Windows 11 includes several new features designed to improve connectivity between your PC and smartphone. One of these is the Mobile Device sidebar, which may appear in apps like the Start menu, File Explorer, or other Microsoft experiences to provide quick access to your connected phone.
While some users find it useful, others may consider it distracting or unnecessary—especially if they don’t use features like Phone Link or mobile device integration.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to hide or disable the Mobile Device sidebar in Windows 11 step by step.
How to Hide or Disable Mobile Device Sidebar in Windows 11
Before we begin, it’s important to understand that the Mobile Device sidebar is usually connected to Microsoft’s Phone Link app or other system features. Disabling or unlinking these integrations can remove the sidebar from view.
1. Disable the Sidebar from File Explorer Settings
In some cases, the Mobile Device panel appears in File Explorer. Adjusting File Explorer settings may hide it.
- Open File Explorer on your Windows 11 PC.
- Click the View menu in the toolbar.
- Select Show and look for sidebar or pane-related options.
- Disable any option related to the mobile device pane if available.
- Check whether the sidebar disappears.
2. Unlink Your Phone from Phone Link
The Mobile Device sidebar may be connected to your linked smartphone. Removing the connection can disable related UI elements.
- Open the Phone Link app on your PC.
- Click the Settings icon.
- Go to the Devices or My Devices section.
- Select your connected phone.
- Click Remove or Unlink this device.
- Restart your PC and check if the sidebar is gone.
3. Disable Phone Link from Startup
Stopping Phone Link from launching at startup can prevent the sidebar from loading automatically.
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Click on the Startup apps tab.
- Find Phone Link in the list.
- Right-click it and select Disable.
- Restart your computer.
4. Turn Off Shared Experiences in Windows Settings
Windows shared experiences and cross-device features may trigger mobile-related sidebars.
- Press Windows + I to open Settings.
- Click on System in the left sidebar.
- Select Shared experiences if available.
- Turn off options related to device sharing or cross-device syncing.
- Restart your PC.
5. Uninstall Phone Link (Optional)
If you don’t use Phone Link at all, uninstalling it can remove associated mobile device features entirely.
- Press Windows + I to open Settings.
- Go to Apps > Installed apps.
- Search for Phone Link.
- Click the three-dot menu next to it.
- Select Uninstall and confirm.
- Restart your computer.
Final Thoughts
The Mobile Device sidebar in Windows 11 can be useful for some users, but if you don’t use phone integration features, it may simply take up unnecessary space or feel distracting.
By following the steps above, you can hide or disable the sidebar and keep your Windows 11 experience cleaner and more focused.
