Hiding apps in Windows 11 is a piece of cake. You can either use the Start Menu customization or tweak the settings to keep your desktop clutter-free. This guide will walk you through the steps of both methods, making sure you understand each part clearly. Let’s get started!
Step-by-Step Tutorial on How to Hide Apps in Windows 11
In this section, we’ll cover two main methods to hide apps in Windows 11: using the Start Menu and adjusting settings. Each step is laid out simply so you can follow along easily.
Step 1: Open the Start Menu
Press the Windows key on your keyboard or click the Start button in the bottom-left corner of your screen.
Opening the Start Menu gives you access to all your installed apps. This is the first step in hiding the apps you don’t want to see all the time.
Step 2: Right-click on the App You Want to Hide
Find the app you want to hide, right-click on it, and select “Unpin from Start.”
Right-clicking on the app and choosing “Unpin from Start” removes the app from the Start Menu, making it less noticeable.
Step 3: Open Settings
Click on the Start button again and then click on the gear icon to open the Settings menu.
The Settings menu is where you can adjust most of the configurations on your Windows 11. This step prepares you for the next action.
Step 4: Navigate to Personalization
In the Settings menu, click on “Personalization” to access the customization options.
Personalization settings allow you to control how your desktop and Start Menu appear, including hiding apps.
Step 5: Click on Start
Within the Personalization menu, select “Start” from the left-hand sidebar.
Choosing “Start” directs you to settings specifically for customizing the Start Menu, where you can choose to hide apps.
Step 6: Customize the Start Menu
Toggle off the options for “Show recently added apps” and “Show most used apps.”
Turning off these options will hide these categories from appearing in your Start Menu, keeping it cleaner and less cluttered.
After you complete these actions, the apps you chose to hide won’t appear on your Start Menu or in the most used apps list. This makes your workspace look cleaner and more organized.
Tips for Hiding Apps in Windows 11
- You can always re-pin an app by finding it in the All Apps list and right-clicking to select “Pin to Start.”
- Use folders to group apps you rarely use. This way, they don’t clutter up your Start Menu.
- Consider using virtual desktops to keep different sets of apps separate.
- Customize your taskbar by right-clicking and choosing which icons to show or hide.
- Regularly review your installed apps and uninstall those you no longer need.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find apps after hiding them?
You can still find hidden apps by searching for them using the search bar next to the Start button.
Can I hide apps on the taskbar too?
Yes, right-click the app icon on the taskbar and choose “Unpin from taskbar.”
Will hiding apps make my computer run faster?
Hiding apps won’t affect performance but can help you stay organized and focused.
How do I unhide an app?
Navigate to the All Apps list, find the app, right-click, and select “Pin to Start.”
Can I hide system apps?
Most system apps can’t be hidden, but you can de-clutter your Start Menu by unpinning unnecessary ones.
Summary
- Open the Start Menu.
- Right-click on the app you want to hide.
- Select “Unpin from Start.”
- Open Settings.
- Navigate to Personalization.
- Click on Start.
- Customize the Start Menu.
Conclusion
Hiding apps in Windows 11 is a straightforward way to keep your computer workspace tidy and organized. Whether you use the Start Menu customization or tweak settings, you’ll find it easy to manage your apps. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can quickly and effectively hide apps, making your desktop and Start Menu look cleaner.
Remember, you can always unhide apps later if you need them. These tips and FAQs should give you everything you need to know about this simple yet effective process.
For further reading, consider exploring how to use virtual desktops or look into advanced customization options within Windows 11 settings. Now that you’ve mastered hiding apps, what’s next on your digital organization journey?
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.