How to Remove Video Tile From Windows Start Menu

Video tiles can appear on the Windows Start Menu as live previews from apps that play media or show streaming content. If a specific video tile is distracting or unnecessary, it is possible to remove or disable it without uninstalling the app. This guide explains practical steps for removing a video tile on Windows 10 and Windows 11, along with quick tips to prevent reappearance and manage Start Menu content efficiently.

Understanding The Video Tile And Why It Appears

Video tiles are dynamic tiles that display live content from supported apps. They update in real time, offering quick access to media, previews, or notifications. A video tile may appear after installing or updating a media or streaming app, when a tile is set to be kept in the Start Menu, or due to system recommendations. Removing the tile stops the live preview and helps declutter the Start Menu, especially when the tile no longer aligns with the user’s routines.

Remove Video Tile On Windows 10

Windows 10 uses a granular Start Menu management system that makes removing a single tile straightforward. The steps below outline a direct method to remove the video tile without affecting other app tiles.

• Open the Start Menu by pressing the Windows key or clicking the Start button.
• Locate the video tile you want to remove in the All apps list or pinned section.
• Right-click the tile to open the context menu.
• Choose Unpin from Start to remove it from the Start Menu, or select Uninstall if you want to remove the app entirely.
• If the tile is a live tile you’d like to stop from updating, you can also select More and then Turn live tile off on some apps, which stops the video previews.

Tip: If the tile reappears after an app update, consider turning off live tile updates for that app in the app’s settings, or review Start Menu personalization settings to minimize dynamic content.

Remove Video Tile On Windows 11

Windows 11 reorganized the Start Menu and emphasizes centered shortcuts. Removing a video tile involves a slightly different flow, focusing on pinning and unpinning rather than a traditional right-click menu.

• Open the Start Menu by clicking the Windows icon or pressing the Windows key.
• Find the video tile you wish to remove in the Pinned section or All apps.
• Right-click the tile or select the tile and choose Unpin from Start.
• To prevent future live updates, open the app’s settings (if available) and disable Live Tile or News & interests style updates, depending on the app.
• If the video tile continues to reappear after updates, revisit the Start Menu settings: go to Settings > Personalization > Start, and adjust which folders or apps can show content.

Pro tip: You can also hide the Recommended section or Most Used apps in Windows 11 Start Menu to further reduce dynamic content that resembles a video tile.

Alternative Approaches To Manage Video Tiles

If removing a video tile is not enough, consider these alternatives to minimize distractions while preserving access to apps and media.

• Disable Live Tiles for All Apps (Windows 10): Open Settings > Personalization > Start and toggle off Show more tiles on Start or similar live tile options available per version.
• Limit Notifications: In Windows 10/11, reduce media notifications by adjusting System > Notifications & actions to prevent disruptive previews.
• Use a Clean Start Menu Layout: In Start Menu settings, remove or group apps to maintain a clean UI, making video tiles less prominent.
• Reset Start Menu Layout: If the Start Menu becomes cluttered, a full reset can restore default tile positions. On Windows 10, run PowerShell with commands to reset the layout; on Windows 11, use Settings to reset customization.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes a video tile stubbornly reappears after updates or app reinstalls. The following steps can help solve this problem.

1. Check for App Updates: Ensure the app is up to date, as developers may have changed tile behavior.
2. Clear Tile Cache: Some editions of Windows store tile data in cache. Sign out and back in, or restart the device to refresh caches.
3. Reinstall the App: If the video tile persists, uninstalling and reinstalling the app can reset its Start Menu behavior.
4. Review Group Policy and Registry (advanced): For enterprise users, policy settings may re-enable tiles. Consult IT before making changes to group policy or the registry.

Best Practices For A Clean Start Menu

To maintain a tidy Start Menu that avoids unwanted video tiles, adopt these practices.

• Pin Only Frequently Used Apps: Limit pins to essential tools to keep the Start Menu minimal and fast to navigate.
• Turn Off Live Content By Default: When installing new apps, disable live tiles unless there is a clear, ongoing need.
• Regularly Review Start Menu Content: Periodically prune pinned apps and remove tiles no longer in use.
• Utilize Desktop Shortcuts When Appropriate: For media apps, consider desktop shortcuts to reduce Start Menu clutter.