How to Manage Most Used Apps on Windows 11 Start Menu
The “Most Used Apps” feature on your Windows 11 Start menu shows you the apps you open most often.
This handy list automatically displays up to six of your frequently used applications, making them easy to find right in the Start menu. It helps you quickly jump back into your favorite programs.
You can choose to turn this feature on or off to keep your Start menu just how you like it. For example, you might want to see your top tools always ready or prefer a tidier look without the list.
Managing this setting is straightforward and found within Windows 11’s personalization options.
To manage most used apps on the Windows 11 Start menu, go to Settings Personalization Start and toggle “Show most used apps.” This enables or disables the dynamic list of frequently opened applications.
How to enable or disable the Most Used Apps list
The Most Used Apps list in Windows 11 can be turned on or off through the Settings app. This helps you control which apps appear in your Start menu based on how often you use them, keeping your quick access list tidy.
- Open the Settings menu by pressing the ⊞ Win+I on your keyboard. Alternatively, click Start and then click Settings.
- In the Settings window, click Personalization on the left side of the screen.
- Click on the Start tile to see more options.
- Look for the setting labeled Show most used apps.
- Toggle the switch to On if you want to see the list, or Off if you want to hide it.
After making this change, your “All apps” menu will update immediately to reflect your choice.
Advanced Configuration: Registry Editor
For more detailed control over Windows 11 settings, use the Registry Editor to manage the Most Used Apps list. By changing a specific value within the system's settings, you can turn this feature on or off.
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced
Look for the Start_TrackProgs value. Set it to 1 to enable the list, or 0 to disable it. This offers powerful control, especially for users who prefer a deeper dive into system settings.
Enterprise Configuration: Group Policy
IT administrators have the ability to manage the Most Used Apps list across many Windows 11 computers by using the Group Policy Editor, a tool for setting system-wide rules. This allows for enforcing privacy settings for frequently used programs on an organization's network.
User Configuration\Administrative Templates\Start Menu and Taskbar
Find the policy named Remove the frequently used programs list from the Start Menu to enforce your organization's privacy settings.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Summary
Managing the "Most Used Apps" list in Windows 11 is a great way to personalize your Start menu. Whether you use the Settings app, Registry Editor, or Group Policy, you have full control over your app usage tracking. For more tips, check our Windows 11 Start Menu Customization guide.
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