How to Hide the “Access Your Mobile Device Here” Phone Pane Sidebar from Windows 11 Start Menu?

Why Is the “Access Your Mobile Device Here” Pane Showing Up in Windows 11?

When you open the Start menu in Windows 11, you might notice a small panel on the side. This panel says, “Access your mobile device here.” It’s there because Windows 11 wants to help you connect your phone to your computer. If you link your iPhone or Android phone with the Phone Link app, you’ll see your calls and messages right in the Start menu. You can also make calls, send texts, and share files between your phone and PC.

But what if you don’t want this pane? Maybe you don’t use Phone Link. Maybe you just want your Start menu to look clean and simple. You can hide this pane with a few easy steps.

How to Remove the “Access Your Mobile Device Here” Pane in Windows 11

Method 1: Hide the Pane from the Start Menu

1. Click the Windows logo on your taskbar or press the Windows key on your keyboard to open the Start menu.
2. Look for the small panel that says, “Access your mobile device here.”
3. Inside the phone pane, there’s a link called “Hide this pane.” Click it. This takes you to the Start menu settings.
4. In the Settings app, find the switch for “Show your mobile device in Start.” Turn it off.
5. The phone pane should disappear. If it doesn’t, restart your computer.

Method 2: Use the Settings App Directly

1. Click the Start menu, then click the gear icon, or press Windows + I on your keyboard to open Settings.
2. In the Settings window, click on “Personalization.”
3. On the left side, click “Start.”
4. Find the option called “Show your mobile device in Start.” Turn it off.
5. Open the Start menu again. The pane should be gone.

What If You Don’t See the Option?

1. Make sure your Windows 11 is up to date. Sometimes, older versions do not have this setting.
2. Go to Settings > Windows Update and check for updates.
3. After updating, repeat the steps above.

Quick Troubleshooting Tips

• If the pane comes back after an update, repeat the steps to turn it off.
• If the option is missing, check for Windows updates.
• Restart your PC after making changes for them to take effect.

Extra Tips for a Smoother Windows 11 Experience

• Customize your Start menu by pinning your favorite apps.
• Use the search bar for quick access to files and settings.
• Explore other personalization options in Settings for a look you like.

Removing the phone pane from your Start menu makes your computer feel more comfortable and less cluttered. Enjoy a smoother, distraction-free experience every time you use your PC.