By default, Windows 11 opens the Start menu when you press the Windows logo key on the keyboard or click the Windows logo icon on the taskbar. However, after a recent update, Windows 11 displays a small pane next to the Start menu when it is opened.
The new pane, unless you have linked your iPhone or Android phone to your Windows 11 PC via the Phone Link app, shows the “Access your mobile device here” message.
What is the new sidebar or side pane in the Windows 11 Start menu?
The new pane or phone bar in the Windows 11 Start menu displays your recent calls and messages once you link your smartphone to your Windows 11 PC with the Phone Link app. Additionally, you can also make a call, send text, and send files. You may refer to our how to link iPhone to Windows 11 PC guide for directions.
However, if you are not interested in the feature, you may turn off the Start menu side pane or sidebar via the Settings app. Here is how.
Method 1 of 2
Turn off the “Access your mobile device here” pane in the Windows 11 Start menu
Step 1: Open the Start menu. This will also open the phone pane or phone bar.
Step 2: Click the Hide this pane link in the phone pane to open the Start menu settings page of the Settings app. Please note that clicking the Hide this pane does not hide the Start menu sidebar.
Step 3: Finally, in the Settings app, turn off the “Show your mobile device in Start” option. That’s it!
If the “Show your mobile device in Start” option is missing from the page, please update your Windows 11 installation to the latest version and then try again.
Method 2 of 2
Another way to remove the “Access your mobile device here” pane from the Windows 11 Start menu
Step 1: Open the Windows 11 Settings app.
Step 2: Go to Personalization > Start page.
Step 3: Here, turn off “Show your mobile device” in the Start option. Simple as that!
Our how to open the Start menu without the Windows logo key guide might also interest you.
Leave a Reply