A. Explanation of Recommended in Windows 11: In Windows 11, Recommended is a feature that displays suggestions and tips to users in the Settings app. These recommendations can include features, apps, and settings that Microsoft thinks may be useful to the user based on their usage history and preferences.
B. Importance of clearing Recommended in Windows 11: While Recommended can be helpful, it can also become cluttered and overwhelming for users who prefer a more streamlined experience. Clearing Recommended can also help protect the user’s privacy by preventing the collection and storage of unnecessary data.
C. Purpose of the article: This article aims to provide a step-by-step guide for users who wish to clear the Recommended content in Windows 11. By following the outlined steps, users can efficiently manage their Recommended items and improve their Windows 11 experience.
II. Steps to Clear Recommended in Windows 11
- Step 1: Open the Windows 11 Start Menu: Click the Start button located in the lower left-hand corner of the screen or press the Windows key on the keyboard.
- Step 2: Access the Settings app: Click the gear icon on the Start menu to open the Settings app, or press the Windows key + I on the keyboard to open it directly.
- Step 3: Go to the Privacy & Security settings: Click on the “Privacy & Security” option in the left-hand menu of the Settings app.
- Step 4: Select the General tab: Select the “General” tab in the Privacy & Security settings.
- Step 5: Toggle off the “Show me recommended content in the Settings app” option: Locate the “Show me recommended content in the Settings app” option and toggle it off. This will prevent the display of Recommended items in the Settings app.
- Step 6: Clear existing Recommended items: To clear any existing Recommended items, click on the “Start” menu again and search for “Storage Sense”. Open Storage Sense and click on “Free up space now”. Select “Previous Windows installations” and “Temporary files” and click “Remove files”.
- Step 7: Restart the computer: Restart the computer to ensure that the changes take effect.
Note: The steps above are specific to clearing Recommended content in Windows 11. Users should exercise caution when modifying privacy and security settings and ensure they understand the potential implications of their actions.
Additional Tips and Warnings
Importance of regularly clearing Recommended in Windows 11: Users who regularly use the Settings app or rely on Recommended items may benefit from periodically clearing their Recommended content. Clearing Recommended items can help prevent the buildup of unnecessary data and ensure that the Settings app remains easy to navigate.
Caution against disabling other privacy and security settings: While clearing Recommended content can help improve the user’s Windows 11 experience, it is important to exercise caution when modifying privacy and security settings. Disabling or modifying certain settings may have unintended consequences, such as reducing the effectiveness of antivirus software or exposing the user to potential security risks.
Reminder to save any important information before restarting the computer: Before restarting the computer, users should ensure that any important information or unsaved work has been saved and backed up. Restarting the computer may cause any unsaved changes to be lost, so it is important to take the necessary precautions beforehand.
Note: Users should also consider consulting Microsoft’s official documentation or seeking the assistance of a qualified IT professional if they have any questions or concerns about modifying their Windows 11 settings.
