Want to declutter your desktop without saying goodbye to your favorite apps? No problem! On Windows 11, you can easily remove apps from your desktop without deleting them. All you need to do is unpin the apps, and they’ll disappear from your desktop but still be accessible elsewhere. In a few clicks, your workspace can look tidier while keeping all your apps intact and ready for use when needed. Let’s dive into the steps to make it happen.
Step-by-Step Tutorial: Remove Apps from Desktop Without Deleting Them in Windows 11
These steps will guide you on how to remove apps from your desktop without deleting them, ensuring your desktop looks organized while keeping apps accessible.
Step 1: Right-click on the App Icon
Locate the app icon you wish to remove from your desktop, and right-click on it.
When you right-click on an app icon, a context menu appears. This menu gives you several options you can choose from to manage the app.
Step 2: Select “Unpin from Start”
From the context menu, click on “Unpin from Start” to remove the app from the desktop.
This action will immediately remove the app icon from your desktop, but don’t worry—it doesn’t delete the app from your system. You can still find it in the Start menu or by searching for it.
Step 3: Verify the App Removal
Check your desktop to ensure the app icon is no longer visible.
Once you’ve successfully unpinned the app, your desktop should look cleaner and more organized. If you still see the app icon, try repeating the steps or restarting your computer.
Step 4: Access the App via Start Menu
Go to the Start menu to access the removed app when needed.
By clicking the Start button, you can find and open the app whenever you want. This ensures you still have easy access to all your favorite applications.
Step 5: Repeat for Other Apps
If you have more apps to remove, repeat steps 1-4 for each one.
Feel free to remove as many apps as you want from your desktop. The process is quick and straightforward, making desktop management a breeze.
After completing these steps, your desktop will be free of the selected app icons, but the apps themselves will remain safely on your computer. This means you can enjoy a neat and tidy workspace without losing access to any of your important applications.
Tips for Removing Apps from Desktop Without Deleting Them in Windows 11
- Always verify that the app is still accessible via the Start menu after unpinning it from the desktop.
- Consider organizing the Start menu to make finding your apps easier once they’re off the desktop.
- Use the search function in Windows 11 to quickly locate apps that you have unpinned.
- If an app doesn’t unpin, ensure it’s not a shortcut file that needs to be deleted separately.
- Regularly review the apps you use most and consider keeping only those on the desktop for quick access.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I re-add an app to the desktop after unpinning it?
Yes, you can easily re-add the app by dragging the icon from the Start menu back to the desktop.
Will unpinning an app affect its performance?
No, unpinning an app does not affect its performance or functionality in any way.
Where else can I find unpinned apps?
You can find unpinned apps in the Start menu or by searching for them in the taskbar’s search box.
Can I remove apps from the taskbar the same way?
Yes, you can right-click on an app in the taskbar and select “Unpin from taskbar” to remove it.
Does unpinning an app save storage space?
No, unpinning an app only changes its location on your desktop. It doesn’t affect storage space.
Summary
- Right-click on the app icon.
- Select “Unpin from Start.”
- Verify the app removal.
- Access the app via Start menu.
- Repeat for other apps.
Conclusion
Decluttering your desktop without sacrificing access to your favorite applications is as easy as a few clicks in Windows 11. By unpinning apps, you maintain a streamlined desktop environment while keeping all your essential tools just a few clicks away in the Start menu. This simple method doesn’t interfere with the functionality or storage of your apps, offering the best of both worlds—a tidy desktop and full app access.
The beauty of this approach is its reversibility; whenever you decide you want a particular app back on your desktop, you can easily drag it from the Start menu. Keeping your digital workspace organized can enhance productivity and reduce distractions, which is always a win.
For those who thrive in a minimalist environment or simply want to reduce desktop clutter, knowing how to remove apps from desktop without deleting them is an invaluable skill. If you’re interested in further optimizing your Windows 11 experience, consider exploring features like desktop themes and virtual desktops, which can further enhance how you interact with your computer daily.
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.