Microsoft is reportedly planning to introduce a new feature that will allow users to display only pinned apps in the Start menu, effectively removing the “Recommended” section.
When Windows 11 was released, it featured a redesigned Start menu with a simplified look, replacing Live Tiles with traditional icons. One of the new additions was the “Recommended” section, which displays recently opened files and apps.
This section has also been known to display promoted apps from the Microsoft Store, which some users view as unwanted advertising.
While updates have brought options to customize the number of pinned apps displayed, there hasn’t been a direct way to disable the “Recommended” section. However, this is expected to change soon.
According to posts on X (Twitter), Microsoft is developing a “Show all pins by default” option in the Start settings. This option will display only your pinned apps when you open the Start menu, eliminating the “Recommended” section.
The exact implementation of this feature is currently unknown, but it is expected to appear as an experimental feature in future builds through the Windows Insider Program.
Another potential change being explored for future operating system updates involves remapping the Copilot key to open the right-click context menu.
Previously, users gained the ability to remap the Copilot key to launch a different application. This change aims to enhance the key’s versatility.
Initially, Microsoft intended the Copilot key to be a major feature in Windows 11. However, their approach to AI in the operating system shifted, leaving many devices without a specific function for the physical Copilot key. Since then, they’ve been working to address this issue by allowing users to remap the key.
Disabling Recommended Items via Group Policy Editor
This method is available on Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions.
Step 1: Open the Group Policy Editor. You can do this by pressing Win + R, typing gpedit.msc, and pressing Enter.
Step 2: Navigate to the following location in the Group Policy Editor: User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Start Menu and Taskbar.
Step 3: Locate and double-click on the Remove Recommended section from Start Menu policy setting.
Step 4: In the policy setting window, select Enabled to disable the Recommended section.
Step 5: Click Apply and then OK to save the changes.
Step 6: Restart your computer or sign out and sign back in for the changes to take effect.
Hiding Recommended Items via Windows Settings (When Available)
This method relies on the future release of the “Show all pins by default” option.
Step 1: Open the Windows Settings app by pressing Win + I.
Step 2: Navigate to Personalization > Start.
Step 3: Look for the “Show all pins by default” option. If available, toggle the switch to the On position. This should hide the “Recommended” section and display only your pinned apps.
Reducing Recommended Items Displayed
If the complete removal option is not yet available, you can minimize the space allocated to the Recommended section.
Step 1: Open the Windows Settings app by pressing Win + I.
Step 2: Navigate to Personalization > Start.
Step 3: Choose the More pins layout option. This will increase the space allocated to pinned apps and reduce the space for recommended items.
These changes should offer more control over the Start menu experience.