Microsoft has made the recent decision to pull the plug on the 'Recommended Files' feature within the Windows 11 File Explorer. Initially slated for inclusion in the October 2025 optional update (KB5067036), this particular feature was conceived to present frequently accessed or newly downloaded files as sizable thumbnails, thereby streamlining the process of quick access. Following a testing period spanning several months on select devices running the official versions of Win11 24H2/25H2, the feature made its debut on October 28, only to be promptly retracted.

In addition, Microsoft has also put a halt to the rollout of the StorageProvider API. This API was envisioned to empower third-party cloud drives to showcase placeholder files within the File Explorer. Moreover, some users have brought to light that deactivating the 'Recommended' content in the Start menu inadvertently leads to the deactivation of both the 'Recent Files' list in the File Explorer and the 'Jump Lists' on the taskbar. This issue can be traced back to the fundamental design architecture of Windows 11, as the data underpinning these three features is all sourced from the same 'Recent Activities Engine.' To date, Microsoft has not divulged the rationale behind the suspension of these two features, nor has it provided an estimated timeframe for their reinstatement.