows people icons in the Activity column for work or school accounts. Moving the mouse over these icons reveals Microsoft 365 Live Persona Card details. The Persona Card displays the person's identity and their link to the file, offering direct insight into collaboration.
Windows Insiders with a Microsoft account now see people icons in the Activity column on File Explorer Home. When you hover or click on these icons, you’ll see the Windows People Card. This card tells you who recently worked on the file and lets you start a chat or call through your apps.
What Happens When You Enable the Recommended Section?
Method 1Use Folder Options
To Turn On the Recommended Section
This setting is on 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
⚠️ You’ll need administrator access for this.
Open Windows Terminal with administrative rights, and then run the commands below.
To Turn On the Recommended Section
This setting is on 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
The Recommended section in File Explorer Home shows files you use often or have downloaded recently, making them easy to find and replacing Quick access when turned on.
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?
You can turn off the Recommended section in File Explorer on Windows 11 by 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?
To change your File Explorer view back to normal, open Folder Options via the three-dot icon, uncheck ‘Show recommended section’ on the General tab, and set ‘Open File Explorer to’ to ‘This PC’.
How do I disable Microsoft recommendations?
You can turn off Microsoft recommendations in File Explorer by opening Folder Options, clicking the three-dot icon, and unchecking 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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