How to Remove Microsoft Store Icon from Windows 11 Taskbar
Do you want a cleaner look for your Windows 11 desktop? The Microsoft Store icon is taskbar-in-windows-11/" class="sal-link" rel="noopener" target="_blank" data-sal-id="11111">pinned to your taskbar when you first set up your computer. This guide shows you how to remove it in a few simple steps.
Why remove the Microsoft Store icon?
Many users prefer a minimalist desktop. The Microsoft Store icon is pinned by default, which creates taskbar clutter. Removing it gives you more space for apps you use daily. It helps you focus on your work without extra distractions.
What happens when done?
When you remove the icon, it disappears from your taskbar. The app remains installed on your computer. You can still open it by searching in the Start menu. Nothing else changes on your system.
Method 1: Unpinning from the Taskbar
You do not need admin privileges for this method.
- Find the Microsoft Store icon on your taskbar.
- Right-click the icon.
- Select Unpin from taskbar.
Method 2: Unpinning from the Start Menu
You do not need admin privileges 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
For IT professionals managing Windows 11 enterprise configurations, removing icons is part of standard deployment management. You can control taskbar layout using Group Policy Objects (GPO) or Intune. This ensures a consistent experience across your organization.
PowerShell One-Liner for Quick Fix
If you want to remove the pinned item via command line, use this PowerShell script. Requires Admin Privileges.
Remove-ItemProperty -Path 'HKCU:\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Taskband' -Name 'Favorites'
Registry Editor and CIS Baselines
Modifying the registry can be risky. Always back up your registry before making changes to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer. Following CIS Baselines helps maintain security while cleaning up the user interface.
Summary
Removing the Microsoft Store icon is a simple way to reduce taskbar clutter. For home users, right-clicking and unpinning is sufficient. For system administrators, using GPO, Intune, or PowerShell scripts provides a way to manage this across many computers. Always exercise caution when editing the registry or deploying system-wide changes to ensure stability.
Can I remove the Microsoft Store icon for all users on a PC?
Yes, you can use a Group Policy Object (GPO) to enforce a specific taskbar layout. By applying an XML file via the ‘Start Layout’ policy, you can prevent the Microsoft Store icon from appearing for all users on the machine during deployment.
Does removing the icon uninstall the Microsoft Store app?
No. Removing the icon only unpins the shortcut from your taskbar. The actual application remains installed in C:\Program Files\WindowsApps. You can still access the store through the Start menu or by searching for it, as the underlying files are not removed.
How do I prevent the Microsoft Store from reappearing after updates?
To prevent the icon from returning, you must manage the taskbar layout via GPO or Intune. Simply unpinning it manually may not stop it from returning after major Windows updates or feature resets, as the system may re-apply default pinned items.
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