Unpinning apps in Windows 11 is a straightforward process, allowing you to customize your Start Menu and Taskbar for a cleaner, more organized experience. Whether you want to remove an app from your Start Menu's "Pinned" section or clear space on your Taskbar, the steps are quick and easy.
Unpinning Apps from the Start Menu
The Start Menu in Windows 11 features a "Pinned" section where you can keep your most frequently used applications readily accessible. Over time, this section might become cluttered with apps you no longer use often.
To unpin an app from the Start Menu:
- Open the Start Menu: Click on the Start button (the Windows icon) on your Taskbar.
- Locate the App: In the "Pinned" section of the Start Menu, find the app you wish to unpin.
- Unpin the App: Press and hold (or right-click) the app icon. From the context menu that appears, select Unpin from Start.
Once unpinned, the app icon will be removed from your Start Menu's "Pinned" section, but the application itself remains installed on your computer. You can still find it in the "All apps" list or by searching for it.
Quick Reference: Unpin from Start Menu
| Step | Action | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Open Start Menu | Click the Windows icon on the Taskbar. |
| 2 | Find App | Navigate to the "Pinned" section and locate the desired app. |
| 3 | Unpin | Right-click (or press and hold) the app icon, then select Unpin from Start. |
Unpinning Apps from the Taskbar
The Taskbar provides another convenient location for quick access to your favorite applications. If your Taskbar feels too crowded or you simply want to remove an app from this prominent spot, follow these steps:
To unpin an app from the Taskbar:
- Locate the App: Find the app icon on your Windows 11 Taskbar.
- Unpin the App: Right-click the app icon. From the context menu, select Unpin from Taskbar.
The app icon will immediately disappear from your Taskbar. Similar to unpinning from the Start Menu, this action does not uninstall the application.
Why Unpin Apps?
Managing your pinned apps offers several benefits:
- Decluttering: A cleaner Start Menu and Taskbar make it easier to find the apps you use most frequently.
- Improved Focus: By removing distractions, you can streamline your workflow and enhance productivity.
- Customization: Personalize your Windows 11 experience to reflect your usage patterns and preferences.
For more details on customizing your Windows 11 experience, you can refer to official Microsoft support documentation regarding personalizing the Start Menu and Taskbar.
