Looking to disable or completely remove 'Recommended' section in Windows 11 Start menu? Here's what to know

The Windows 11 Start menu’s “Recommended” section has been a sore spot for many users since the OS launched. Even if you’ve toggled off the “Show recommendations” setting, you’re still stuck with an empty space where your pinned apps could be. Frustrating, right? Let’s break down why this section exists, why people hate it, and how to actually get rid of it.

Why does the Recommended section exist?

Microsoft added the Recommended section to highlight recent files, apps, or activities it thinks you might want to revisit. For example, if you downloaded a new app or opened a document, Windows might surface it here. The idea is to make your workflow quicker — but let’s be real, most users find it more annoying than helpful.

Some Reddit users have pointed out that in corporate environments, the section could be useful for accessing recent work files. But for the average person? It often feels like wasted space, especially when it shows random files or just sits there blank. One user even joked that it outed their “homework” folder to their spouse. Yikes.

The official method (and why it doesn’t work)

You can technically disable the Recommended section by going to Settings > Personalization > Start and turning off Show recommendations. But here’s the catch: this only hides the content, not the section itself. You’ll still see a big empty box under your pinned apps. Here’s a screenshot of what you will see after disabling recommendations from the Start Menu:

This half-baked “fix” has led to endless complaints. As one Redditor put it, “This is such a stupid oversight that’s been like this for far too long.” Microsoft hasn’t addressed the issue officially, leaving users to rely on third-party tools.

How to actually remove the Recommended section

Since Microsoft hasn’t given us a built-in solution, I dived into Reddit to see what workarounds people are using. Based on that, I’ve shared a few of the most popular tools for the job. Fair warning: these involve third-party software, so proceed with caution.

1. Windhawk

Windhawk is a popular tool that modifies Windows features without heavy tweaking. To nix the Recommended section:

1. Download Windhawk from its official site.
2. Search for the “Hide Recommended Section in Start Menu” mod.
3. Install it and restart your PC.

Users say Windhawk is stable and doesn’t mess with other parts of the OS. However, some note that major Windows updates might break the mod, requiring a reinstall.

2. Explorer Patcher

Explorer Patcher is another favorite, though it’s a bit more hands-on. It lets you revert parts of Windows 11 to look/act like Windows 10, including the Start menu.

1. Download Explorer Patcher from GitHub.
2. During installation, choose the option to hide the Recommended section.
3. Some users skip full installation and just place the EP .dll file in the ‘C:\Windows\SystemApps\Microsoft.Windows.StartMenuExperienceHost_cw5n1h2txyewy’ folder — check this user-shared guide for specifics.

Downsides? A few Redditors mentioned it caused system instability or broke after updates. Others love it for bringing back classic taskbar features.

3. StartAllBack or Start11

These paid tools (with free trials) overhaul the Start menu entirely. StartAllBack and Start11 let you customize the menu’s layout, remove sections, and even add dividers or resize tiles.

1. Install either app from their official sites.
2. Look for options like “Hide Recommended” or “Classic Start Menu” in settings.

These are safer bets if you want a polished experience, but they cost around $$–\; \$$10 after the trial.

The nuclear option: Open Shell

If you miss the Windows 7/10 Start menu, Open Shell (a fork of Classic Shell) replaces the Windows 11 menu entirely. It’s free, open-source, and lets you ditch the Recommended section while adding features like custom skins and search filters.

Risks of using third-party tools

Modding your Start menu isn’t without risks. Some antivirus programs flag these tools as suspicious (even if they’re safe). Tools like Explorer Patcher inject code into Windows processes, which can cause crashes or compatibility issues after updates. Always:

• Download software from official sources.
• Create a system restore point before installing.

Will Microsoft ever fix this?

Probably not anytime soon. The Recommended section is part of Microsoft’s push to make Windows feel “dynamic” and cloud-connected. But the backlash is growing — one Reddit post demanding its removal got over 900 upvotes. If enough users complain via the Feedback Hub, maybe Microsoft will listen. Until then, third-party tools are your best bet.

Final thoughts

The Recommended section is a classic case of Microsoft prioritizing “assistance” over user preference. While there’s no perfect fix yet, tools like Windhawk or StartAllBack can reclaim your Start menu space without too much hassle. Just weigh the risks, back up your data, and keep an eye out for Windows updates that might undo your changes.

Here’s hoping Microsoft adds a “remove this forever” toggle in a future update. Until then, happy tweaking!