How to Hide Apps on Windows 11
Keeping your workspace on Windows 11 tidy as a dartboard is a fair dinkum challenge—like trying to keep the shed clean after a weekend DIY. But if you want to hide some apps, there are a few simple ways to get the clutter off your screen, whether it’s for a cleaner desktop or to keep nosy mates from having a stickybeak.
Using the Start Menu
This one’s probably the easiest way to start. Just open the Start menu by pressing the Windows key, find the app you want to hide, right-click it, and select Unpin from Start.
What’s the go with this? It doesn’t delete or disable the app—it just takes it off the Start menu. Want it back? Just type its name in the search bar using Search Windows (Win + S) and pin it again. Easy as pie, like playing hide-and-seek but way less fair dinkum.
Hiding from the Taskbar
The taskbar is like the VIP lounge for your apps, so unpinning stuff makes it look less cluttered. Right-click the app icon in the taskbar and choose Unpin from taskbar. Voila—it’ll disappear from sight but is still kicking around in the background. Not bad, eh?
If you don’t want certain apps to pop up when you start the PC, head over to Settings > Personalisation > Taskbar and sort out what gets that VIP treatment.
Managing Startup Apps: If you’re over apps loading each time you fire up Windows, go to Settings > Apps > Startup and switch off the ones you don’t need hanging around.
Playing Around with the Settings Menu
If you reckon it can’t get any easier, think again. Windows 11 lets you choose what appears in your Start menu. Head to Settings > Personalisation > Start and toggle options like “Show recently added apps” or “Show most used apps.” Turning those off means less clutter—who doesn’t love that?
Want to pick which folders show up? Click on Choose which folders appear on Start within that section. Bob’s your uncle—a quick way to customise your layout.
Creating a New Folder
Old school DIY—just chuck your apps into a folder. You can make a new folder on your desktop or inside the Start menu. Right-click somewhere, select New > Folder, and pop your shortcuts in. Done and dusted.
This is ace if there are apps you don’t use much but don’t want to bin. If you’re after a sneaky hideout in the Start menu, right-click the app and choose Move to > New folder—if that’s an option.
Third-Party Software
If hiding them manually isn’t enough, some third-party software can do the donkey work for you. Apps like HideWizard or Folder Hidden let you password-protect folders and make them completely stealthy.
For example, to beef up hiding with Folder Hidden, right-click the folder, go to Properties, and check the Hidden box. Make sure your PC is set to show hidden files when needed: go to File Explorer > View > Show > Hidden items.
Or, if you’re comfortable with command lines, use PowerShell or Command Prompt with attrib +h "path\to\your\appfolder" to keep it out of sight. But be careful—mucking about with this stuff can cause headaches if you’re not careful.
Note: Always be cautious with third-party tools—sure, they can save time, but a wrong click can cause more trouble than it’s worth.
Quick Tips for Hiding Apps on Windows 11
- Keep a note of what you’ve hidden, so you don’t forget. Think of it as your secret stash list.
- Windows search is pretty clever—if you remember the app’s name, you’ll find it even if hidden.
- If using third-party tools, make sure they’re legit and downloaded from a trusted source to dodge malware hassles.
- Check your hidden folders or lists regularly—don’t leave important apps tucked away in the shadows.
- For apps you use all the time, consider putting shortcuts in lower-key folders instead of outright hiding them. Less clutter, more quick access!
Answers to Common Questions
Can I hide apps permanently on Windows 11?
Hiding apps just makes them less visible; they’re still there in the background. To completely remove an app, you’ll need to uninstall it via Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
Will hiding an app affect its performance?
Not at all. Hiding just puts it out of sight—doesn’t stop it from running if it’s set to do so, and won’t mess with how it works.
How do I find a hidden app again?
Just use Windows search (Win + S) and type in the app’s name or keywords. If you hid its shortcut, check where you put it or look in your hidden files in File Explorer.
Can I password-protect hidden apps?
You bet. Software like Folder Lock or Wise Folder Hider can lock and encrypt your folders with a password for that extra peace of mind. Once set up, you can keep stuff under wraps.
Can I hide system apps on Windows 11?
Hiding system apps isn’t a walk in the park. Windows usually keeps them visible for stability reasons. If you really want to hide them, you’d need some fancy tools or hacks—risky business, mate.
All up, hiding apps on Windows 11 isn’t brain surgery, but it might take a bit of trial and error to find what suits you best. From unpinning to third-party tools, there are plenty of ways to tidy up your desktop. Just remember what you hide—no good missing out on some important software later on!
Hope these tips help you keep your digital space neat as a pin. It’s about balancing a tidy desktop with quick access—getting the best of both worlds is well within reach with a bit of effort.