How to remove applications on the shelf of the Chromebook

If you're looking to declutter your Chromebook's shelf and remove applications you no longer need, you've come to the right place. In this guide, we'll walk you through the straightforward process of removing applications from your Chromebook's shelf while keeping your system organized and efficient.

Understanding the Chromebook Shelf

The Chromebook shelf is similar to the taskbar in Windows or the dock in macOS. It's the bar at the bottom of your screen where you can pin your most-used applications for quick access. Over time, you may accumulate apps on your shelf that you no longer use, or you might want to reorganize which apps appear there. Removing applications from the shelf helps maintain a clean, productive workspace and makes it easier to find the apps you actually use regularly.

Important Note About App Types

Before we begin, it's crucial to understand that this process specifically addresses applications pinned to the Chrome OS shelf. Google Play Store applications and Linux applications installed through the Linux development environment will not be affected by this process. Those apps are managed through their respective systems and remain installed on your device—we're only removing shortcuts from the shelf, not uninstalling the applications themselves.

Video Tutorial

Follow along with our step-by-step video guide below, which demonstrates the entire process visually. The written instructions following the video provide additional context and details.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Removing applications from your Chromebook shelf is remarkably simple and can be accomplished in just a few seconds:

1. Locate the application you want to remove on your shelf (the bar at the bottom of your screen).
2. Right-click on the application icon. If you're using a touchscreen or touchpad without a right-click button, you can use a two-finger tap instead.
3. A context menu will appear with several options.
4. Select "Unpin" from the menu options.
5. The application icon will immediately disappear from your shelf.

What Happens When You Unpin an App?

It's important to understand that unpinning an application from the shelf does not uninstall or delete the application from your Chromebook. The app remains fully installed and accessible through your Chromebook's app launcher (the circular icon typically found in the bottom-left corner of your screen). Unpinning simply removes the shortcut from your shelf, helping you maintain a cleaner, more organized workspace.

Managing Different Types of Applications

Your Chromebook can run three different types of applications, and each is managed slightly differently:

• Chrome Web Apps and Extensions: These are the apps we're discussing in this guide. They can be easily pinned and unpinned from the shelf using the method described above.
• Android Apps (Google Play Store): These apps can also be pinned and unpinned from the shelf using the same right-click method. To completely uninstall Android apps, you'll need to do so through the Google Play Store or your Chromebook's settings.
• Linux Applications: If you have Linux (Beta) enabled on your Chromebook, Linux apps can also appear on the shelf and can be unpinned the same way. Uninstalling Linux applications requires using Linux commands or the Files app to remove .deb packages.

Tips for Organizing Your Shelf

Once you've removed unnecessary apps from your shelf, consider these tips for maintaining an organized workspace:

• Keep only your 5-8 most frequently used applications pinned to the shelf for optimal productivity.
• You can rearrange apps on the shelf by clicking and dragging them to different positions.
• Consider grouping similar apps together (for example, all productivity apps on one side, entertainment apps on another).
• Periodically review your pinned apps and remove ones you no longer use regularly.

Additional Resources

Looking to make the most of your Chromebook experience? Check out our Chromebook Comparison and Buyers Guide for expert recommendations and detailed comparisons.

Want to stay informed about Chromebook deals and save money on your next purchase? Join our mailing list to receive notifications about all major Chromebook sales and special offers.