[How To] Remove Recently Added List From Start Menu In Windows 10

In this guide, learn how to hide/disable recently added apps in Windows 10 Start Menu, using registry manipulation or via Settings app UI.

Kapil Arya
11x Microsoft MVP · Admin
2 min read
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In Windows 10, when you install new Desktop or UWP app, they appear in Recently added apps section of Start Menu. This section is hidden by default but as soon as you add a new app, it becomes visible.

How To Remove Recently Added List From Start Menu In Windows 10

For some users, it is okay have recently added apps listed on Start Menu. While there are some other users who want completely remove this section from the Start Menu. If you belongs to those users, here’s how you can remove Recently added apps section from your Start Menu.

How To Remove Recently Added List From Start Menu In Windows 10

WAY 1 – Via Settings App

1. Right click Start Button or press W8K + X keys and select Settings.

2. In the Settings app, navigate to Personalization > Start.

3. Under Start, you’ll find Show recently added apps option as Enabled by default. Turn Off this option to remove corresponding section from Start Menu.

How To Remove Recently Added List From Start Menu In Windows 10

Close Settings app and return to Desktop, if you like.

WAY 2 – Via Registry

Registry Disclaimer: The further steps will involve registry manipulation. Making mistakes while manipulating registry could affect your system adversely. So be careful while editing registry entries and create a System Restore point first.

1. Press W8K + R and put regedit in Run dialog box to open Registry Editor (if you’re not familiar with Registry Editor, then click here). Click OK.

Windows 10 Registry Editor

2. In left pane of Registry Editor window, navigate to following registry key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows

How To Remove Recently Added List From Start Menu In Windows 10

3. Right click Windows registry key, select New > Key. Name the newly created sub-key as Explorer. If Explorer registry key exists already, skip creation of new sub-key. Now in the right pane of Explorer registry key (HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Explorer), right click and select New > DWORD Value. Name the newly created registry DWORD (REG_DWORD) as HideRecentlyAddedApps. Double click to modify the DWORD’s Value data:

How To Remove Recently Added List From Start Menu In Windows 10

4. Set the Value data to 1 and click OK. Close Registry Editor and reboot the machine.

After restarting your system, recently added apps section should be removed from Start Menu.

TIP: If you want to apply above mentioned registry manipulation to your organization/workplace machines, you can deploy the relevant GPO setting. Set Remove “Recently added” list from Start Menu policy at Computer configuration > Administrative templates > Start Menu and Taskbar to Enabled.

It is obvious that registry tweak or applying GPO setting will override manual settings.

That’s it!

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Kapil Arya
11x Microsoft MVP · Admin

Kapil holds Microsoft MVP title in Windows IT Pro expertise, 11-times in a row (2014-2025). He is 8-times Windows Insider MVP as well, and author of 'Windows Group Policy Troubleshooting' book. In 2015, Microsoft India accomplished him as 'Windows 10 Champion'. Being passionate Windows blogger, he loves to help others on fixing their system issues. Kapil has worked with official Microsoft Community Engagement Team (CET) on several community projects. You can subscribe him for news/updates and fixes for Windows.

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