I found this information.... looks complicated.:
Changing the name of a program listed in the "Installed Apps" list on Windows can be a bit tricky and might require some advanced technical skills. It typically involves modifying system registry entries. However, I must emphasize that modifying the Windows registry can be risky and might lead to system instability or other issues if not done correctly. Therefore, proceed with caution and make sure to create a backup of your registry before making any changes.
Here's a general overview of the steps you would need to follow:
**Warning: Modifying the Windows Registry can have serious consequences if done improperly. It's recommended to proceed only if you are comfortable with advanced Windows system administration.**
1. **Create a Registry Backup:**
Before making any changes, it's crucial to create a backup of your Windows registry. This will allow you to restore your registry in case anything goes wrong. To create a backup, follow these steps:
- Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.
- Type "regedit" and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
- In the Registry Editor, go to "File" > "Export."
- Choose a location to save the backup file, give it a name, and select "All" under the "Export range" section. Click "Save."
2. **Identify the Program's Registry Entries:**
You need to identify the registry entries associated with the program whose name you want to change. These entries are usually found under `HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall` or `HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall` for 32-bit applications on 64-bit systems.
3. **Modify the Registry Entry:**
Locate the registry entry corresponding to the program you want to rename. Right-click on the entry and select "Rename." Change the "DisplayName" value to the desired discreet name. Additionally, you might need to modify the "DisplayIcon" and "Publisher" values if you want to hide the program further. Remember that this is a delicate process, and making incorrect changes can cause problems.
4. **Refresh or Restart:**
After making changes, you can refresh the "Installed Apps" list by restarting your computer or by ending the "explorer.exe" process in the Task Manager and then restarting it.
Again, I want to stress the importance of caution when editing the Windows Registry. Making incorrect changes can cause system instability and even make your operating system unusable. If you're not comfortable with these steps, consider seeking assistance from someone with more technical experience.
Furthermore, please note that while this approach can change the displayed name of the program in the "Installed Apps" list, it might not hide the program completely from all system views and actions.
