How to declutter Windows 11’s Start menu recommendations

Windows Customization and User Privacy

Windows operates with a keen sense of your preferences, subtly adapting to enhance your user experience. The operating system meticulously tracks your habits, allowing it to tailor the Start menu to feature your most frequently accessed applications and files. For instance, it recalls recently installed programs and edited documents, presenting them conveniently in the Start menu for quick access. However, this personalization comes with a caveat: it can also reveal your recent activities to others who may glance at your screen.

Each user account maintains its own set of customizations, yet a simple look at the Start menu during a brief work break can expose what you’ve been working on over the past hours or days. This potential for unintentional disclosure raises important considerations for users who value their privacy.

Fortunately, Windows offers a way to regain control over what is displayed in your Start menu. If you prefer a more discreet approach, you can modify the settings to prevent the menu from reflecting your recent activity. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Open the Start menu.
  2. Navigate to Settings and select Personalization.
  3. Toggle off the following options:
    • Show recently added apps
    • Show most used apps
    • Show recommended files in the Start Menu, recently used files in File Explorer, and items in jump lists

By adjusting these settings, you can ensure that your Start menu remains a private space, tailored to your needs without revealing your recent digital footprints to others.

This article originally appeared on our sister publication PC-WELT and was translated and localized from German.

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How to declutter Windows 11's Start menu recommendations