Remove Recommended section from Start Menu

Purpose

Show registry keys (2)

• HKLM\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Explorer\HideRecommendedSection
• HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Explorer\HideRecommendedSection

This policy value controls whether the Windows Start menu displays the entire Recommended section. A value of 1 hides the section, including the files and apps recommended there. A value of 0 displays the section.

The setting can apply in either the computer or user context. The value under HKLM applies at device scope and therefore affects its users, while the value under HKCU applies to the individual user account.

Notes

Security

Hiding the section prevents file and app recommendations from being immediately visible when the Start menu is opened. This can reduce incidental exposure of displayed file names, for example when a screen is shared or visible to other people.

This setting is not an access-control or data-removal mechanism. It does not delete files or apps, modify file permissions, or prevent the affected content from being reached through File Explorer, search, applications, or other interfaces.

Possible side effects

Users lose the convenient links to recently or otherwise recommended files and apps normally presented in the Recommended section. The underlying content is not changed.

Notes

Microsoft documents this policy for Windows 11, version 22H2 and later.

HideRecommendedSection affects the entire Recommended section. The similarly named HideRecommendedPersonalizedSites value hides only personalized website recommendations within that section.

Microsoft documentation

Microsoft Learn: Start Policy CSP – HideRecommendedSection

Microsoft Learn: Start policy settings

See also

• Entry in the reference