Hide Apps In Windows 10: Quick & Easy Guide

Hiding apps in Windows 10 can be super useful for a bunch of reasons. Maybe you've got some apps you don't use often and want to declutter your Start Menu, or perhaps you want to keep certain apps private from prying eyes. Whatever your reason, I’m going to walk you through several ways to hide those apps like a pro! Let’s dive in, guys!

Why Hide Apps?

Before we get started, let's quickly touch on why you might want to hide apps in the first place. Here are a few common scenarios:

Decluttering: Over time, you might accumulate a ton of apps, making your Start Menu and app list look like a chaotic mess. Hiding the ones you rarely use can make everything cleaner and easier to navigate.
Privacy: Sometimes, you might have apps that you'd prefer others not to know you have installed. This could be anything from personal finance tools to specific games. Hiding these apps can provide an extra layer of privacy.
Organization: If you're super organized, hiding apps can be part of your overall system for keeping your computer tidy. It's all about making things work the way you want them to!

Method 1: Unpinning from the Start Menu and Taskbar

The simplest way to hide an app is by removing its shortcuts from the Start Menu and Taskbar. This doesn't uninstall the app, but it does make it less visible.

Unpinning from the Start Menu

Open the Start Menu: Click the Windows icon in the bottom-left corner of your screen or press the Windows key on your keyboard.
Find the App: Scroll through the list of apps to find the one you want to hide.
Right-Click: Right-click on the app's icon.
Select "Unpin from Start": Click on the "Unpin from Start" option. This will remove the app's tile from the Start Menu.

Unpinning from the Taskbar

Locate the App: If the app is pinned to your Taskbar (the bar at the bottom of your screen), find its icon there.
Right-Click: Right-click on the app's icon.
Select "Unpin from Taskbar": Click on the "Unpin from Taskbar" option. This will remove the app's shortcut from the Taskbar.

This method is quick and easy, but it only removes the shortcuts. The app is still installed on your computer and can be found in the full list of apps.

Method 2: Uninstalling Apps

If you truly want to hide an app, the most effective way is to uninstall it. This removes the app completely from your system.

Uninstalling via the Settings App

Open the Settings App: Click the Windows icon, then click the gear-shaped icon to open the Settings app. Alternatively, you can press the Windows key + I to open it directly.
Go to Apps: In the Settings app, click on "Apps."
Find the App: Scroll through the list of installed apps to find the one you want to uninstall. You can also use the search bar to quickly locate the app.
Select the App: Click on the app's name. You should see an "Uninstall" button appear.
Click "Uninstall": Click the "Uninstall" button. You might be prompted to confirm your decision or go through an uninstallation wizard, depending on the app.
Follow the Instructions: Follow any on-screen instructions to complete the uninstallation process.

Uninstalling via the Control Panel

Open the Control Panel: Type "Control Panel" in the Windows search bar and click on the Control Panel app when it appears.
Go to Programs: In the Control Panel, click on "Programs."
Click "Uninstall a Program": Under the "Programs and Features" section, click on "Uninstall a program."
Find the App: Scroll through the list of installed programs to find the one you want to uninstall. You can sort the list by name to make it easier to find.
Select the App: Click on the app's name.
Click "Uninstall": Click the "Uninstall" button at the top of the list. You might be prompted to confirm your decision or go through an uninstallation wizard, depending on the app.
Follow the Instructions: Follow any on-screen instructions to complete the uninstallation process.

Uninstalling an app ensures it's completely removed from your system, freeing up storage space and hiding it from view.

Method 3: Using Third-Party Software

Another way to hide apps is by using third-party software specifically designed for this purpose. These tools often offer more advanced features, such as password protection and the ability to hide apps from specific users.

Popular App Hiding Software

IObit Protected Folder: This software allows you to create password-protected folders where you can store apps and files. The folders are hidden from view unless you enter the correct password.
Wise Folder Hider: Similar to IObit Protected Folder, Wise Folder Hider lets you hide files and folders with password protection. It's a simple and effective way to keep your apps private.
My Lockbox: My Lockbox allows you to hide and lock folders with a password. It integrates seamlessly with Windows Explorer, making it easy to hide your apps and files.

How to Use Third-Party Software

Download and Install: Download the software of your choice from a reputable source and install it on your computer.
Follow the Instructions: Each software will have its own set of instructions, but generally, you'll need to create a password and then select the apps or folders you want to hide.
Hide the Apps: Follow the software's instructions to hide the apps. They will typically be moved to a hidden location or protected by a password.

Using third-party software can provide an extra layer of security and make it more difficult for others to access your hidden apps.

Method 4: Editing the Registry (Advanced)

Warning: Editing the Windows Registry can be risky if you're not careful. Incorrect changes can cause your system to become unstable or even unusable. It's essential to back up your Registry before making any changes. Only proceed if you're comfortable with advanced technical tasks.

Backing Up the Registry

Open the Registry Editor: Type "regedit" in the Windows search bar and click on the Registry Editor app when it appears.
Export the Registry: In the Registry Editor, click on "File" in the menu bar, then click on "Export."
Choose a Location: Select a location to save the backup file (e.g., your desktop or a USB drive).
Name the File: Give the backup file a descriptive name (e.g., "RegistryBackup").
Save the File: Click "Save" to create the backup of your Registry.

Hiding Apps by Editing the Registry

Open the Registry Editor: Type "regedit" in the Windows search bar and click on the Registry Editor app when it appears.
Navigate to the Registry Key: In the Registry Editor, navigate to the following key:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer
Create a New DWORD Value: Right-click in the right-hand pane and select "New" > "DWORD (32-bit) Value."
Name the Value: Name the new value "DisallowRun."
Modify the Value: Double-click on the "DisallowRun" value to open its properties.
Set the Value Data: Change the "Value data" field to "1" and click "OK."
Create a New Key: Right-click on the "Explorer" key in the left-hand pane and select "New" > "Key."

| Read Also : San Antonio FL Homes For Sale
Name the Key: Name the new key "DisallowRun."
Create String Values: Inside the "DisallowRun" key, create new string values for each app you want to hide. Right-click in the right-hand pane and select "New" > "String Value."
Name the String Values: Name the string values with consecutive numbers starting from "1" (e.g., "1", "2", "3").
Set the Value Data: Double-click on each string value to open its properties. In the "Value data" field, enter the executable name of the app you want to hide (e.g., "chrome.exe" for Google Chrome). Click "OK."
Restart Your Computer: Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

After restarting, the apps you specified in the Registry should no longer appear in the Start Menu or be able to run. To undo the changes, you can delete the "DisallowRun" key and the "DisallowRun" value, then restart your computer.

Method 5: Using Group Policy Editor (for Windows Pro, Enterprise, and Education Editions)

The Group Policy Editor is a powerful tool that allows you to configure various settings on your computer, including the ability to hide specific apps. This method is only available on Windows Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions.

Opening the Group Policy Editor

Open the Run Dialog: Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
Type "gpedit.msc": Type "gpedit.msc" in the Run dialog box and press Enter.

Hiding Apps Using Group Policy Editor

Navigate to the Policy: In the Group Policy Editor, navigate to the following policy:

User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Explorer
Find the Setting: In the right-hand pane, find the setting "Hide these specified drive in My Computer."
Edit the Setting: Double-click on the "Hide these specified drives in My Computer" setting to open its properties.
Enable the Setting: Select the "Enabled" option.
Choose the Drives to Hide: In the "Options" section, choose the drive you want to hide from the dropdown menu. You can select multiple drives if needed.
Apply the Changes: Click "Apply" and then "OK" to save the changes.
Restart Your Computer: Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

After restarting, the drives you specified in the Group Policy Editor should no longer appear in File Explorer.

Conclusion

So, there you have it, folks! Several ways to hide apps in Windows 10. Whether you're looking to declutter your Start Menu, protect your privacy, or just stay organized, these methods should help you get the job done. Remember to choose the method that best suits your needs and technical skills. And always back up your Registry before making any changes, just in case! Happy hiding, guys!