For average Windows lovers, the Start app is probably the least used stock program in Windows 11 (if not the one they never use). Unfortunately, unlike many other stock apps that can now be easily removed, you can’t just get rid of the Start app. However, things may change in the near future, at least in Windows Server 2025.
PhantomOfEarth on X noticed that Windows Server 2025 Insider Preview build 26244 allows the “Get Started” app to be hidden, which is probably not very useful or practical in a server environment. A similar fate awaits some sections of the Settings app. Microsoft may soon hide the Nearby Sharing page:
The Start app and nearby sharing settings page will soon be hidden on Windows Server. These changes are present in Insider build 26244*. pic.twitter.com/9mOzeUUf0s
— phantomofearth 🌳 (@phantomofearth) July 3, 2024
*They require some of the “master control” features for feature packs that are disabled by default, specifically 48433706 and 50556886
— phantomofearth 🌳 (@phantomofearth) July 3, 2024
It will be interesting to see if these changes make it to the consumer editions of Windows 11. While the Nearby Share settings are certainly useful in home environments, it’s probably safe to say that very few users will miss the Start app once it’s gone. Windows 11 had a dedicated Tips and Tricks app, but Microsoft has scrapped it, and the app will soon disappear from the operating system.
For those who don’t know, Start is part of the Windows Feature Experience Pack, which is why it’s hard to remove it from the OS without breaking other things.
You can find more information about Windows Server 2025 Insider Preview build 26244 in our dedicated coverage. Release notes for the consumer version of build 26244 are available here.