Hey guys! Ever felt the need to hide some apps on your Windows 10 PC? Maybe you've got some personal stuff you don't want others snooping around, or perhaps you just want to declutter your Start Menu. Whatever the reason, hiding apps in Windows 10 is totally doable, and I'm here to show you some simple tricks to get it done. Let's dive in!

Why Hide Apps?

Before we get started, let's quickly chat about why you might want to hide apps in the first place. There are tons of valid reasons, and it's all about making your digital life a little more private and organized. Here are a few common scenarios:

• Privacy: This is a big one. Maybe you share your computer with family, roommates, or coworkers. Hiding sensitive apps ensures that your personal information stays, well, personal. Think banking apps, personal journals, or anything else you'd rather keep under wraps.
• Decluttering: Let's be honest, our Start Menus can get seriously cluttered. Hiding apps you rarely use can make it much easier to find the ones you actually need. It's like a digital spring cleaning!
• Security: While hiding an app doesn't provide bulletproof security, it can deter casual snooping. If someone doesn't know an app is there, they're less likely to stumble upon it.
• Parental Control: Parents might want to hide certain apps from their kids, especially if they're not age-appropriate. This can help manage what your children access on the computer.

Whatever your reason, hiding apps in Windows 10 is a useful skill to have. And the best part? It's usually pretty easy to do!

Method 1: Unpinning from Start Menu and Taskbar

Okay, let's start with the simplest method – unpinning apps from the Start Menu and Taskbar. This doesn't actually hide the app completely, but it removes its icon from the most visible places. This is a great option if you just want to declutter and keep things tidy. This method of unpinning apps can be exceptionally useful for applications that you rarely use but still want to keep installed on your system. By removing them from the Start Menu and Taskbar, you minimize visual clutter and streamline your workflow, making it easier to find and launch the apps you use most frequently.

To unpin from the Start Menu:

1. Click the Start button. This is the Windows icon usually located in the bottom-left corner of your screen.
2. Find the app you want to hide.
3. Right-click on the app.
4. Select "Unpin from Start". Poof! It's gone from your Start Menu.

To unpin from the Taskbar:

1. Locate the app's icon on the Taskbar (the bar at the bottom of your screen).
2. Right-click on the icon.
3. Select "Unpin from taskbar". And just like that, it's gone!

This method is super quick and easy, but remember, the app is still installed on your computer and can be found through the search function or in the All Apps list. So, if you need something more secure, keep reading!

Method 2: Uninstalling the App

If you're serious about hiding an app, the most effective method is to simply uninstall it. This completely removes the app from your system, making it inaccessible to anyone using the computer. Of course, this only works if you don't actually need the app anymore. If you do, skip ahead to the other methods. The process of uninstalling an app in Windows 10 is straightforward and user-friendly. By navigating to the Apps & Features settings, you can quickly locate the application you want to remove and initiate the uninstallation process. This method ensures that the app is completely removed from your system, freeing up storage space and eliminating any potential security concerns associated with leaving unused applications on your computer.

Here's how to uninstall an app:

1. Click the Start button and go to Settings (the gear icon).
2. Click on Apps.
3. In the Apps & features section, find the app you want to uninstall. You can scroll through the list or use the search bar to find it quickly.
4. Click on the app. You should see an Uninstall button appear.
5. Click Uninstall and follow the on-screen instructions.

Keep in mind that some apps might require you to restart your computer after uninstalling. Once the process is complete, the app will be completely gone from your system. If you want to use it again in the future, you'll need to reinstall it.

Method 3: Hiding Apps from the All Apps List (Advanced)

Now, for a slightly more advanced technique: hiding apps from the All Apps list. This involves a bit of tinkering with the Registry Editor, so be careful and follow the instructions closely. Messing with the Registry can cause problems if you're not careful, so back up your registry before you start. Seriously, don't skip this step! Backing up your registry before making any changes is a crucial precaution that can save you from potential system instability or data loss. The Registry Editor is a powerful tool that allows you to modify system settings and configurations, but it also carries inherent risks if used incorrectly. By creating a backup, you ensure that you can easily restore your system to its previous state in case anything goes wrong during the app-hiding process, providing you with peace of mind and a safety net against unforeseen issues.

Here's how to do it:

1. Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box. Type regedit and press Enter. This will open the Registry Editor.
2. Navigate to the following key: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced
3. In the right pane, right-click on an empty space, select New, and then click DWORD (32-bit) Value.
4. Name the new value Start_ShowClassicMode. Double click the new value and set the Value data to 1.
5. Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer.

After restarting, the All Apps list will be gone, and your apps will be hidden from that location. To revert the changes, simply change the Value data back to 0 or delete the Start_ShowClassicMode value. Remember, this method doesn't actually uninstall the apps; it just hides them from the All Apps list. They can still be accessed through the search function or by navigating to their installation folders.

Method 4: Using Third-Party Software

If you're not comfortable messing with the Registry Editor, you can always use third-party software to hide apps. There are several apps available that can help you hide apps, lock them with a password, or even disguise them as something else entirely. Just be sure to choose a reputable app from a trusted source to avoid downloading malware or other unwanted software. When selecting third-party software for hiding apps, it's essential to conduct thorough research and choose a reputable provider with a proven track record of security and reliability. Look for reviews and ratings from other users to gauge the software's effectiveness and trustworthiness, ensuring that you're not inadvertently exposing your system to malware or other security risks. Additionally, consider the software's features and compatibility with your specific needs, such as password protection, app disguise capabilities, and ease of use, to ensure that it aligns with your requirements and provides a seamless app-hiding experience.

Here are a few popular options:

• IObit Protected Folder: This app lets you password-protect folders and files, including application installation folders.
• Wise Folder Hider: This is a free tool that allows you to hide files and folders, making them invisible to others.
• My Lockbox: This software lets you password-protect any folder on your computer, including application folders.

Using third-party software can be a convenient way to hide apps, especially if you're not comfortable with more technical methods. Just remember to do your research and choose a reliable app to protect your privacy and security.

Conclusion

So, there you have it – several simple tricks to hide apps on your Windows 10 PC! Whether you want to declutter your Start Menu, protect your privacy, or just keep things organized, these methods should help you get the job done. Remember to choose the method that best suits your needs and comfort level, and always be careful when making changes to your system settings. Now go forth and hide those apps like a pro! And remember, with great hiding power comes great responsibility. Use these tricks wisely, guys! I hope this guide helps you out, and feel free to share it with your friends who might find it useful too. Happy hiding!