If you’re looking to remove the Windows 10 sidebar and reclaim more space on your desktop, you’ve come to the right place. The sidebar in Windows 10, also known as the Task View or Action Center, can sometimes feel like an unnecessary distraction. In this guide, we’ll walk you through simple and effective methods to disable or hide the Windows 10 sidebar, so you can enjoy a cleaner and more organized desktop.
What is the Windows 10 Sidebar?
The Windows 10 Sidebar is a feature that offers quick access to apps, notifications, and various settings. It includes elements like the Start Menu, Task View, Action Center, and Virtual Desktops. While this feature is convenient for some users, others may prefer to disable the sidebar for a more streamlined desktop experience.
Why Remove the Windows 10 Sidebar?
There are several reasons why you might want to get rid of the sidebar in Windows 10:
- More screen space: Disabling the sidebar can help declutter your screen, giving you more room for apps and documents.
- Fewer distractions: The sidebar can be a source of constant notifications and pop-ups. Removing it can help you stay focused.
- Customization: If you prefer a minimalist desktop, getting rid of the sidebar allows for a more personalized user experience.
How to Get Rid of the Windows 10 Sidebar
There are different ways to disable or hide the sidebar in Windows 10. Below are some methods you can try.
1. Disable the Action Center
The Action Center is part of the Windows 10 sidebar and displays notifications. If you want to remove this feature, here’s what to do:
- Right-click on the taskbar (the bar at the bottom of your screen).
- Click on Taskbar Settings.
- Scroll down to the Notification Area section and click on Turn system icons on or off.
- Toggle off the Action Center option.
By turning off the Action Center, you’ll no longer see notifications popping up on the sidebar.
2. Hide the Task View Button
The Task View button is another component of the Windows 10 sidebar, providing access to virtual desktops and all open applications. If you want to remove it:
- Right-click on the taskbar.
- Select Taskbar Settings.
- In the settings window, scroll to the Task View section and toggle off the switch next to Show Task View button.
This will hide the Task View button from your taskbar, removing one part of the sidebar.
3. Disable the Start Menu from Automatically Opening the Sidebar
If your issue is with the Start Menu or Start Screen automatically opening the sidebar when accessed, follow these steps to control its behavior:
- Press Windows + I to open the Settings menu.
- Go to Personalization.
- Select Start from the sidebar.
- Turn off “Show suggestions occasionally in Start” and “Show recently added apps”.
This helps reduce the automatic pop-ups from the Start Menu, giving you a more minimalist interface.
4. Remove Cortana from the Sidebar
Cortana, Microsoft’s digital assistant, is another feature of the Windows 10 sidebar that you may want to remove:
- Right-click on the taskbar.
- Hover over Cortana in the dropdown menu.
- Select Hidden to remove the Cortana search bar.
This eliminates one more part of the sidebar, cleaning up your workspace even further.
5. Turn Off Virtual Desktops
If you’re using virtual desktops in Windows 10 and want to remove that feature from the sidebar:
- Open Task View (press Windows + Tab).
- Hover over any virtual desktops you want to close.
- Click the X to close them, which will return you to a single desktop.
Disabling virtual desktops can help simplify your workflow and remove another sidebar feature.
Conclusion
Getting rid of the Windows 10 sidebar is an easy process that can help you customize your desktop, gain more screen space, and reduce distractions. Whether you want to disable the Action Center, hide the Task View button, or remove Cortana from your taskbar, there are plenty of options to suit your preferences. Follow the steps outlined above, and you’ll have a clean, minimalist desktop in no time.
By disabling unnecessary sidebar features, you can optimize your Windows 10 experience and enjoy a more efficient, distraction-free workspace.
Pro Tip: If you ever want to bring back the sidebar, simply follow the reverse steps to re-enable the features.
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