How to Manage Most Used Apps on Windows 11 Start Menu
You can manage the most used apps displayed on your Windows 11 Start menu to quickly access your favorite programs.
The “most used” list dynamically updates, showing up to six applications you open most frequently, providing instant access right from the Start menu’s “All apps” view.
Controlling this feature helps you personalize your PC, ensuring your essential tools are always at your fingertips or opting for a tidier interface.
Turning this setting on or off is straightforward within Windows 11’s personalization options.
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:
- Open the Settings menu by pressing the Windows key + 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 you make this change, your “All apps” menu will update immediately to reflect your choice.
Advanced Configuration: Registry Editor
[Requires Admin Privileges] You can force this setting using the Registry Editor. Press Windows key + R, type regedit, and press Enter. Navigate to:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced
Look for the Start_TrackProgs value. Set it to 1 to enable or 0 to disable. This is a powerful system administration method for power users.
Enterprise Configuration: Group Policy
[Requires Admin Privileges] IT administrators can manage this across many computers using the Group Policy Editor. Press Windows key + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter. Navigate to:
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
If the list is missing, ensure your privacy settings allow app tracking. Go to Settings > Privacy & security > General and check if Let Windows improve Start and search results by tracking app launches is turned on. If this is off, the “Most Used” list cannot populate.
Summary
Managing the Most Used Apps list in Windows 11 is a simple 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.
Why is the ‘Most Used Apps’ list missing from my Start Menu?
The list may be missing because the tracking feature is disabled in your privacy settings. Navigate to Settings, then Privacy & security, and ensure the option to let Windows track app launches is enabled. Without this permission, Windows cannot record your usage data to populate the list.
Can I clear my most used apps history without disabling the feature?
Yes, you can clear your history by toggling the “Show most used apps” switch to Off and then back to On in the Personalization settings. This action resets the tracking data, effectively clearing the list while keeping the feature active for future app usage tracking.
Does disabling ‘Most Used Apps’ improve 🪟 Windows 11 performance?
Disabling this feature provides a negligible performance boost. While it stops the system from writing app launch data to the registry, the impact on modern hardware is not noticeable. Most users disable it for a cleaner interface rather than for speed improvements or system optimization.
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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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