ACTIVE MALWARE WINDOWS TESTED: WINDOWS 11

How to fix
Remove “Recommended” section from Start Menu not working
on Windows

Easily remove the "Recommended" section from the Start Menu in Windows 10 and 11 with our expert-tested guide—fixed in minutes!

[Fix] Remove “Recommended” section from Start Menu not working in Windows
Quick Summary
Error severity
Medium
Est. time
10 minutes
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What causes [Fix] Remove “Recommended” section from Start Menu not working in Windows?

  • Windows version may not have updates or patches
  • Incompatible group policies affecting settings
  • Third-party applications interfering with the setting
  • User preferences not aligned with the Recommended section
  • Start Menu customization options being limited
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Hello. Is there a way to remove the Recommended section from the Start Menu in Windows? Because when I try using the "Remove "Recommended" section from Start Menu" it does not work. Any way to fix it?

Users who want a more simplified and personalized Start Menu may find it aggravating since they are unable to eliminate the "Recommended" area from the Start Menu in Windows. This problem is especially evident in the Windows Student SE edition, where certain policies and settings may vary from those found in other Windows editions.

According on user behavior, the "Recommended" part of the Start Menu frequently offers apps, shortcuts, or recommendations for actions. While some users may find this feature useful, others - particularly those who use Windows in specialized or educational environments - might not find it to be in line with their preferences or needs. In order to clear out any clutter or distractions on their Start Menu, users may opt to hide this section.

The "Remove Recommended section from Start Menu" feature, however, can have a number of negative implications on users when it does not function as intended. First of all, it may result in a Start Menu that is disorganized and congested, making it more difficult for users to easily find and use the apps and features they require. For those who depend on quick access to particular programs or files, such as students, this might decrease productivity and raise irritation.

Additionally, the problem can have an effect on the Start Menu's aesthetics, which is significant for users who want an interface that is tidy and uncluttered. The user's desired customization and layout of their Start Menu may be interfered with if the "Recommended" section cannot be removed.

Users might think about a few options to resolve this problem. They might check to see if their Windows version has any updates or patches that might fix the issue. They can also look for any incompatible group policies or third-party applications that might be interfering with this particular setting.

In this guide, you will find 7 steps that should help you fix "Remove "Recommended" section from Start Menu" not working in Windows. You can also run a maintenance tool like [d1] that can fix most system errors, BSODs,[ref en-1] corrupted files, and registry[ref en-2] issues. Otherwise, follow the step-by-step instructions below.

Fix remove recommended section from start menu not working in windows
Fix remove recommended section from start menu not working in windows

Solution 1. Fix Corrupted System Files

Use Command Prompt commands to repair system file corruption:

  • Open Command Prompt as administrator
  • Use the following command and press Enter:
    sfc /scannow

Fix corrupted system files
Fix corrupted system files

  • Reboot your system
  • If SFC returned an error, then use the following command lines, pressing Enter after each:
    DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
    DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
    DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Solution 2. Install Windows Updates

  • Click Start and select Settings.
  • Go to the Windows Update section.
  • Click Check for updates and wait.

Install windows updates
Install windows updates

  • Go to the Advanced options and install optional updates.
  • Reboot your system.
  • Open the Start menu.
  • Click on Settings.
  • In the Settings window, select the System category.
  • On the left sidebar, click on Display.

Use recommended display scaling
Use recommended display scaling

  • Under the Scale and layout section, you will find a setting called Change the size of text, apps, and other items. This is where you can adjust display scaling.
  • Click the dropdown menu next to Change the size of text, apps, and other items to see a list of scaling options.
  • The recommended scaling level will be labeled as Recommended. Select this recommended option.
  • Apply the changes.

Solution 4. Disable the Section in Group Policy Editor

  • Open the Start menu.
  • Search for gpedit and click the top result to open the Group Policy Editor.
  • Browse the following path:

User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Start Menu and Taskbar.

Disable the section in group policy editor
Disable the section in group policy editor

  • Right-click the Remove Recommended section from Start Menu policy and select the Edit option.
  • Select the Enabled option.
  • Click the Apply button.
  • Click the OK button.
  • Restart the computer.

Solution 5. Create a new User Account

  • Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
  • Click on Accounts.
  • Select Other users from the right panel.
  • Then, click on Add accountClick on the link – I don’t have this person’s sign-in information.

Create a new user account
Create a new user account

  • On the next window, click on Add a user without a Microsoft account.
  • Enter a User name and password twice.
  • Answer the 3 security questions.
  • Click on Next.
  • A new account will be added; click on this to expand.
  • Select Change account type.
  • Now, select Administrator from the drop-down.
  • Restart the system and check if the Calendar is visible.

Solution 6. Use System Restore

System Restore is a feature in Microsoft Windows that allows users to revert their computer's state to a previous point in time. This can be helpful if you have made changes to your system that are causing problems.

  • Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run box.
  • Type SystemPropertiesProtection and press Enter.
  • Go to the System Protection tab.

Use system restore
Use system restore

  • You will see the System Restore… button. Click it to run System Restore.
  • Follow the prompts until you can select a restore point.
  • Select the one you want (ideally before the issue started occurring) and go ahead with the process.

Solution 7. Repair Install Windows

  • Visit Microsoft's official website.
  • Choose the desired product language and OS edition for Windows 11.
  • Download the Windows 11 ISO file.
  • Locate the downloaded ISO file and double-click it.
  • In the prompt that appears, click Open.
  • Run the setup.exe file.

Repair install windows
Repair install windows

  • When the UAC (User Account Control) dialog box appears, click Yes to continue.
  • Click Next to proceed with the installation.
  • Accept Microsoft's license terms by clicking Accept.
  • Make sure the setup option reads Keep personal files and apps.
  • Click Install to begin the Windows 11 repair upgrade.
  • Wait patiently for the repair upgrade to complete.

Bottom line

To resolve the issue of the Recommended section not being removable, users can check for Windows updates, review group policies, and examine third-party applications for conflicts. If these steps do not work, further troubleshooting may be necessary.

Frequently asked questions

You can do this by navigating to Settings > Personalization > Start and toggling off 'Show recently added apps' and 'Show most used apps', which will help minimize the 'Recommended' section.

Yes, you can reset the Start Menu layout by opening PowerShell as an administrator and running the command 'Get-AppxPackage *windows.immersivecontrolpanel* | Remove-AppxPackage', then reinstalling the app.

If the issue persists, try creating a new user account to see if the problem is user-specific, or consider performing a system file check using 'sfc /scannow' in Command Prompt.

Did this fix work for you?
Gabriel E. Hall

Written & verified by

Malware Removal Expert
Malware removal Ransomware recovery Browser hijackers Spyware analysis Security tools testing

Gabriel E. Hall is a malware removal expert and cybersecurity researcher with over ten years of hands-on experience analysing threats and writing removal guides. She has documented hundreds of malware families — from browser hijackers and adware to ransomware and rootkits — providing step-by-step cleanup instructions tested against real infections. Gabriel's work combines deep technical analysis with clear, actionable language that readers without a security background can follow. Her guides consistently appear among the most-referenced resources for malware removal on Windows systems.

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