Hiding apps in Windows 11 is a straightforward process. You can either hide the app icons from your Start menu or taskbar, or use built-in features to prevent certain apps from appearing altogether. This guide will walk you through step-by-step instructions to achieve a clutter-free and personalized Windows 11 experience.
How to Hide Apps in Windows 11
This section will guide you through the steps to hide apps in Windows 11, making your desktop and Start menu cleaner and more organized.
Step 1: Open the Start Menu
Click the Start button on your taskbar to open the Start menu.
In the Start menu, you’ll see a list of pinned apps and a section for recently added apps. This is where we’ll begin the process of hiding apps.
Step 2: Right-Click on an App You Want to Hide
Find the app you want to hide, then right-click on it.
When you right-click on the app, a context menu will appear with several options. This is where you’ll find the option to unpin the app.
Step 3: Select "Unpin from Start"
Choose "Unpin from Start" from the context menu to hide the app.
By selecting this option, the app will be removed from your Start menu, making it less cluttered.
Step 4: Hide Apps from the Taskbar
Right-click on the app icon in the taskbar and select "Unpin from taskbar."
This will remove the app icon from your taskbar, giving you a cleaner workspace.
Step 5: Use Settings to Hide Pre-installed Apps
Open Settings, navigate to "Apps," then "Apps & features."
In this section, you can find pre-installed apps and choose to hide them by selecting the "Advanced options" and then "Hide."
After completing these steps, the selected apps will no longer appear in your Start menu or taskbar, making your Windows 11 interface more streamlined.
Tips for Hiding Apps in Windows 11
- Use Folders in Start Menu: Create folders in the Start menu to keep your apps organized and less cluttered.
- Group Apps on Taskbar: Group similar apps together on the taskbar for better organization.
- Use Virtual Desktops: Create virtual desktops to separate different types of apps and tasks.
- Utilize "Focus Assist": To minimize distractions, use the "Focus Assist" feature to hide notifications from specific apps.
- Leverage Third-Party Tools: Use third-party software to hide and manage apps more effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I hide system apps in Windows 11?
System apps can be hidden from the Start menu and taskbar but not uninstalled. You can use the "Unpin from Start" and "Unpin from Taskbar" options to do so.
How do I find hidden apps later?
You can find hidden apps by searching for them using the search bar in the Start menu or the Settings app.
Is there a way to password-protect hidden apps?
Windows 11 doesn’t have a built-in feature for password-protecting apps, but you can use third-party software to add this functionality.
Can I hide multiple apps at once?
Yes, you can hide multiple apps by repeating the steps for each app you want to hide. There’s no bulk hide feature in Windows 11.
Will hiding apps affect their functionality?
No, hiding apps will not affect their functionality. They will still run in the background and can be accessed via the search bar or file path.
Summary of How to Hide Apps in Windows 11
- Open the Start Menu.
- Right-click on an app you want to hide.
- Select "Unpin from Start."
- Right-click on the app icon in the taskbar and select "Unpin from taskbar."
- Use Settings to hide pre-installed apps.
Conclusion
Hiding apps in Windows 11 is an easy way to declutter your Start menu and taskbar, allowing you to focus on what’s important. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can quickly and efficiently remove unnecessary apps from view.
Additionally, utilizing tips like creating folders, grouping apps on the taskbar, and using virtual desktops can further enhance your Windows 11 experience.
For more control over your hidden apps, consider exploring third-party tools that offer advanced hiding features. Remember, hiding apps does not affect their functionality; it simply makes your interface cleaner and more user-friendly.
Try out these steps and tips today to enjoy a more streamlined and organized Windows 11 environment.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.