diff --git a/core/core-dotspacemacs.el b/core/core-dotspacemacs.el
index 249398097..d256f96ae 100644
--- a/core/core-dotspacemacs.el
+++ b/core/core-dotspacemacs.el
@@ -321,8 +321,7 @@ tool of the list. Supported tools are `ag', `pt', `ack' and `grep'.")
 specified with an installed package.
 NOT USED FOR NOW :-)")
 
-(defvar dotspacemacs-startup-lists '((recents  . 5)
-                                    (projects . 7))
+(defvar dotspacemacs-startup-lists '()
   "Association list of items to show in the startup buffer of the form
 `(list-type . list-size)`. If nil it is disabled.
 Possible values for list-type are:
diff --git a/core/templates/.spacemacs.template b/core/templates/.spacemacs.template
index e5532f1c5..6213f7120 100644
--- a/core/templates/.spacemacs.template
+++ b/core/templates/.spacemacs.template
@@ -115,10 +115,11 @@ values."
    ;; the form `(list-type . list-size)`. If nil then it is disabled.
    ;; Possible values for list-type are:
    ;; `recents' `bookmarks' `projects' `agenda' `todos'."
+   ;; Example for 5 recent files and 7 projects: '((recents . 5) (projects . 7))
    ;; List sizes may be nil, in which case
    ;; `spacemacs-buffer-startup-lists-length' takes effect.
-   dotspacemacs-startup-lists '((recents . 5)
-                                (projects . 7))
+   ;; (default nil)
+   dotspacemacs-startup-lists '()
    ;; True if the home buffer should respond to resize events.
    dotspacemacs-startup-buffer-responsive t
    ;; Default major mode of the scratch buffer (default `text-mode')