How to Show or Hide Recommendations in Windows 11 Start Menu

What Are Recommendations in the Start Menu?

Windows 11 Start Menu ⊞ recommendations display recently added apps and opened files. This section suggests activities that might prove useful during daily tasks. Locating necessary tools happens quickly without extensive searching. Seeing recent activity directly from the Start Menu provides a streamlined experience.

• 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 testers in the Insider Preview program (an early access channel for evaluating upcoming builds) might see experimental recommendations. Managing these preferences remains fully available regardless of participation in that testing program.

Why Would You Want to Change This?

Some people rely on these prompts to discover handy apps. Others prefer a streamlined layout that displays only pinned items.

How to Turn Recommendations On or Off Using Settings

The Settings ⚙️ app offers the safest way to manage these prompts. Head to Personalization, then click Start ⊞ to locate the toggle. Toggling this switch controls the recommended section within the Start Menu.

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)

Advanced users often utilize the Registry Editor (a database storing low-level operating system settings) to modify recommendation behavior by altering specific values. Extreme caution is required when modifying the registry because configuration errors cause system instability. This approach requires opening the registry utility and navigating to a designated registry key path.

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.

Controlling Windows 11 Start Menu recommendations happens through either the Settings app or the Registry Editor. The Settings app suits most people, whereas the registry method grants deeper system control. Certain features remain exclusive to participants in the Windows Insider Preview program.