WhatsApp has become one of the most popular messaging apps, with over 2 billion users worldwide. It’s convenient to have WhatsApp accessible in your taskbar for quick access. However, there may be times when you want to hide WhatsApp from the taskbar to declutter your desktop or enhance your privacy. Thankfully, hiding WhatsApp from the taskbar in Windows is simple.
In this comprehensive guide, we will cover different methods to hide WhatsApp from the Windows taskbar. Whether you use the desktop app or web version, we will walk through the steps to remove the WhatsApp shortcut icon and prevent it from showing up. Keep reading to learn how to discreetly hide WhatsApp access on your taskbar.
Prerequisites
Before we dive into the step-by-step instructions, there are a couple of prerequisites to note:
– You need to have WhatsApp already installed on your Windows PC, either the desktop app or accessing the web version in your browser.
– These methods apply to Windows 10 and 11. The steps may vary slightly between versions but generally work the same.
– Hiding WhatsApp from the taskbar only removes the shortcut icon. It does not uninstall or disable the app. WhatsApp will still run in the background if opened.
– To completely hide WhatsApp, you will need to exit or quit the app after removing it from the taskbar.
As long as you meet those requirements, you are ready to begin removing the WhatsApp shortcut icon from the Windows taskbar.
Hide WhatsApp Desktop App from Taskbar
If you have the WhatsApp desktop app installed on your Windows PC, the shortcut icon likely shows up in your taskbar automatically. Here is how to hide the WhatsApp desktop app icon from the taskbar:
1. Locate the WhatsApp icon in your taskbar tray. Right-click on the icon.
2. Select “Unpin from taskbar” from the right-click menu. This immediately removes the icon from the taskbar.
3. If WhatsApp is open, exit or quit the application completely. This will prevent it from running in the background or re-pinning itself to the taskbar automatically.
4. That’s it! WhatsApp desktop should now be hidden from your taskbar. The icon and app will not show up unless you intentionally open WhatsApp again.
This method quickly removes the desktop app shortcut from the taskbar. Just be sure to fully quit WhatsApp so it does not reappear. If you want to access WhatsApp again, you will need to open it from the Start Menu or desktop shortcut.
Hide WhatsApp Web from Taskbar
Alternatively, you may want to hide the WhatsApp web version if you access it through your browser. Here is how to remove the WhatsApp web shortcut icon from the taskbar:
1. Locate the WhatsApp icon in the taskbar tray and right-click on it.
2. Select “Unpin this program from taskbar” option. This immediately removes it.
3. Close the browser tab or window that WhatsApp is opened in. This will prevent it from pinning back to the taskbar.
4. You can also right-click on the browser icon in the taskbar and select “Unpin this program” to remove the browser shortcut as well.
5. Now WhatsApp web should be hidden from the taskbar. You will need to manually open your browser and go to web.whatsapp.com again to access it.
This quickly removes WhatsApp web from the taskbar. Make sure to close the browser window/tab so that it does not reappear after being unpinned.
Prevent WhatsApp from Re-Pinning to Taskbar
Once you have unpinned the WhatsApp desktop or web shortcut from the taskbar, you may notice it automatically re-pins itself when you open the app again. To prevent WhatsApp from re-pinning itself to the taskbar, there are a couple additional steps:
**For WhatsApp Desktop App**
1. Right-click on the WhatsApp desktop app shortcut on your desktop or Start Menu.
2. Select “Properties”. This will open the app properties window.
3. Click on the “Shortcut” tab.
4. In the “Shortcut key” field, delete any shortcut key assigned to this app. This is typically “Ctrl + Shift + W”.
5. Click Apply and OK to save the changes.
**For WhatsApp Web**
1. Edit your browser shortcuts to remove any assigned shortcut keys:
a. For Chrome, right-click the Chrome desktop shortcut > Properties > Shortcut tab
b. For Firefox, click the menu > Options > General tab > Browsing section
2. Delete any keyboard shortcut assigned to open that browser.
3. Save the changes in Properties or Options.
Removing the keyboard shortcuts prevents the apps from pinning themselves back to the taskbar when opened. You will have to manually pin the shortcuts again if desired.
Use Taskbar Settings to Prevent Re-Pinning
In Windows 10 and 11, you can use taskbar settings to disable apps from automatically pinning themselves when opened:
1. Right-click an empty area of the taskbar and select “Taskbar settings”.
2. Scroll down and toggle “Off” the setting labeled “Automatically pin apps to taskbar”.
3. Click “Apply” to save the change.
Now apps cannot pin their icons without your manual action. Combined with unpinning the WhatsApp icon, this prevents it from reappearing on the taskbar automatically.
You can toggle this setting back on at any time to revert to default behavior. But leaving it off gives you full control over pinned taskbar icons.
Remove WhatsApp Icon with Taskbar Customization Apps
Third-party utilities that customize the Windows taskbar offer another option to hide specific app icons like WhatsApp. Popular taskbar customization apps include:
– TaskbarX
– 7+ Taskbar Tweaker
– RBTray
These tools allow you to remove pinned icons individually from the taskbar without uninstalling the apps. Key steps:
1. Download and install the taskbar utility app.
2. Launch the app and look for options to hide, unpin, or remove icons from the taskbar.
3. Select the WhatsApp icon and apply the removal option.
The icon is now hidden from the taskbar. You typically can pin it back through the app if desired.
This method offers more customization of your taskbar layout and icons beyond the native Windows options.
Hide WhatsApp with Organization Software
If you use organization software like Stardock Groupy or ZBar, you can also leverage these tools to hide WhatsApp from taskbar groups:
1. Install your preferred organizational software.
2. Add the WhatsApp shortcut to a group on your taskbar through the software.
3. Close or collapse the group containing WhatsApp to hide it.
4. WhatsApp’s icon will disappear along with the rest of the group.
5. To access WhatsApp, expand the group again and click the icon.
Group organization programs enable you to quickly collapse access to WhatsApp as needed for a cleaner taskbar appearance.
Remove from Start Menu Instead of Taskbar
An alternative technique is to keep WhatsApp pinned to your taskbar but remove it from the Start Menu instead. Here is how:
1. Open the Start Menu and right-click the WhatsApp shortcut.
2. Choose “Unpin from Start”. This removes it from the Start Menu only.
3. The WhatsApp icon will remain in the taskbar for quick access. But it won’t show up when you open your Start Menu.
4. You can always re-pin it to Start by opening WhatsApp and right-clicking the icon to choose “Pin to Start”.
This allows you to keep WhatsApp’s convenience in the taskbar while hiding the shortcut from the Start Menu.
Disable WhatsApp’s Auto-Start on Reboot
WhatsApp may also automatically start running in the background when you reboot your computer, causing it to reappear in the taskbar. To prevent this:
1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Click the Startup tab.
3. Locate WhatsApp and select “Disable” on the right.
Now WhatsApp will stay hidden from your taskbar when restarting your PC until you manually open the app again.
How to Re-Pin WhatsApp to the Taskbar
If you change your mind later and want WhatsApp easily accessible in the taskbar again, re-pinning it is simple:
**For WhatsApp Desktop App**
1. Open WhatsApp from the Start Menu or desktop shortcut icon.
2. Right-click the WhatsApp icon in the taskbar.
3. Choose “Pin to taskbar” from the menu.
**For WhatsApp Web**
1. Open your browser and go to web.whatsapp.com.
2. Right-click the browser icon on the taskbar once WhatsApp web loads.
3. Select “Pin this program to taskbar”.
The WhatsApp shortcut will now be pinned to the taskbar for quick access once again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about hiding WhatsApp from the Windows taskbar:
How do I get WhatsApp back on my taskbar?
To restore WhatsApp to the taskbar, simply follow the re-pinning steps outlined above. Open WhatsApp, right-click the icon in the taskbar, and choose “Pin to taskbar”.
Will hiding the icon disable notifications?
No, WhatsApp notifications will still come through normally even with the shortcut icon hidden.
Can I access WhatsApp if I hide it from the taskbar?
Yes, you can still open WhatsApp through the Start Menu or desktop shortcuts. The icon is just hidden from the taskbar for a cleaner look.
What if WhatsApp is still reappearing in my taskbar automatically?
Make sure to disable any keyboard shortcuts for opening WhatsApp, and turn off “Automatically pin apps to taskbar” in Windows Settings to prevent automatic pinning.
Will this method work on Windows 7 or 8?
Unfortunately no, these steps only apply to Windows 10 and 11. The taskbar functions a little differently in older Windows versions.
Can I hide any app icon from the taskbar this way?
Yes, you can use these same methods to remove shortcut icons for any app on your Windows taskbar. Just replace all instances of “WhatsApp” with the desired app.
Conclusion
Hiding WhatsApp from the Windows taskbar is simple once you know the right steps. By unpinning the icon, closing the app, and disabling auto-start and pinning, you can remove WhatsApp from taskbar view. For quick access again, just re-pin the shortcut.
Now you can discreetly hide your WhatsApp use from prying eyes or declutter your taskbar layout if desired. No more distraction from constant notifications. Take back control of your taskbar real estate.
Summary of Main Steps
Here’s a quick recap of the key methods covered to hide WhatsApp from the taskbar:
– Right-click the WhatsApp icon and select “Unpin from taskbar”
– Fully close the WhatsApp app or browser tab after unpinning
– Delete any keyboard shortcuts for opening WhatsApp
– Disable “Automatically pin apps to taskbar” in Windows Settings
– Use a taskbar customization utility to hide specific icons
– Add WhatsApp to a collapsed taskbar group
– Remove the WhatsApp shortcut from the Start Menu instead
– Disable WhatsApp from automatically starting up in Task Manager
Other Messaging Apps
The techniques in this guide can also apply to hiding other messaging apps from the taskbar, such as:
Telegram
– Unpin Telegram desktop or web app icon
– Disable Telegram auto-start and pinning to taskbar
– Use taskbar utility to remove Telegram icon
Signal
– Right-click Signal icon, select Unpin from Taskbar
– Close Signal app and browser tab/window
– Turn off Signal keyboard shortcut in Properties
Skype
– Unpin Skype from taskbar
– Quit Skype app to prevent re-pinning
– Disable Skype from starting up automatically
Messenger
– Unpin web or desktop Messenger from taskbar
– Close Messenger fully after unpinning
– Remove Messenger shortcut key
Viber
– Right-click Viber, choose Unpin from Taskbar
– Disable Viber auto-start so stays hidden
– Use taskbar utility to hide Viber icon
The steps may vary slightly for each messaging app, but the general principles are the same. Now you can keep your most-used messaging platform in the taskbar, while hiding others for a cleaner and more focused interface.
Customize Your Taskbar
Hiding WhatsApp is just one way to customize and organize your Windows taskbar:
– Pin only your most-used apps to taskbar
– Group similar apps and collapse the groups
– Adjust taskbar orientation (bottom, left, top, right)
– Use small icons to conserve space
– Auto-hide the taskbar and reveal on hover
– Change taskbar height and length
– Set which icons appear on the taskbar
Take advantage of the options to configure your ideal taskbar layout on Windows 10/11. A clean and organized taskbar helps you work more efficiently.
While WhatsApp may be helpful to keep easily accessible in the taskbar, limiting it to only essential icons you actually use makes for a refined interface. Try hiding WhatsApp today for a clutter-free taskbar.