Windows 11 comes with a variety of preinstalled apps that provide a range of features and functions to users. While these apps can be helpful, they may not be what every user wants or needs. Fortunately, Windows 11 allows you to change app recommendations according to your preferences. In this article, we will walk you through the steps to modify app recommendations on Windows 11.
Understanding App Recommendations
App recommendations are the suggested apps that appear on your Start menu, taskbar, and in the Microsoft Store. These are based on your usage history and can be helpful if you want quick access to your frequently used apps. However, sometimes the recommendations may not be useful, or you may want to see different apps. In this article, we will explore how to change app recommendations on Windows 11.
How App Recommendations Work
Before we dive into changing app recommendations, it’s essential to understand how they work. Windows 11 uses a machine learning algorithm to analyze your app usage and recommend apps based on your behavior. The algorithm takes into account the apps you use the most and how frequently you use them. It also considers the apps you have installed and uninstalled in the past, as well as your search queries in the Microsoft Store.
Customizing App Recommendations
Windows 11 allows you to customize your app recommendations by turning them on or off, removing unwanted apps, and pinning your favorite apps to the Start menu and taskbar. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
- Go to Settings by clicking the Start button and then the gear icon.
- Click on Personalization and then Start.
- Under “Show app recommendations,” toggle the switch to turn them on or off.
- To remove an app from the recommendations, click on the app and select “Don’t show in this list.”
- To pin your favorite apps to the Start menu or taskbar, right-click on the app and select “Pin to Start” or “Pin to taskbar.”
Clearing App Usage History
If you want to start fresh with your app recommendations, you can clear your app usage history. This will remove all the data that Windows 11 has collected on your app usage, including your frequently used apps and installed and uninstalled apps. Here’s how to do it:
- Click on Privacy and then Activity history.
- Under “Clear activity history,” click on “Clear” to remove all app usage data.
Disabling App Suggestions in the Microsoft Store
If you find app suggestions in the Microsoft Store annoying, you can disable them. Here’s how to do it:
- Open the Microsoft Store app.
- Click on the three dots in the top-right corner of the screen.
- Select Settings.
- Toggle off “Show app suggestions.”
FAQs for Changing App Recommendations on Windows 11
How can I change the app recommendations on my Windows 11 device?
To change the app recommendations on your Windows 11 device, you can follow these simple steps. First, click on the Start menu. Then, click on the gear icon to open the Settings app. From here, select the “Personalization” tab and click on “Start.” Here, you will see an option to “Show app recommendations” which you can turn off to stop seeing app recommendations. Alternatively, you can click on “Choose which folders appear on Start” to see a list of apps that are currently recommended on your device. From here, you can uncheck the apps that you do not want to be recommended on your Start menu.
Why are certain apps recommended on my Start menu?
Windows 11 uses an algorithm to recommend apps based on your usage patterns and system settings. The recommended apps are meant to provide you quick access to frequently used apps or apps that Windows believes you may find useful. The algorithm takes into account factors such as your usage history, recent app installs, and app usage by other similar users in your region.
Can I customize the app recommendations on my Start menu?
Yes, you can customize the app recommendations on your Start menu by following the steps mentioned above. You can disable the app recommendations altogether or choose which apps appear on your Start menu. You can also uncheck the “Show recently added apps” box to prevent new app installations from being recommended on your Start menu.
Will changing the app recommendations affect my device’s performance?
No, changing the app recommendations will not affect your device’s performance. The app recommendations are simply a feature that Windows provides to help you access your frequently-used or recommended apps quickly. Disabling this feature or customizing the recommendations will not have any impact on your device’s performance.
Can I change the language of the app recommendations?
Yes, you can change the language of the app recommendations on your device by changing the system language. To do this, open the Settings app and navigate to the “Time & Language” tab. From here, click on “Language” and select your preferred language. Once changed, the app recommendations and other system elements will be displayed in the selected language.