The Windows 11 Start menu displays pinned apps at the top, recent files in the middle, and all installed apps at the bottom. The Recent section (previously called Recommended), depending on the screen and Start menu size, shows up to six recent files in the list.
The problem with the recent files in the Start menu is that most people do not like to see recently opened files in the Start menu, as the Start menu is often used to launch apps. Besides, the Recent section does not always show the most recent files. At times, it takes about a minute for a file entry to appear in the Recent section.
Like me, if you also use the File Explorer Home to view and access recent files, you might want to stop Windows 11 from showing recent files in the Start menu. The best thing is that you can now turn off the Recent section of the Start menu without affecting the Recent files section of the File Explorer Home. As you may know, in earlier versions of Windows 11, turning off the Start menu recent files feature also turned off the feature in File Explorer Home.
Do not show recent files in Windows 11 Start menu
Complete the directions below to hide recent files on the Windows 11 Start menu.
Step 1: Open the Start menu. Perform a right-click on an empty area of the Start menu, and then click Start settings to open the Start menu settings page in the Windows 11 Settings app.
Step 2: Here, click on the Recent card to see available options.
Step 3: Turn off the Show recent and suggested files option to hide recent files on the Start menu immediately. This will completely remove the Recent section from the Start menu.
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