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

More Clocks to Track Time

As you work you may need to keep track of the time in various locations or time zones. Add additional clocks to the clock ...

Discover More

Change your Computer's Name with PowerShell

Your computer has a name that is separate from your account name. You can use PowerShell to change the name of your computer.

Discover More

Formatting a USB Drive with Disk Manager

Windows 10 provides multiple ways to format a USB drive. Discover how to use Disk Manager to easily format a USB drive.

Discover More
More WindowsTips

Turning on Night Light

When you work on your computer late at night the glow from your computer monitor can affect your sleep. Why not setup ...

Discover More

Look to the Background

Windows 10 has several apps that run in the background that help improve performance and function for your system. Some ...

Discover More

Change the Default Name for New Folders

By default, when a new folder is created in Windows 10, the folder is titled "New Folder." Using the Registry, you can ...

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 seven more than 2?

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 © 2026 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.