Windows 10 is a versatile operating system that offers a wide range of features and customization options. However, there may be instances where you want to hide a specific app on your Windows 10 device. Whether it’s to improve your productivity by reducing distractions or to maintain privacy, hiding an app can be a useful trick to have up your sleeve. In this blog post, we will explore different methods you can use to hide a specific app on Windows 10, along with their pros and cons.
Why You Need to Hide A Specific App on Windows 10
There are several reasons why you might want to hide a specific app on your Windows 10 device. Here are a few common scenarios where hiding an app can prove beneficial:
- Privacy: If you share your computer with others, there may be apps that contain personal or sensitive information. Hiding these apps ensures that only authorized users can access them.
- Minimize Distractions: Some apps can be tempting distractions that hinder your productivity. By hiding these apps, you can avoid the temptation and stay focused on your work.
- Organizational Purposes: Hiding unnecessary or rarely used apps can help declutter your desktop or Start menu, making it easier to find and access the apps you use regularly.
- Parental Control: If you have children using your Windows 10 device, hiding certain apps can help you restrict access to age-inappropriate content or limit their usage.
Now that we understand the benefits of hiding a specific app on Windows 10, let’s explore different methods to achieve this.
Video Tutorial:
Part 1: Using Third-Party Software
Third-party software provides a convenient way to hide specific apps on your Windows 10 device. These applications often come with additional features and customization options, making them versatile tools for managing app visibility. Here’s how to do it:
Steps:
1. Research and select a reliable third-party software that offers app hiding capabilities.
2. Download and install the chosen software on your Windows 10 device.
3. Launch the software and navigate to the settings or preferences menu.
4. Look for an option related to app hiding or privacy settings.
5. Select the specific app you want to hide from the list of available apps.
6. Save the changes or apply the settings.
7. The selected app should now be hidden from view.
Pros:
1. Provides a wide range of customization options for app hiding.
2. Can often hide multiple apps simultaneously.
3. Offers additional features and functionality beyond app hiding.
Cons:
1. Requires downloading and installing third-party software.
2. Some apps may have a subscription or purchase cost.
3. Third-party software may have compatibility issues with certain Windows 10 versions.
Part 2: Using Desktop Shortcuts
Another method to hide a specific app on Windows 10 is by using desktop shortcuts. This method allows you to create shortcuts to your apps and hide them in specific folders or locations that are not easily accessible. Here’s how you can do it:
Steps:
1. Select the app you want to hide and right-click on its icon.
2. From the context menu, choose the "Create shortcut" option.
3. A shortcut to the app will be created on your desktop.
4. Right-click on the newly created shortcut and select "Cut" from the context menu.
5. Navigate to a folder or directory where you want to hide the app.
6. Paste the shortcut into the desired folder or directory.
7. The app is now hidden from your desktop.
Pros:
1. Simple and straightforward method without the need for third-party software.
2. Provides an easy way to access the hidden app by opening the specific folder or directory.
Cons:
1. The app can still be accessed via the hidden shortcut or by searching for it.
2. Requires manual organization and management of shortcuts.
3. Can clutter up specific folders or directories if not organized properly.
Part 3: Using the Windows Registry
For more advanced users, it is possible to hide apps on Windows 10 by modifying the Windows Registry. The Windows Registry is a database that stores low-level settings and configurations for the operating system. Here’s how you can hide an app using the Windows Registry:
Steps:
1. Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type "regedit" (without quotes) and press Enter to open the Windows Registry Editor.
3. Navigate to the following location in the Registry Editor: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced
4. Right-click on an empty space in the right panel and select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
5. Name the new value "Hidden" (without quotes).
6. Double-click on the Hidden value and set its Value data to "2" (without quotes) to hide the app icon.
7. Close the Registry Editor.
8. Restart your Windows 10 device for the changes to take effect.
Pros:
1. Completely hides the app from view, including the app icon.
2. Can be used for system-level app hiding on multiple user accounts.
Cons:
1. Modifying the Windows Registry can be risky if not done correctly.
2. Any mistakes in editing the Registry can cause system instability or crashes.
3. The hidden app can still be accessed via alternative methods, such as searching for it by name.
Part 4: Using Group Policy Editor
If you have Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, or Education edition, you can utilize the Group Policy Editor to hide specific apps. The Group Policy Editor allows administrators to control various aspects of user accounts and system settings. Here’s how you can use the Group Policy Editor to hide an app:
Steps:
1. Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type "gpedit.msc" (without quotes) and press Enter to open the Group Policy Editor.
3. In the Group Policy Editor, navigate to User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Start Menu and Taskbar.
4. Double-click on the "Remove All Programs list from the Start menu" policy.
5. Select the "Enabled" option.
6. Click on Apply and then OK.
7. Close the Group Policy Editor.
8. Restart your Windows 10 device for the changes to take effect.
Pros:
1. Hides the app from the Start menu and All Programs list.
2. Works at the system level and can be applied to multiple user accounts.
Cons:
1. Limited to specific Windows 10 editions (Pro, Enterprise, Education).
2. Requires administrative privileges to access and modify Group Policy settings.
3. The hidden app can still be accessed via alternative methods, such as searching for it by name.
What to Do If You Can’t Hide A Specific App
While the methods mentioned above should work for most apps, there may be instances where certain apps cannot be hidden using these techniques. In such cases, here are a few alternative solutions:
1. Uninstall the App: If the app is not essential or you no longer need it, uninstalling it from your Windows 10 device is the most straightforward solution.
2. Disable Startup: Some apps may automatically start with Windows 10. To prevent them from appearing or running, disable them from the Startup tab in the Task Manager.
3. Lock the App: If you’re unable to hide the app completely, you can lock it with a password or a third-party locker software for an additional layer of security.
Bonus Tips
Here are some bonus tips to enhance your app hiding experience on Windows 10:
1. Create Separate User Accounts: If you want to hide apps specific to certain users, creating separate user accounts can provide better control and privacy.
2. Use Virtual Desktops: Virtual desktops in Windows 10 allow you to create different desktop environments. You can dedicate specific virtual desktops to certain apps, effectively hiding them when not in use.
3. Utilize Windows Sandbox: Use Windows Sandbox, a feature available in Windows 10 Pro and Enterprise editions, to run potentially risky or untrusted apps in an isolated environment, keeping them separate from your main system.
The Bottom Line
Hiding a specific app on your Windows 10 device can be a useful way to maintain privacy, minimize distractions, or declutter your desktop. Whether you choose to use third-party software, desktop shortcuts, the Windows Registry, or the Group Policy Editor, there are multiple methods to achieve your desired result. However, it’s important to remember that some apps may still be accessible through alternative means or by users with sufficient knowledge. Choose the method that best suits your needs and ensures the desired level of app visibility on your Windows 10 device.
5 FAQs about Hiding A Specific App on Windows 10
Q1: Can I hide built-in Windows 10 apps?
A: Hiding built-in Windows 10 apps can be tricky, as some apps are essential for the operating system to function properly. However, you can use techniques like reducing their visibility or restricting access to certain user accounts.
Q2: Will hiding an app on Windows 10 affect its functionality or updates?
A: Hiding an app on Windows 10 will not affect its functionality or prevent updates from being installed. The app will continue to work normally, but it may be hidden from view or its accessibility might be limited based on the method used.
Q3: Can I hide apps on Windows 10 temporarily?
A: Yes, hiding apps on Windows 10 can be a temporary measure. You can easily undo the hiding process or change the visibility settings whenever needed.
Q4: Will hiding an app on Windows 10 affect all user accounts?
A: It depends on the method used to hide the app. Some methods, like modifying the Windows Registry or using the Group Policy Editor, work at the system level and can affect all user accounts. Other methods, like using third-party software or desktop shortcuts, may require individual customization for each user account.
Q5: Is it possible to hide apps on Windows 10 Mobile?
A: Windows 10 Mobile, the version of Windows 10 designed for smartphones, has limited customization options compared to the desktop version. While it may not be possible to hide apps directly on Windows 10 Mobile, you can organize your apps in folders or use third-party launcher apps for more control over app visibility.