To keep an app out of sight on Windows 11, right-click it in Start and select Unpin from Start, right-click it on the taskbar and select Unpin from taskbar, and delete its desktop shortcut. The app stays installed. To remove it completely, uninstall it instead.
Applies to: Windows 11. Checked against Microsoft Support on September 29, 2026.
Windows 11 can’t fully hide an installed app. It will still appear in the All list in Start and in search. The steps below remove it from the places you see every day.
Unpin it from Start
- Select Start.
- Right-click the app under Pinned.
- Select Unpin from Start.
Unpin it from the taskbar
- Right-click the app’s icon on the taskbar.
- Select Unpin from taskbar.
If the app is open, its icon stays on the taskbar until you close the app.
Remove its desktop shortcut
Right-click the app’s shortcut on the desktop and select Delete (the trash can). Deleting a shortcut doesn’t delete the app. See how to remove desktop shortcuts in Windows 11.
Stop Start from suggesting it
Go to Settings > Personalization > Start and turn off Show recently added apps and Show most used apps. See how to remove Recommended from the Start menu for the other options.
Hide its icon next to the clock
Some apps put an icon in the corner of the taskbar. Go to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Other system tray icons and turn the app off. Its icon moves into the hidden area under the up arrow.
Frequently asked questions
Is hiding an app private?
No. Anyone using your account can still find it in All apps or search for it. If you don’t want the app at all, uninstall it.
How do I get a hidden app back?
Search for it from Start, right-click it and select Pin to Start or Pin to taskbar.
Microsoft’s reference is Customize the Windows Start Menu. More help is on our Windows Help & Guides page.
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.