Start_IrisRecommendations 0: hiding tips and app promotions in the Windows 11 Start menu
Short answer
UpdatedThe Recommended section of the Windows 11 Start menu can show tips, shortcuts and Store app promotions. Start_IrisRecommendations set to 0 switches those suggestions off. In the registry it sets Start_IrisRecommendations to 0 under HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced.
HKCUSoftware\
Start_IrisRecommendationsYour previous value0
What it does
The Recommended section of the Windows 11 Start menu can show tips, shortcuts and Store app promotions. Start_IrisRecommendations set to 0 switches those suggestions off.
In the app the switch is called "Disable Start Menu Recommendations", described there as: Hides tips, app promotions and suggested shortcuts in Start (Windows 11).
When it helps, and when it hurts
When it helps
- A Start menu without promotions.
When it hurts
- Nothing. Recently opened files still appear unless you turn those off separately.
What it writes
Exactly what the switch changes, read from the app's source. Switching it off is what the app writes when you turn the tweak off again.
| Key and value | With the tweak | Switching it off |
|---|---|---|
| HKCUSoftware\ | 0 | Your previous valueSaved before the change, or deleted if there was none.Windows default: 1. |
From the app's source (pack_extra.hpp), app 2.0.0, checked .
The same change by hand
You do not need the app for this one. These commands make the changes from the table above. Run them in a Command Prompt opened as administrator, and make a restore point first.
reg add "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced" /v "Start_IrisRecommendations" /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /freg add "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced" /v "Start_IrisRecommendations" /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /freg query "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced" /v "Start_IrisRecommendations"How to undo it
In the app: Yes
Switching it off puts back exactly what was there before, value for value.
Switch the tweak off in Frozen Tweaks. The app saved what each value was before the change and writes exactly that back, or removes the value if it did not exist.
Changing several settings at once? The app's Make a restore point button, on every plan, makes a Windows restore point before you start.
Verdict
Safe and cosmetic.
Questions
- What does the "Disable Start Menu Recommendations" tweak change in Windows?
- In the registry it sets Start_IrisRecommendations to 0 under HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced.
- What is the default value of Start_IrisRecommendations?
- The Windows default of Start_IrisRecommendations is 1. Frozen Tweaks sets it to 0, and switching the tweak off puts back the value you had before.
- Is "Disable Start Menu Recommendations" safe to switch on?
- Safe and cosmetic. The main cost: Nothing. Recently opened files still appear unless you turn those off separately.
- How do I undo it?
- Switch the tweak off in Frozen Tweaks. Switching it off puts back exactly what was there before, value for value.
- Is "Disable Start Menu Recommendations" free in Frozen Tweaks?
- Yes. It is one of the free tweaks, with no time limit.
In the app
- Switch
- Disable Start Menu Recommendations
- Category
- Debloat
- Plan
- Free
- Undo
- Yes
Related guides
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- Low-End PC Gaming Optimization: Getting Playable Frame RatesWhat actually works on a weak PC, in order, including the one upgrade that beats every software tweak combined, and honest limits on what tuning can do.7 min read
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Written by
Frost LIVEFounder of Frozen Tweaks, based in Hamburg, Germany. Publishes settings guides for competitive games on his YouTube channel, Frost LIVE.
In the app
- Category
- Debloat
- Plan
- Free
- Undo
- Yes
Frozen Tweaks
Free for Windows 10 and 11
58 tweaks free, each with an undo switch. Never edits game files.
v2.0.0 · 6.4 MB · Windows 10 and 11, 64-bit · free account, no payment details
Or type frozentweaks.com on your PC.
The free Windows app for competitive games.
58 tweaks free, each with an undo switch. Never edits game files.
v2.0.0 · 6.4 MB · Windows 10 and 11, 64-bit · free account, no payment details
Frozen Tweaks runs on Windows. Send the link to your PC and download it there.
Or type frozentweaks.com on your PC.