Archive · 28 Aug 2026
Four Windows 11 Settings to Reduce Clutter
Windows 11 can get messy with too many apps, notifications, and suggestions.
Here are four easy settings to change that will help keep your PC tidy.
First, you can simplify the Start menu by turning off recommendations and recent apps.
Next, you can tidy up Windows Search by turning off search history and highlights.
Then, you can streamline the taskbar by disabling widgets and task view, and even make it auto-hide.
Finally, you can manage notifications by app to only see the ones you want.
These changes won't make your PC faster, but they will make it easier to use by reducing clutter and distractions.
Simplify the Start menu by disabling recommended files, recent files, and most used apps.
Tidy up Windows Search by turning off search history and search highlights.
Streamline the taskbar by disabling widgets, task view, and auto-hiding the taskbar.
Manage notifications by app to control which apps can send alerts.
These settings reduce visual and notification noise, making the system easier to navigate.
- Who
- Windows 11 users
- What
- Settings to reduce clutter in Windows 11
- When
- Not specified
- Where
- Windows 11 operating system
- Why
- To make the system easier to navigate and reduce distractions
- Setting 1
- Disable recommended files, recent files, and most used apps in Start menu
- Setting 2
- Turn off search history and search highlights in Windows Search
- Setting 3
- Disable Widgets, Task View, and auto-hide the taskbar
- Setting 4
- Manage notifications by app in Settings