How to Show or Hide Recommendations in Windows 11 Start Menu

Windows 11 shows helpful tips, shortcuts, and new apps in your Start Menu. This guide shows you how to turn these recommendations on or off.

What Are Recommendations in the Start Menu?

The Start Menu in Windows 11 has three main sections:

• Pinned: Your favorite apps you’ve saved for quick access.
• All Apps: A complete list of every app on your computer.
• Recommended: Shows new apps you recently added, files you opened lately, and suggestions for helpful tips and new apps.

Some Windows 11 users in the Insider Preview program (people testing new Windows versions) can see new recommendations. But you can manage these settings even if you’re not in that program.

Why Would You Want to Change This?

Some people like seeing recommendations to discover new apps and tips. Others find it cluttered and prefer a cleaner Start Menu with only their chosen apps.

How to Turn Recommendations On or Off Using Settings

This is the easiest way for most people. Follow these steps:

1. Click the Start button (Windows icon) on your taskbar. Then click Settings. Or just press Windows key + I on your keyboard to open Settings right away.
2. In the Settings window, click Personalization on the left side menu.
3. Click Start on the right side to see Start Menu options.
4. Find the option that says “Show recommendations for tips, shortcuts, new apps, and more” and toggle it On to see recommendations or Off to hide them.
5. Close the Settings window when you’re done.

Go to Personalization in Windows Settings

Click Start to find recommendation settings

Turn recommendations on or off with this switch

How to Turn Recommendations On or Off Using the Registry (Advanced Users Only)

If the Settings option doesn’t work for you or you like advanced options, you can use the Windows Registry. ⚠️ This requires admin privileges. Changing the Registry can affect your system, so follow these steps exactly.

1. ⚠️ Admin required: Press Windows key + R, type regedit, and press Enter to open the Registry Editor. If a security window appears, click Yes.
2. In Registry Editor, go to this folder path: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced
3. If you don’t see the Advanced folder, right-click on Explorer, choose New > Key, and name it Advanced.
4. With the Advanced folder selected, right-click on the right side, choose New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
5. Name the new item Start_IrisRecommendations.
6. Double-click on Start_IrisRecommendations, set the Base to Decimal, and enter the value:
   • 1 to show recommendations.
   • 0 to hide recommendations.
7. Click OK and close the Registry Editor.
8. Restart your computer to apply the changes.

Use Registry Editor to change recommendation settings

Summary

• You can turn recommendations on or off in the Windows 11 Start Menu using the Settings app or the Registry Editor.
• The Settings app is easier and safer for most users.
• The Registry method is for advanced users who want more control.
• Some features may only be available if you’re part of the Microsoft Insider Preview program (Windows testers).
• Try these steps to make your Start Menu show only what you want.

Want to learn more about managing your Start Menu? Check out this helpful link: How to Pin More Apps on the Start Menu