Hiding apps in Windows 10 can be a handy trick to keep your desktop tidy and maintain privacy. This guide will walk you through a few simple steps to hide apps using built-in Windows features without installing any third-party software. By the end, you’ll know how to make apps vanish from your Start menu, taskbar, and desktop, making your workspace look clean and organized.
How to Hide Apps in Windows 10
In the following steps, you’ll learn how to hide apps on your Windows 10 computer. These methods utilize built-in Windows functionalities like the Start menu customization and taskbar settings.
Step 1: Unpin from Start Menu
Right-click the app you want to hide on the Start menu and select "Unpin from Start."
This will remove the app’s tile from your Start menu, making it less visible when you open the Start menu. It’s a quick way to declutter your Start screen.
Step 2: Remove from Taskbar
Right-click the app icon on the taskbar and choose "Unpin from taskbar."
Removing the app from the taskbar hides it from this prominent spot. This is useful if you want to minimize the number of apps that appear there and keep your taskbar clean.
Step 3: Move the App to a Different Folder
Navigate to the app’s location in File Explorer, cut the app’s shortcut, and paste it into a less obvious folder.
By moving the app’s shortcut from its usual location to a less obvious folder, you make it harder for others to find it. You can create a new folder in an inconspicuous place to store these shortcuts.
Step 4: Hide Desktop Icons
Right-click on the desktop, go to "View," and uncheck "Show desktop icons."
This step will hide all desktop icons, including any app shortcuts. If you have multiple apps on the desktop that you want to hide, this is a quick solution.
Step 5: Use Group Policy Editor
Open the Group Policy Editor by typing "gpedit.msc" in the Run dialog box (Win+R), navigate to "User Configuration" > "Administrative Templates" > "Start Menu and Taskbar," and configure the settings to hide specific apps.
This method is more advanced and allows you to control which apps appear in the Start menu and taskbar. You can specify individual apps to hide using these settings.
Once you’ve completed all the steps, the selected apps will no longer appear in their usual places. Your Start menu, desktop, and taskbar will look cleaner and more organized.
Tips for Hiding Apps in Windows 10
- Consider renaming app shortcuts to something less obvious before moving them to a different folder.
- Utilize desktop folders to group and hide apps.
- Regularly review your taskbar and Start menu to keep them organized.
- Use Windows "Safe Mode" to undo these changes if necessary.
- Create a standard user account for guests to keep your main account private.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I need to access the hidden apps later?
You can always navigate to the hidden folder or use the search bar in the Start menu to find and launch the app.
Will hiding apps make my system run faster?
Hiding apps won’t affect your system’s performance. It only changes their visibility.
Can I hide system apps?
Yes, but be careful when hiding system apps as they are essential for Windows operation.
Is there a way to hide apps without using the Group Policy Editor?
Yes, the other methods mentioned like unpinning from the taskbar and Start menu work without using the Group Policy Editor.
Can I hide apps on all user accounts?
Hiding apps using these methods typically affects only the current user account. You’d need to repeat the steps for each account.
Summary
- Unpin from Start Menu
- Remove from Taskbar
- Move the App to a Different Folder
- Hide Desktop Icons
- Use Group Policy Editor
Conclusion
Hiding apps in Windows 10 is a straightforward process that can help you maintain a clean, organized, and private workspace. Whether you’re looking to declutter your desktop, minimize distractions, or keep certain apps away from prying eyes, the steps covered in this article provide a variety of methods to achieve your goal.
Remember that while hiding apps can improve the look and feel of your desktop, it’s important to ensure you still have quick access to the tools you use most frequently. For those who want to delve deeper, exploring additional Windows 10 customization options can further enhance your user experience.
By mastering these techniques, you’ll be well on your way to a more streamlined and efficient computing environment. Happy organizing!
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.