How to Manage App Launch Tracking in Windows 11

Windows 11 tracks which apps you open to help personalize your Start menu. Over time, it learns your habits and puts your most-used apps at the top of your lists.

Why do this? You might want to see your favorite tools instantly without searching for them.

What happens when done? Your Start menu will either highlight your most-used apps or keep a static list, depending on your choice.

Using the Settings App

This is the easiest way to change your settings.

1. Open the Windows Settings app Settings app.
2. Select Privacy and security on the left.
3. Click the General tile on the right.

4. Find the setting labeled “Let Windows improve Start and search results by tracking app launches.”
5. Toggle the switch to On or Off based on your preference.

Using the Local Group Policy Editor

Note: This method requires admin privileges.

1. Press the Windows key, type gpedit.msc, and hit Enter.
2. Go to: User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Edge UI.
3. Double-click Turn off tracking of app usage.

4. Choose Enabled to stop tracking, or Disabled to let Windows track your apps.
5. Click OK and restart your computer.

Using the Windows Registry Editor

Note: This method requires admin privileges. Be careful, as changing the registry can affect your system.

1. Open the Windows Registry editor Registry Editor by searching for regedit in the Start menu.
2. Navigate to this path: Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\EdgeUI
3. If you do not see EdgeUI, right-click the Windows folder, select New > Key, and name it EdgeUI.
4. Right-click in the empty space on the right, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value, and name it DisableMFUTracking.
5. Double-click DisableMFUTracking and set the value to 1 to stop tracking.

To turn tracking back on, delete the DisableMFUTracking item or set its value to 0. Restart your PC to finish.

Summary

Windows 11 tracks your app usage to make your Start menu more helpful. You can easily turn this feature on or off through the Settings menu for convenience, or use the Group Policy Editor and Registry Editor for more advanced control. Changing these settings helps you balance system personalization with your personal privacy preferences.