A More Private Start Menu

Written by Eric Wyatt (last updated August 5, 2019)

The Windows 10 Start menu has been a welcome return, after its brief disappearance in Windows 8. However, with the return of the Start menu, Microsoft included some changes concerning how it looks and what it does, such as the inclusion of tiles. One item included by default in the Start menu is a list of the most-used apps on the system. (See Figure 1.)

Figure 1. The most-used applications are shown in the Start menu.

While this can help you access these applications very quickly, you may wish for a bit of privacy from any potentially prying eyes. Fortunately, Windows 10 offers a very easy method of removing this list from your Start menu. Follow these quick steps to hide your most-used apps:

  1. Press the Windows key and type (without quotes) "Personalization," then press Enter. Windows displays the Personalization settings of the Settings dialog box.
  2. In the left-side pane of the dialog box click on Start. Windows shows the Start settings of the Personalization section of the Settings dialog box. (See Figure 2.)

    3. Figure 2. The Start settings of the Personalization section of the Settings dialog box.

  3. Under Show Most Used Apps, click the toggle to turn it off.
  4. Close the Settings dialog box. Windows applies your setting automatically.

Now, any potentially prying eyes will not see your most-used apps if they happen to gain access to your computer. You can always turn this feature back on by simply repeating the steps above and turning the toggle to the "On" position in step 3.

 This tip (13658) applies to Windows 10.

Author Bio

Eric Wyatt

Eric Wyatt is a swell guy (or so his friends tell him). He is a formally trained designer and branding expert, bringing a wide range of skills to his Tips.Net articles. ...

MORE FROM ERIC

File Explorer Shortcut List

Windows includes built-in combination keystrokes or shortcuts that can help you work faster. File Explorer's specific ...

Discover More

Camera Privacy Settings

Using a web camera with your computer opens all sorts of opportunities. Set your computer's Camera Privacy Settings to ...

Discover More

Introducing Power Automate

Microsoft's Power Automate is a powerful feature that can reduce the tedium involved with performing repetitive tasks. ...

Discover More
More WindowsTips

Listening with One Ear

If you use a single speaker to listen to your computer audio, you may be missing out on some sounds. Two quick changes to ...

Discover More

Adding Items to the "New" Context Menu

You can add your own items to the "New" context menu, but it does take a bit of effort. This tip explains how to do it.

Discover More

Modifying What is Started when You Start Windows

Did you know that Windows automatically starts extra programs whenever you boot your system? If you want to see which ...

Discover More
Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is 0 + 7?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)

Newest Tips
Links and Sharing
OUR COMPANY
OUR PRODUCTS
OUR SITES
 

Copyright © 2025 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.