If you use Windows 11, you might see a section in your Start Menu that shows helpful tips, shortcuts, new apps, and more. This guide will show you how to turn these recommendations on or off easily.

What is the Recommendations section in the Start Menu?

The Start Menu in Windows 11 has three main parts:

• Pinned: Your favorite apps you’ve pinned for quick access.
• All Apps: A list of all installed apps on your computer.
• Recommended: Shows recently added apps, files you opened recently, and suggestions for tips and new apps.

Some Windows 11 users, especially those testing new Windows versions (called the Insider Preview program), can see new recommendations for tips, shortcuts, and apps. But even if you’re not in that program, you can still manage some of these settings.

How to Turn On or Off Recommendations Using Windows Settings

Follow these simple steps to show or hide recommendations in your Start Menu:

1. Open Settings: Click the Start button (Windows icon) on the taskbar, then click Settings. Or press Windows key + I on your keyboard to open Settings quickly.
2. In the Settings window, click on Personalization from the menu on the left side.
3. Click on Start on the right side to see Start menu options.
4. Look for 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.

When done, you can just close the Settings window.

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

If you like to tinker or if the Settings option isn’t available, you can also change this setting using the Windows Registry. Be careful: Changing the Registry can affect your system, so follow these steps exactly.

1. Press Windows key + R, type regedit, and press Enter to open the Registry Editor. If you get a security prompt, 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.

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!

If you want to learn more about managing your Start Menu, you can visit this helpful link: How to Pin More Apps on the Start Menu
If you want me to explain any step more or add screenshots in a specific style, just ask!