Why and how to remove a course from your Canvas view
You can remove a course from your Canvas dashboard without deleting it from your account. When you remove a course, it disappears from your main dashboard view, but the course still exists in Canvas — you can find it again later if you need to. This is useful when you've finished a course, dropped it, or straightforward want to declutter your dashboard so you see only the courses you're actively taking.
The removal process takes about 30 seconds and requires only a few clicks. Canvas gives you two ways to do this: you can remove a course directly from the dashboard, or you can manage all your courses from your account settings. Both methods work equally well; the choice depends on whether you want to remove one course quickly or review all your courses at once.
Key Takeaways
- Removing a course from your dashboard hides it from view but does not delete your enrollment or any of your work in that course.
- The fastest way is to click the three-dot menu on the course card itself and select "Remove from Dashboard."
- You can also manage all your courses at once by going to Account Settings, then Courses, and unchecking the courses you want to hide.
- If you remove a course by mistake, you can restore it using the same menu or settings page.
Remove a single course using the dashboard menu
Open Canvas and look at your dashboard. Find the course card you want to remove. In the top right corner of that card, you'll see three dots arranged vertically (called a menu button). Click those three dots.
A small menu will appear with several options. Look for the option that says "Remove from Dashboard" and click it. The course card will disappear from your dashboard when ready. Your enrollment in the course remains active, and all your assignments, grades, and course materials are still there — they're just hidden from your main view.
Remove multiple courses at once using Account Settings
If you want to remove several courses or review all your enrollments, use the settings method. Click the account icon (usually your initials or profile picture) in the top right corner of Canvas. From the dropdown menu, select "Account" or "Settings" — the exact wording depends on your Canvas version.
Once you're in Account Settings, look for a section called "Courses" or "My Courses." You'll see a list of every course you're enrolled in, and each one will have a checkbox next to it. Uncheck the boxes for any courses you want to remove from your dashboard. Scroll down and click "Save" or "Update" to explore your changes. All unchecked courses will disappear from your dashboard.
Restore a course you removed by mistake
Removing a course is reversible. If you removed a course and want it back on your dashboard, use the same method you used to remove it. In Account Settings under Courses, straightforward check the box next to the course name again and save. The course card will reappear on your dashboard.
If you removed it using the three-dot menu on the course card, you won't see that card anymore — so the settings method is easier for restoring. Go to Account Settings, find the course in the list, check its box, and save.
What happens to your work when you remove a course
Removing a course from your dashboard does not affect anything inside the course. Your assignments, submissions, grades, and all course materials remain exactly as they are. You can still access the course by searching for it or by going to your full course list in Canvas. The removal only changes what appears on your main dashboard view.
If you need to access the course later — to review grades, read materials, or check feedback — you can restore it to your dashboard or navigate to it directly through Canvas's course search or your account settings.
Difference between removing and unenrolling from a course
Removing a course hides it from your dashboard but keeps you enrolled. Unenrolling is different — it removes you from the course entirely, and you lose access to all course materials and your grade record may be affected. Canvas does not make it straightforward to unenroll yourself; that action usually requires your instructor or an administrator.
If you're trying to drop a course for credit purposes, contact your instructor or your school's registrar. Removing it from your dashboard is not the same as officially dropping it, and it won't affect your transcript or course load.
Troubleshooting: course won't disappear or reappear
If a course won't disappear after you click "Remove from Dashboard," try refreshing your browser. Sometimes Canvas takes a moment to update. Press F5 or Ctrl+R (on Windows) or Command+R (on Mac) to refresh, then check your dashboard again.
If a course still won't appear after you've checked its box in Account Settings and saved, log out of Canvas completely and log back in. This forces Canvas to reload your account information. If the problem persists, contact your school's Canvas support or IT help desk — there may be a technical issue on their end, or your instructor may have settings that override your dashboard preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my grades disappear if I remove a course from my dashboard?
No. Your grades, assignments, and all course records stay in Canvas. Removing a course only hides it from your dashboard view. You can still see your grades by navigating to the course directly or by restoring it to your dashboard.
Can my instructor see that I removed the course from my dashboard?
No. Removing a course from your dashboard is a personal preference that only affects what you see. Your instructor cannot tell whether you've hidden the course, and it does not change your enrollment status or access to the course.
What if I remove a course and then my instructor adds new assignments?
You will still be enrolled in the course and can access it at any time, even though it's hidden from your dashboard. You won't see notifications about new assignments on your dashboard, but you can still find them by navigating directly to the course or by restoring it to your dashboard.
Is there a way to hide a course without removing it completely?
Removing it from your dashboard is the way to hide it. That's the only built-in option Canvas offers. The course remains fully accessible; it just doesn't show on your main dashboard view.