How to Remove Microsoft Store Icon from Windows 11 Taskbar
Removing the Microsoft Store icon from the Windows 11 taskbar takes just two clicks and clears out unwanted clutter from your screen. The Microsoft Store is the default app shop built into Windows 11 for downloading software and games.
Right-click the Microsoft Store icon on your taskbar and select Unpin from taskbar to make it disappear instantly. You can always pin the icon back to the taskbar later if you want quick access again.
Right-click the Microsoft Store icon on your taskbar and select “Unpin from taskbar.” This removes the shortcut without uninstalling the app. You can still access the Store via the Start menu .
Why remove the Microsoft Store icon?
The Microsoft Store icon appears on the Windows 11 taskbar by default. Many users prefer a tidy desktop and find this icon takes up valuable taskbar space. Removing the Microsoft Store icon frees up room for frequently used applications and reduces visual clutter.
What happens when done?
Unpinning the Microsoft Store removes the icon from the taskbar without deleting the app itself. The Microsoft Store app remains installed on your computer, and you can open it by searching the Start menu . No other parts of your system are affected by this action.
Method 1Unpinning from the Taskbar
Administrator privileges aren’t needed for this method.
- Find the Microsoft Store icon on your taskbar .
- Right-click the icon.
- Select Unpin from taskbar.
Method 2Unpinning from the Start Menu
Administrator privileges aren’t needed for this method.
- Click the Start button.
- Find the Microsoft Store icon.
- Right-click the icon.
- Select Unpin from taskbar.
Advanced Deployment and System Administration
IT professionals can manage taskbar icons across multiple computers simultaneously using tools like Group Policy Objects (GPO) or Intune.
PowerShell One-Liner for Quick Fix
If you prefer using commands, remove the pinned item with this PowerShell script. Keep in mind you'll need administrator privileges to run it.
Remove-ItemProperty -Path 'HKCU:\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Taskband' -Name 'Favorites'
Registry Editor and CIS Baselines
Working with the registry carries risks, so back it up first. Find the relevant path at HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer. Following security guidelines, such as CIS Baselines, helps keep your system secure while you tidy up the interface.
Summary
Removing the Microsoft Store icon from your Windows 11 taskbar works as a reliable method for home users. However, IT professionals use specialized management tools to handle this across many computers at once.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard is a writer at Geek Rewind who turns complex IT tasks into clear, step-by-step guides. He draws on years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, focusing on Windows, Linux and WordPress: the problems people actually run into, and the fixes that work. His server and WordPress guides come from systems he runs himself. Richard builds and maintains the platform behind Geek Rewind, from its Ubuntu servers and Nginx configuration to its custom WordPress plugins. Many new tutorials start with readers' questions, and he's always glad to answer them in the comments.
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