How to Hide Apps on Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

Do you ever wish you could keep some apps private on your Windows 11 PC — whether to declutter your desktop, protect your privacy, or keep certain tools out of sight? You’re not alone! Many Windows users want to know how to hide apps on Windows 11 easily and safely.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through every possible way to hide apps — from Start Menu and Taskbar to File Explorer and Settings. You’ll also learn how to unhide them later, manage app visibility for multiple users, and use third-party tools for advanced privacy.

Why You Might Want to Hide Apps on Windows 11

There are several reasons to hide apps — and not all of them have to do with secrecy. Sometimes, it’s just about organization and efficiency.

Here are a few common reasons:

• ✅ Privacy: Keep sensitive apps away from prying eyes.

• ✅ Declutter: Reduce Start Menu or desktop clutter.

• ✅ Security: Prevent other users from launching certain apps.

• ✅ Focus: Hide distractions like games or social media.

• ✅ Professionalism: Maintain a clean workspace during presentations or screen shares.

Whether you’re using Windows 11 at home, work, or school, these hiding tricks will help you stay in control of your digital space.

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🧰 Different Ways to Hide Apps

Windows 11 offers multiple methods to hide applications depending on where they appear:

We’ll now explore each one step by step.

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🪟 How to Hide Apps from the Start Menu

The Start Menu is one of the most visible areas in Windows 11. To hide apps here:

🧭 Method 1: Unpin from Start

1. Press Windows + S or click the Start button.

2. Find the app you want to hide.

3. Right-click on it.

4. Select Unpin from Start.

That’s it! The app is now hidden from the Start tiles, but still accessible from All Apps or search.

🧭 Method 2: Remove from “All Apps” List

If you want to hide the app entirely from the All Apps list:

1. Open File Explorer.

2. Navigate to:

   C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs


3. Locate the app shortcut.

4. Cut and paste it to a hidden folder (or delete if you’re sure).

Now it won’t appear in the Start menu anymore.

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📌 How to Hide Apps from the Taskbar

The Taskbar shows your pinned or running apps. You can easily hide them:

🧭 Step-by-Step

1. Right-click on the app icon in the Taskbar.

2. Click Unpin from taskbar.

3. To stop it from appearing when open, go to:

   • Settings → Personalization → Taskbar

   • Turn off Show recent apps or Taskbar corner apps.

💡 Tip: You can even hide the entire taskbar by toggling Automatically hide the taskbar under Taskbar behaviors.

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📁 How to Hide Apps from File Explorer

If you want to hide apps (or folders) from showing up in File Explorer, follow these steps:

🧭 Steps

1. Navigate to the folder where the app is installed.

2. Right-click → Properties.

3. Under the General tab, check Hidden.

4. Click Apply → OK.

To hide all hidden files from view:

1. Open File Explorer → Click View → Show.

2. Uncheck Hidden items.

Now, even if the folder is still there, it will stay invisible to most users.

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⚙️ How to Hide Apps Using Windows Settings

Windows Settings also lets you manage visibility of installed apps.

🧭 Steps

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.

2. Go to Apps → Installed apps.

3. Find the app you want to hide.

4. Click the three dots (⋯) → choose Advanced options or Uninstall (if you prefer to remove access completely).

Alternatively, you can disable background activity so the app doesn’t appear as active.

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🪄 How to Hide Apps in the Start “All Apps” List

If you want a cleaner “All Apps” menu:

1. Open File Explorer.

2. Go to:

   C:\Users\<YourName>\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs


3. Move unwanted app shortcuts to another folder.

This method is reversible — just move them back later to unhide.

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🏬 How to Hide Microsoft Store Apps

For apps installed from the Microsoft Store:

1. Open Microsoft Store → Click your profile icon → My Library.

2. Find the app you want to hide.

3. Click the three dots (⋯) → Select Hide.

To unhide:

• Go back to My Library, then Show hidden products.

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🔍 How to Hide Apps from Search Results

Even after hiding from Start, an app can still appear in Windows Search.

🧭 To stop this:

1. Open Settings → Privacy & Security → Search permissions.

2. Scroll down to Search history and turn it off.

3. Next, go to Indexing options in Control Panel.

4. Exclude the folder where the app is installed.

Now the app won’t appear in search results anymore.

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👥 How to Hide Apps for Other Users

Want to keep certain apps private from other user accounts on the same PC?

🧭 Steps

1. Go to the C:\Program Files or Program Files (x86) folder.

2. Locate the app you want to hide.

3. Right-click → Properties → Security tab.

4. Click Edit → Add/Remove Users.

5. Remove permissions for users who shouldn’t access the app.

This ensures only you can open it.

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🪶 How to Unhide Hidden Apps

If you’ve hidden something accidentally — no worries!

🧭 Steps

1. Open File Explorer → View → Show → Hidden items.

2. Navigate to where you hid the app shortcut.

3. Move it back to its original folder.

You can also reverse any unpinning by:

• Right-clicking the app → Pin to Start or Pin to Taskbar.

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🔐 Best Third-Party Tools to Hide Apps

Sometimes, built-in methods aren’t enough — especially for privacy.
Here are some popular third-party app-hiding tools:

💡 Always download tools from official websites to avoid malware.

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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• ❌ Deleting shortcuts instead of hiding them — you might lose access.

• ❌ Forgetting where you moved the hidden files.

• ❌ Using untrusted third-party tools.

• ❌ Turning on “Hidden items” after hiding — it defeats the purpose!

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🧩 Troubleshooting Hidden App Issues

If your hidden apps reappear:

• Check if Windows Updates reset Start Menu layout.

• Reapply your hiding settings.

• Use Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc) to enforce rules for hiding apps.

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🏁 Conclusion

Now you know exactly how to hide apps on Windows 11 — whether it’s from the Start Menu, Taskbar, File Explorer, or even other users.
These methods let you protect privacy, reduce clutter, and stay organized.

If you ever need the apps again, you can easily unhide them in just a few clicks.

So go ahead — take control of your Windows environment and make it as private and distraction-free as you want.

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❓ FAQs

1. How do I hide apps from the desktop only?

Right-click the icon → Delete (shortcut only) or move it into a hidden folder. The app will still remain installed.

2. Can I password-protect hidden apps?

Yes. Use tools like My Lockbox or Wise Folder Hider for added protection.

3. Will hiding an app affect its functionality?

No. Hidden apps still run normally unless you restrict permissions or uninstall them.

4. Can I hide apps from the Windows 11 search bar?

Yes. Disable indexing for that app’s folder through Indexing Options in Control Panel.

5. How do I restore a hidden app?

Re-enable “Hidden items” in File Explorer, then move the shortcut back to its original location.

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🧾 Summary and Key Takeaways

✅ In short: You can easily hide apps on Windows 11 using built-in tools or privacy utilities — keeping your workspace clean, private, and distraction-free.