Disable Recommended Items and Restore Quick Access in Windows 11 File Explorer

Windows 11’s File Explorer introduces a “Recommended”section aimed at streamlining your file access by showcasing items you’re likely to need based on your recent interactions. This feature provides users with a more personalized workspace, allowing for quicker retrieval of relevant documents and media.

To activate this feature, you will need to navigate to Folder Options within File Explorer. Simply enable the “Show recommended section” and “Show files based on your account and cloud provider activity.” Conversely, if this feature does not suit your preferences, you can easily disable it, thereby reverting to the traditional Quick Access layout.

UPDATED 10/30/2025: This guide provides clear instructions on how to disable the “Recommended” section in Windows 11 File Explorer, allowing users to revert to “Quick Access.”With the November 2025 Security Update, Microsoft has enhanced File Explorer, enabling this feature to showcase files you may wish to revisit.

Originally, the “Recommended” section was exclusive to Azure Active Directory (AAD) and Microsoft Entra ID accounts. However, Microsoft has broadened access, enabling Microsoft account users to benefit as well. This means both local and cloud files will be highlighted, enhancing productivity by making important documents more accessible.

Notably, the “Recommended” section is enabled by default, replacing Quick Access on the Home page. Nonetheless, should you prefer the latter, disabling the feature is straightforward and involves just a few steps. In the sections below, you will find detailed instructions on enabling or disabling the Recommended section in File Explorer.

Restore Quick Access in File Explorer
Enable Recommended in File Explorer

How to Restore Quick Access in File Explorer

If you wish to revert to the Quick Access feature by disabling the Recommended section, follow these steps:

Launch File Explorer on your Windows 11 device.
Select the See more (three dots) button from the toolbar.
Click on Options.
Navigate to the General tab.
Deselect the option for “Show recommended section” under the “Privacy” settings.
Deselect the “Show files based on your account and cloud provider activity” option.
Click the Apply button.
Finish by clicking the OK button.

After completing these steps, the changes will be implemented, restoring the Quick Access tab on your File Explorer Home page.

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File Explorer Home with Quick Access / Image: Mauro Huculak

How to Enable Recommended in File Explorer

Open File Explorer.
Click on the See more (three dots) button from the toolbar.
Select Options.
Access the General tab.
Check the box for “Show recommended section” under the “Privacy” settings.
Check the “Show files based on your account and cloud provider activity” option.
Click the Apply button.
Confirm your choices with the OK button.

Upon completing these steps, the “Recommended”feature will replace the “Quick Access”section, presenting users with significant local and cloud files based on their account type—be it Azure Active Directory (AAD), Microsoft Entra ID, or Microsoft account.

File Explorer with Home Recommended section / Image: Mauro Huculak

Using ViveTool to Activate the Recommended Section

If you have installed the KB5067036 update, the “Recommended”section should already be accessible in File Explorer. However, in case the settings are not visible, follow these instructions to enable it using ViveTool:

Visit the GitHub website.
Download the ViveTool-vx.x.x.zip file to help enable the new settings.
Open the zip folder with File Explorer by double-clicking it.
Click the Extract all button.
Press the Extract button.
Copy the folder path to your ViveTool directory.
Access the Start menu.
Search for Command Prompt, right-click the top result, and choose Run as administrator.
Use the following command to navigate to the ViveTool directory:

cd c:\folder\path\ViveTool-v0.x.x

Ensure you replace the path with your specific directory path.
To enable the Recommended section settings, type this command and press Enter:

vivetool /enable /id:51721485, 48895801
Finally, restart your computer to apply the changes.