Alex Ruben
Effortlessly Remove Unwanted Apps from Your Microsoft Store Library on Windows
Cleaning up your Microsoft Store library is an essential task for maintaining a clutter-free app experience on your Windows device. Whether you want to get rid of unnecessary applications or hide those you’ve previously installed, this guide will help you navigate through the steps required to clear your Microsoft Store library efficiently. In this tutorial, you will learn how to remove or hide apps, manage your Microsoft account effectively, and ensure that removed apps do not reappear in your library.
Step 1: Accessing Your Microsoft Store Library
To begin removing apps, you first need to open the Microsoft Store. Follow these steps:
- Click on the Start menu or press the Windows key on your keyboard.
- Type “Microsoft Store” and hit Enter to launch the application.
- Once the Microsoft Store is open, navigate to the Library section. You can find it in the sidebar on the left side of the Microsoft Store window.
By accessing your Library, you can view all the apps associated with your Microsoft account, including those installed and uninstalled.
Step 2: Removing Unwanted Apps from Your Library
After accessing the Library, it’s time to remove the unwanted apps:
- In your library, locate the app you wish to remove. This may include both installed and non-installed applications.
- Right-click on the app’s icon or click the three dots (•••) next to it.
- Select the Manage option from the dropdown menu.
- When the manage options appear, choose Remove or Hide depending on your preference. Removing will completely delete the app from your library, while hiding will keep it in the background without showing it in your library view.
Removing or hiding apps helps streamline access to the applications you use most frequently, enhancing overall usability.
Step 3: Clearing Apps from Your Microsoft Account
To ensure that the apps do not return after removal, you should clear them from your Microsoft account:
- Visit the Microsoft Account Management website and log in using your credentials.
- Once logged in, navigate to the Devices or Services & Subscriptions section.
- Here, you can manage the apps linked to your Microsoft account, allowing you to address any unwanted apps that remain in the background.
This step is particularly important for preventing any removed apps from reappearing in your Microsoft Store library.
Step 4: Preventing Removed Apps from Reappearing
To ensure that your library stays clear of previously uninstalled apps:
- Access your Microsoft Store settings by clicking on your profile icon in the upper-right corner of the store window.
- Go to Settings and toggle the option that allows automatic reinstallation of apps to off. This will help avoid surprises where apps you’ve deleted come back unexpectedly.
By following this simple adjustment, you can maintain a neat and organized library for ease of access to only your desired applications.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
Here are some extra tips to enhance your app management experience:
- Regularly check your Microsoft Store library to remove apps you no longer use.
- If you encounter any issues with apps refusing to hide or remove, ensure that your Windows system is updated to the latest version.
- Sometimes, logging out and logging back into your Microsoft account can resolve syncing issues with app management.
These proactive measures can save you time and ensure that your library remains clutter-free.
Conclusion
By following this comprehensive guide, you can effectively manage your Microsoft Store library by removing and hiding unwanted apps. Maintaining a clean app list not only improves your productivity but also enhances your overall user experience. For further optimization, consider exploring additional guides focused on Windows management and other app-related best practices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I recover removed apps from my Microsoft Store library?
Yes, if you’ve removed an app, you can always download it again from the Microsoft Store unless it has been permanently taken down. Your account retains purchase history for easy access.
Will hiding an app free up storage space?
No, hiding an app only removes it from view in your library but does not free up storage. You’ll need to uninstall the app to reclaim the storage space it occupies.
What happens if I delete an app but want it back later?
If you delete an app, it can be redownloaded at any time as long as it is still available in the Microsoft Store. Ensure that your Microsoft account is properly synchronized to access your purchase history.
