Access the All Apps section and delete unwanted applications.
Access the All Apps section and delete unwanted applications.
I need to conceal certain applications on my PC so that others can't discover them, but Windows seems to be making this process more complicated than before. The App List is already hidden from the Start Menu, yet I’d like to take it further and eliminate those programs directly from the list itself. I’m not sure why a simple right-click isn’t enough anymore, especially since I’m used to previous versions working smoothly. It seems unnecessary to complicate things when it’s easier just to simplify. Still, there must be a solution, after all—why would anyone prefer everything visible to everyone at once? I should note that my goal isn’t to remove these programs from the system entirely; I just want to retain them for personal use only.
Currently, Windows focuses heavily on appearance rather than core features. This trend began with Windows 8 and continues with Microsoft's ongoing efforts. The program list is typically found at: %USERPROFILE%\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs. You might want to remove the shortcuts there.
When referring to UWP apps (store items), changes made directly affect the app list and can cause major issues with app management. For x86 applications, you should install them under your user profile if supported, or remove shortcuts in C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs. You might still locate them via Control Panel or Settings, but finding the right registry entries to hide them is often unreliable and inconsistent.
It didn't seem likely, but each user has their own set of programs stored at: %USERPROFILE%\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs. The files are only visible to everyone if they're placed in shared directories such as 'Program Files' or 'Program Files (x86)'. At this stage, I suggest using Sandboxie in the %USERPROFILE%\folder to keep programs private from others.