How To Stop Windows 11 From Suggesting Apps In Recommendations And Offers

Understanding 🪟 Windows 11 Recommendations

Windows 11 recommendations appear at the bottom of your Start menu ⊞ to show recently opened files and suggest new apps from the Microsoft Store. Microsoft places these promotional offers and app suggestions in the Start menu by default, but you may prefer to turn off the app suggestions to save screen space and keep your desktop clean.

Many people dislike the Windows 11 recommended apps feature because the feature wastes screen space. The Start menu ⊞ recommendations can show programs you have no interest in using. Thankfully, you do not have to live with these app suggestions. You can turn off the app suggestions using the built-in Windows 11 Settings app ⚙️. You do not need any special software or advanced technical skills to make your computer look cleaner.

How to Hide Recent Files and New Apps in the Start Menu

How to hide recent files and new apps in the Start menu ⊞ involves changing a few quick settings on your computer. You can easily stop Windows from displaying your recently opened files and newly installed programs by turning off specific toggles in the personalization menu, giving you a much cleaner Start screen right away.

1. Click the Start button ⊞ and select Settings (the gear icon).
2. Click on Personalization in the left menu.

   

3. Click on Start in the right-hand list.
4. Turn off the switch next to Show recently added apps.
5. Turn off the switch next to Show recommendations for tips, shortcut reminders, new apps, and more.
6. Turn off the switch next to Show recently opened items in Start, Jump Lists, and File Explorer 📁.

Once you turn off these switches, your Start menu ⊞ will show far fewer distracting items. While the Recommended section will still be there, it will stay mostly empty instead of filling up with unwanted advertisements and software suggestions.

Controlling App Recommendations Through System Settings

Controlling app recommendations through system settings stops Windows from tracking your computer habits and pushing unwanted programs. You can change these system-level options in your notification settings to block Microsoft from offering tips, shortcuts, and promotional app suggestions based on how you use your device.

1. Click the Start button and open Settings.
2. Click on System in the left menu.
3. Click on Notifications.
4. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click to expand the Additional settings section.
5. Uncheck the box that says Suggest ways to get the most out of Windows and finish setting up this device.
6. Uncheck the box that says Get tips and suggestions when using Windows.

Turning off these notification settings stops Windows from popping up sudden offers and reminders to try out new apps or cloud services.

Stopping Promotional Content on the Lock Screen and Desktop

Stopping promotional content on the lock screen and desktop prevents Windows 11 from showing unwanted tips, fun facts, and app ads in the background. You can change your lock screen settings from Windows spotlight to a standard picture or slideshow to block these annoying pop-ups and suggestions completely.

1. Open Settings from your Start menu.

   

2. Click on Personalization.
3. Click on Lock screen.
4. Click the drop-down menu next to Personalize your lock screen and change it from Windows spotlight to Picture or Slideshow.
5. Uncheck the box that says Get fun facts, tips, tricks, and more on your lock screen.

By switching away from Windows spotlight, you stop Microsoft from cycling through background images that often include hidden app promotions or clickable advertisement links right on your sign-in screen.

Stopping Suggestions in File Explorer

Stopping suggestions in File Explorer removes recommended files and online content from your main browsing windows. You can turn off these cloud-based suggestions by opening your folder options and clearing your privacy settings, which keeps your file search history private and free from clutter.

1. Open File Explorer from your taskbar.

   

2. Click the three dots icon (see more) at the top of the window and select Options.
3. In the Folder Options window, click the General tab.
4. Look for the Privacy section near the bottom.
5. Uncheck the box next to Show recently used files.
6. Uncheck the box next to Show frequently used folders.
7. Click Apply and then click OK.

Unique Expert Tips: Cleaning Up Taskbar Search and Widgets

Cleaning up taskbar search and widgets in Windows 11 stops trending apps, news, and promotional content from cluttering your screen. You can adjust your privacy and search permissions to turn off search highlights and hide the widget board for a truly distraction-free computer experience.

To clear out unwanted search highlights:

• Open Settings and click on Privacy & security.
• Click on Search permissions.
• Scroll down to the More settings section and turn off the switch for Show search highlights.

To control the Widgets board:

• Open Settings and click on Personalization.
• Click on Taskbar.
• Find the Widgets item and turn its switch to Off.

These extra steps remove the floating weather icon and news feeds that often try to trick you into opening sponsored web apps or Microsoft Store games.

Summary

Stopping Windows 11 app suggestions across your Start menu, lock screen, and File Explorer creates a cleaner, faster computer experience. You can easily turn off these annoying features by adjusting your personalization choices and clearing out recent item lists to take full control of your operating system.