Windows

How to Manage Most Used Apps on Windows 11 Start Menu

Richard
Written by
Richard
Jan 3, 2022 Updated Apr 15, 2026 3 min read
How to Manage Most Used Apps on Windows 11 Start Menu

Windows 11 makes it easy to find your favorite programs. The Start menu Start menu includes a special area that tracks which apps you open the most. This guide shows you how to turn this feature on or off.

Why manage your most used apps?

Sometimes you want your favorite tools front and center. Other times, you might want a cleaner look. Controlling this list helps you organize your computer so you can work faster.

What happens when done?

Once you finish these steps, Windows will either show or hide a list of your six most frequently used programs at the top of your “All apps” list.

Note: You must have administrative access to change these system settings.

How to enable or disable the Most Used Apps list

Windows 11 keeps all its main controls in the Settings menu. Follow these steps to change your preferences:

  1. Open the Settings menu by pressing the Windows key + I on your keyboard. Alternatively, click Start and then click Settings.
windows 11 start settings

  1. In the Settings window, click Personalization on the left side of the screen.
  2. Click on the Start tile to see more options.
Windows 11 personalization settings for Start menu

  1. Look for the setting labeled Show most used apps.
  2. Toggle the switch to On if you want to see the list, or Off if you want to hide it.
Showing most used apps in Windows 11 Start menu

After you make this change, your “All apps” menu will update immediately to reflect your choice.

List of most used apps on Windows 11 Start

If you decide to change it back later, just repeat these steps and flip the switch to the opposite position.

Hiding most used apps list in Windows 11 Start menu

You can now close the Settings app and get back to your work.

Summary

The Windows 11 Start menu allows one to expand each helps you stay organized. By using the Settings menu, you can easily toggle the “Most Used Apps” list on or off. This simple adjustment ensures your computer reflects how you personally prefer to work.

How do I show the Most Used Apps list on the Windows 11 Start menu?

To show the Most Used Apps list, go to Settings by pressing Windows key + I. Then, navigate to Personalization, select Start, and toggle the Show Most Used Apps option to On.

Can I hide the Most Used Apps list on Windows 11?

Yes, you can hide the Most Used Apps list by going to Settings, then Personalization, and selecting Start. Toggle the Show Most Used Apps option to Off to remove the list.

What are the sections in the Windows 11 Start menu?

The Windows 11 Start menu has three main sections: Pinned, All apps, and Recommended. The Recommended section shows recently used apps, while the Pinned section contains frequently accessed applications.

How many apps can be displayed in the Most Used Apps section?

The Most Used Apps section can display up to 6 of the user's most frequently used applications. This allows for quick access to the apps you use the most.

What should I do if I can't find my apps in the Pinned section?

If you can't find your apps in the Pinned section, click on the All apps button in the Start menu. This will show you all installed applications, including those in the Most Used Apps section.

Was this guide helpful?

Tags: #Windows 11
Richard

About the Author

Richard

Tech Writer, IT Professional

Richard, the owner and lead writer at Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast passionate about simplifying complex IT topics. His years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations have honed his ability to provide practical insights 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.

2458 articles → Twitter

📚 Related Tutorials

How to Repair the Windows 11 Start Menu
Windows How to Repair the Windows 11 Start Menu
How to Enable Expanded Start Menu in Windows 11
Windows How to Enable Expanded Start Menu in Windows 11
How to Disable Windows Firewall on Windows 11
Windows How to Disable Windows Firewall on Windows 11

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *