To hide apps on Windows 11, you can easily pin apps to the Start menu or taskbar and then unpin them when you want them out of sight. Alternatively, you can use the Settings app to control which apps appear on your Start menu. If privacy is a concern, focus mode can help keep distractions at bay by muting notifications from certain apps. This way, you can keep your workspace organized and distraction-free without deleting any apps.
How to Hide Apps on Windows 11
In this section, you’ll learn a few simple ways to hide apps on Windows 11, whether you want to reduce clutter or maintain privacy. Follow these steps to get started.
Step 1: Pin the App to the Start Menu
Locate the app you want to hide, right-click on it, and select “Pin to Start” from the context menu.
Pinning an app to the Start menu makes it easier to access without crowding your desktop or taskbar. Once pinned, you can unpin it at any time to hide it from plain view.
Step 2: Unpin the App from Start
Right-click the pinned app in the Start menu and select “Unpin from Start.”
By unpinning the app, you effectively hide its icon from the Start menu, reducing visual clutter. The app remains installed and fully functional, just a bit out of sight.
Step 3: Pin the App to the Taskbar
Right-click the app and choose “Pin to Taskbar” to keep it handy but not clutter your desktop.
Pinning apps to the taskbar keeps them within easy reach without taking up space on your desktop. If you later decide you want it out of sight, you can unpin it with a couple of clicks.
Step 4: Use Focus Mode
Navigate to Settings > System > Focus Assist and set up rules to mute notifications.
Focus mode helps hide apps by silencing notifications during work or relaxation periods. This can reduce distractions and keep your workspace serene.
Step 5: Manage Apps via Settings
Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features and choose which apps appear on the Start menu.
Using the Settings app, you can control the visibility of apps on the Start menu, allowing you to hide those you rarely use or want to keep private.
After you complete these actions, the selected apps will remain installed but hidden based on your preferences. The apps still run and are accessible through search or other methods, but they won’t clutter your Start menu, taskbar, or desktop.
Tips for Hiding Apps on Windows 11
- Consider creating desktop folders to group apps you don’t use frequently.
- Use third-party applications for more advanced app-hiding features.
- Customize the Start menu by resizing it to show fewer apps.
- Regularly review your pinned apps to keep your workspace organized.
- Adjust notification settings to control app alerts and reduce interruptions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find a hidden app on Windows 11?
You can find a hidden app by using the search feature in the Start menu or by navigating to the Apps & features section in Settings.
Can I completely remove an app from the Start menu?
Yes, you can unpin an app from the Start menu, but the app will still be installed on your system.
Will hiding an app affect its performance?
No, hiding an app only changes its visibility; it does not affect the app’s performance or functionality.
Is focus mode effective for all applications?
Focus mode works with most applications but may not mute notifications from certain third-party apps that do not adhere to system settings.
Can I hide system apps on Windows 11?
System apps can be pinned or unpinned, but they cannot be completely removed from the system without affecting functionality.
Summary
- Pin the app to Start.
- Unpin the app from Start.
- Pin the app to the taskbar.
- Use focus mode.
- Manage apps via Settings.
Conclusion
Learning how to hide apps on Windows 11 can be a game-changer for anyone looking to declutter their digital workspace. By pinning, unpinning, and managing app notifications, you can create an environment that’s both efficient and pleasing to the eye. It’s like spring cleaning for your computer—making sure everything you need is at your fingertips, while the rest is tucked neatly away.
The beauty of hiding apps is that it gives you control. Whether for reasons of privacy, efficiency, or just a desire to see a clean desktop, the methods outlined above offer simple and effective solutions. Plus, with features like focus mode, you can take productivity to the next level by minimizing distractions.
These steps are just the beginning. As you adapt these techniques, you might find even more ways to personalize your Windows 11 experience. So why wait? Dive into your settings and start curating a workspace that reflects your style and needs. With a little effort, your computer can become a streamlined hub that’s as organized as it is powerful.
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.