Why Is the Phone Bar in Windows 11 Start Menu So Distracting? How Can I Remove It ?

Can I Quickly Hide the Phone Bar in Windows 11 and Enjoy a Cleaner Start Menu?

The phone bar sits on the right side of the Start menu in Windows 11. It shows if your phone is connected. You might see your phone’s battery, recent calls, and easy buttons to send messages, share files, or make a call.

This bar connects through the Phone Link app. If you link your Android or iPhone to your PC with Phone Link, the bar pops up in your Start menu. Some people like how fast it lets them reach their phone. Others just want a tidy Start menu and find the bar in the way.

Why Might You Want to Hide the Phone Bar?

• You don’t use Phone Link much.
• You want your Start menu to look simple.
• You don’t want phone info showing up on your PC.

You can hide the bar and still use the Phone Link app when you need it. The bar won’t show, but your phone stays linked.

Step-by-Step: How to Remove the Phone Bar from the Start Menu

Step 1: Open the Start Menu

Click the Windows icon in the bottom left corner of your screen.

Step 2: Access Start Menu Settings

1. Right-click on any empty space in the Start menu or right on the phone bar.
2. Choose “Start settings.”

Or:

1. Open the Settings app (click the gear icon).
2. Go to “Personalization.”
3. Select “Start.”

Step 3: Turn Off the Phone Bar

1. Scroll down in the Start menu settings.
2. Find the option called “Show mobile device in Start.”
3. Switch the toggle to “Off.”

Now, the phone bar will disappear from your Start menu. Your phone will stay linked, so you can still open the Phone Link app if you want to call, text, or send files.

What If You Don’t See the Option?

If you can’t find the “Show mobile device in Start” switch:

1. Make sure your Windows 11 is up to date.
2. Open Settings.
3. Go to “Windows Update.”
4. Click “Check for updates.”
5. Install any updates and restart your PC.

After updating, check the Start menu settings again.

Extra Tips

• Turning off the phone bar only hides it from the Start menu. It doesn’t unlink your phone.
• You can always turn the option back on if you change your mind.
• Keeping your PC updated helps you get new features and fixes.

A clean Start menu is easier to use. If you don’t want distractions, hiding the phone bar helps you focus. If you ever need it again, you can bring it back in just a few clicks.

Making your Start menu look the way you want is simple. You can always change it again later. Enjoy a cleaner, calmer desktop!