How to Enable or Disable Show Recommended Section in File Explorer Home in Windows 11
The Recommended section in Windows 11 File Explorer Home (available in build 22000 and later) shows a list of your recent files and folders the moment you open the file manager. You can turn off this feature to hide those file suggestions, keep your screen private, and get back a clean view that only displays your pinned folders.
Switching off the suggestions brings back the classic File Explorer layout. You can turn the recommendations back on at any time if you change your mind.
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 shows your recently opened and saved files right when you open a folder. This helps you jump back into active projects and school assignments quickly without having to hunt through your hard drive to find them again.
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 replaces the Quick access layout with a personalized collection of recent files and folders.
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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