How to Enable or Disable Recommended Section in Windows 11

The “Recommended” section in File Explorer 📁 (the app you use to browse and manage files on your PC) displays cloud documents linked to your work or school account. This feature arrives starting with Windows 11 build 23403.1001 to surface recent spreadsheets, presentations, and files you own or share with others.

You can turn off this section if you prefer a clean home screen without clutter. Follow the steps below to enable or hide the Recommended files in Windows 11.

Turn on or off File recommendations in File Explorer

You can turn on or off file recommendations in File Explorer 📁 by changing a couple of privacy settings in Folder Options. This lets you hide the list of recent cloud and local files that Windows 11 shows you whenever you open File Explorer 📁. Unchecking these boxes removes the entire section from your home screen immediately.

Here’s how to do it.

First, open the File Explorer 📁 Folder Options.

On the General tab, under the Privacy section, check or uncheck the two boxes next to the items below to enable or disable the “Recommended” section in File Explorer 📁.

• Show recommended section
• Include account-based insights, recent, favorite, and recommended files

You can also use Registry Editor (the database for system settings) to show or hide the section.

First, open Windows Registry editor as administrator.

Then, navigate to the registry key below.

ComputerHKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorer

Next, find these two (REG_DWORD) names in the Explorer key's right pane and double-click each to open it.

ShowCloudFilesInQuickAccess
ShowRecommendations

Then, type 1 to show the "Recommended" section in File Explorer.

To disable the "Recommended" section, type 0 for the "ShowRecommendations" item name.

If you don't see these two items, right-click an empty space in the pane, then choose New › DWORD (32-bit) Value. Type the name for each item and enter 1 to enable or 0 to disable the recommended section.

You may have to reboot your computer for the changes to apply.

That should do it!

If this didn't work: Restart your computer or sign out of your Windows account and back in to force File Explorer to refresh its view.

• Enabling or disabling the "Recommended" section in File Explorer on Windows 11 can help personalize the user experience based on preferences and needs.
• The step-by-step guide offers two methods to control the recommendations' visibility, providing users flexibility.
• Whether utilizing the Folder Options or the Windows Registry editor, following these instructions ensures a seamless adjustment of the "Recommended" section to suit individual requirements.
• Users can now efficiently manage their File Explorer interface by toggling the "Recommended" section according to their cloud file preferences and privacy considerations.