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

Two Quick Ways to Close a Frozen App

When an app freezes, it can be frustrating. Rather than restarting your computer try one of these methods to close a ...

Discover More

Google Drive

If you have files that you need to access from more than one device, or give access to someone else, Google Drive is a ...

Discover More

Understanding USB Speeds

The primary method to connect external devices to computers today is USB. Learn about the types of USB and what makes ...

Discover More
More WindowsTips

Making Sure Num Lock is On

The Num Lock key controls how your numeric keypad behaves and, possibly, a few other behaviors. Here's how to adjust ...

Discover More

Changing File Explorer's Default Startup Location

The File Explorer can start in either of two locations. This tip tells you how to set its default startup location to one ...

Discover More

Changing Your Screen Saver

Screen savers can be works of art to bring some aesthetics to your computer monitor. This tip tells you how to change ...

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 eight less than 8?

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.