Excess details on your desktop can be distracting. Windows 11, in particular, tends to bloat your apps with their full names underneath, wasting precious space and making your desktop look cluttered. Whether you’re a minimalist at heart or simply want to streamline your workspace, getting rid of those pesky app names is easier than you might think. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through three simple methods to declutter your desktop and restore its sleek aesthetic.
Our first approach involves tweaking your registry settings. This method is suitable for users who are comfortable making system modifications. We’ll provide step-by-step instructions, including creating a system restore point to ensure your settings remain intact. However, if you prefer a more straightforward solution, we’ll also introduce a user-friendly application that can handle the task with just a few clicks. Finally, we’ll explore a method using Windows PowerShell, catering to users who enjoy working with command lines. Regardless of your technical level, you’ll find a suitable solution to eliminate app names and achieve a cleaner, more organized desktop.
Before embarking on any of these methods, it’s crucial to create a system restore point. This precautionary measure allows you to revert your system to an earlier state if any unforeseen issues arise during the process. Once you’ve created a restore point, you can proceed with the method that best aligns with your preferences and comfort level. Let’s dive into the details and banish those app names from your desktop!
Ungroup Start Menu Tiles
If you have a lot of apps installed on your Windows 11 computer, your Start menu can quickly become cluttered with app names. If you find this to be distracting or annoying, you can ungroup the app names by following these steps:
- Open the Settings app.
- Click on the “Personalization” tab.
- Click on the “Start” tab.
- Under the “App tiles” section, click on the “Show app names” drop-down menu and select “Off”.
Once you have completed these steps, the app names will no longer be displayed on your Start menu. This will give your Start menu a cleaner and more organized look.
Here is a table summarizing the steps:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Open the Settings app. |
| 2 | Click on the “Personalization” tab. |
| 3 | Click on the “Start” tab. |
| 4 | Under the “App tiles” section, click on the “Show app names” drop-down menu and select “Off”. |
Use a Third-Party Start Menu Replacer
If the built-in Windows 1 Start menu customization options don’t meet your needs, consider using a third-party Start menu replacer. These programs provide extensive customization options, allowing you to completely revamp the look and feel of your Start menu, including removing app names and other elements.
Popular Third-Party Start Menu Replacers
| Replacer | Features |
|---|---|
| StartIsBack++ | Classic Start menu layout, customization options for app names and icons |
| Classic Shell | Highly configurable, customizable Start menu, taskbar, and Explorer |
| WindowsX Experience Pack | Lightweight, customizable Start menu with various themes and settings |
| Start11 | Modern Start menu with the ability to remove app names and resize tiles |
To use a third-party Start menu replacer:
1. Download and install the program.
2. Launch the program and configure your desired settings.
3. Select the “Start menu” tab and look for settings related to app names.
4. Disable the option to display app names or choose a custom setting to hide specific app names.
5. Apply the changes and restart your computer.
Create a Custom Start Menu
Follow these steps to create a custom Start Menu:
1. Open Settings
Click on the Start button and select “Settings.”
2. Navigate to Personalization
In the Settings window, click on “Personalization.”
3. Select Start
In the left-hand pane, click on “Start.”
4. Disable Show App List
Under the “Start Options” section, uncheck the box labeled “Show app list in Start menu.”
5. Disable Show App Names
Under the “Start Options” section, uncheck the box labeled “Show app names in Start menu.”
6. Enable Full Screen
Under the “Start Options” section, check the box labeled “Use Start full screen.”
7. Create a Group
Click on the “Create a new group” button in the right-hand pane.
8. Name the Group
In the “Name your group” field, enter a name for the group (e.g., “Favorites”).
9. Add Apps to the Group
Drag and drop apps from the apps list or your desktop onto the new group to add them to the group. You can also right-click on an app and select “Add to Start” to add it to the group.
How to Get Rid of App Names on Windows 1
There are two methods to get rid of app names on Windows 1. The first method is to use the built-in Windows 1 settings. The second method is to use a third-party tool.
Method 1: Use Windows 1 Settings
1. Open the Windows 1 Settings app.
2. Click on the “Personalization” tab.
3. Click on the “Start” tab.
4. Under the “Customize Start” section, turn off the “Show app names” toggle switch.
Method 2: Use a Third-Party Tool
There are several third-party tools that can be used to get rid of app names on Windows 1. One popular tool is called “Hide App Names.”
To use Hide App Names, follow these steps:
1. Download and install Hide App Names.
2. Run Hide App Names.
3. Click on the “Hide App Names” button.
People Also Ask About How to Get Rid of App Names on Windows 1
Can I get rid of app names on Windows 1 without using a third-party tool?
Yes, you can get rid of app names on Windows 1 without using a third-party tool. However, you will need to use the Windows 1 Registry Editor, which can be dangerous if you do not know what you are doing.
Is it safe to use a third-party tool to get rid of app names on Windows 1?
Yes, it is safe to use a third-party tool to get rid of app names on Windows 1. However, you should only download third-party tools from reputable sources.
