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To remove recommendations from the Windows 11 Start menu, open Start > Settings > Personalization > Start and turn off the recent-app and most-used-app options. If you also want to hide recently opened files, turn off the recent-items option—but note that it affects Jump Lists and File Explorer as well as Start.
Turn off app suggestions in Start
- Open Start > Settings > Personalization > Start.
- Turn off Show recently added apps to hide the recently added apps category.
- Turn off Show most used apps to hide the most-used apps category.
- In the same Start settings, turn off recommended providers if you want to remove the remaining Recommended content. Microsoft says that when all recommended providers are turned off, the Recommended section collapses and is no longer shown. See Microsoft Support’s Customize the Windows Start Menu.
The Recommended area can include recently added and frequently used apps, as well as recently opened files. The exact labels and availability may vary by Windows 11 build.
Choose whether to hide recent files too
To stop recently opened items appearing in Start, turn off Show recently opened items in Start, Jump Lists, and File Explorer under Settings > Personalization > Start. This is a broader setting than its Start-menu context might suggest: it also affects Jump Lists and File Explorer. Leave it on if you still want recent documents available in those places. Microsoft documents this control in its guidance on recent items and focus settings.
App-launch tracking is a separate choice
Windows also has a privacy and personalization setting related to app launches. To change it, go to Settings > Privacy & security > Recommendations & offers and turn off Let Windows improve Start and search results by tracking app launches. This controls tracking used to personalize Start and search results; it is separate from the Start display switches above. See Microsoft Support’s privacy settings for recommendations and offers in Windows 11.
#1 Best Overall
- 1.1 GHz (boost up to 2.4GHz) Intel Celeron N5030 Quad-Core
What these switches do not remove
These steps clean up the Start menu’s recommendation area; they do not disable every suggestion or personalized offer in Windows. Settings can show suggested content and offers through separate controls. Turning off the advertising ID is not a way to reduce the number of ads: Microsoft says it may make ads less relevant, but does not reduce how many appear.
Pinning or unpinning apps and arranging pins into folders can further change the Start layout, but those are optional organization choices—not required to turn off recommendations.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 【Efficient Performance】 Powered by Intel Core i3 processor (2 cores, 4 threads, up to 3.4GHz) with 12GB RAM and 256GB SSD. Handles multitasking, office software, online classes, and HD video streaming smoothly. Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 620
- Backlit Keyboard & Complete Package】Comes with a cool backlit keyboard. Comes with awebcam, dual stereo speakers (8Ω/1.0W each), DC charger, and user manual – ready for late-night studying, online classes, video conferencing, and daily productivity
- 【Vibrant Display】 15.6-inch Full HD (1920x1080) anti-glare screen with 16:9 aspect ratio delivers crisp images and vivid colors – perfect for studying, watching lectures, or entertainment. Thin-bezel design maximizes viewing area
- 【Fast Connectivity & Expansion】 Equipped with WiFi 6 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.2 for stable, high-speed wireless. Features 3 x USB 3.0, HDMI 2.1, Type-C (supports PD3.0 fast charging), and a TF card slot expandable up to 2TB – easily connect external monitors, mice, drives, or expand storage for all your files
- 【Long Battery Life & Portable】 Built-in 11.55V 5000mAh/57.75Wh high-capacity battery delivers approximately 7 hours of mixed-use battery life – enough for a full day of classes and assignments. Lightweight at just 1.63kg (3.6 lbs) and 19.5mm thin, plus a compact packing size – easily slips into a backpack for campus, library, or coffee shop
Rank #4
- EFFORTLESS EVERYDAY PERFORMANCE: Powered by Intel Celeron N4020 processor and Windows 11 Home system, delivering reliable, low-power efficiency for daily tasks like document editing, email, online classes, and web browsing
- 15.6-INCH FULL HD DISPLAY: Enjoy immersive visuals on the 15.6" FHD (1920x1080) anti-glare screen with micro-edge bezels. Delivers clear details and comfortable viewing for long study sessions, working on spreadsheets, and video playback
- RESPONSIVE MULTITASKING & STORAGE: Built with 4GB LPDDR4 RAM and 128GB eMMC storage for smooth daily essential use. Expand your storage by up to 1TB via the integrated TF card slot to easily store movies, photos, and working files
- ADVANCED CONNECTIVITY: Outfitted with 2x Full-Featured Type-C ports for data transfer, fast charging, and dual-monitor output, alongside 2x USB 3.2 Gen1 ports and a 3.5mm audio jack for complete peripheral compatibility
- LIGHTWEIGHT & SILENT OPERATION: Slim and portable for effortless travel or commuting. Features a 1MP HD webcam for remote meetings, 38Wh battery with 45W Type-C fast charging, and a fanless silent design for peaceful work environments.
Rank #3
- 14" diagonal, 1366x768 resolution, HD BrightView LED, Glossy NON-TOUCH Display
Rank #2
- 256 GB SSD of storage.
- Multitasking is easy with 16GB of RAM
- Equipped with a blazing fast Core i5 2.00 GHz processor.
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