Remove a Course From Your Dashboard View

You can remove a course from your Canvas dashboard without deleting the course itself or losing any of its content. When you remove a course, it stops showing up in your course list on the dashboard, but the course still exists in Canvas and you can find it again later if you need to.

The fastest way to remove a course is to click the three-dot menu icon next to the course name on your dashboard, then select "Remove from Dashboard" or "Favorite" (depending on your Canvas version). The course disappears from your main view when ready.

Key Takeaways

  • Removing a course from your dashboard hides it from view but does not delete the course or erase any assignments, grades, or course materials.
  • You can remove a course by clicking the three-dot menu next to its name and selecting the remove option, which takes about five seconds.
  • Removed courses can be found again by searching for them or by visiting the "All Courses" page in Canvas.
  • If you are an instructor, removing a course from your dashboard does not affect student access to that course.
  • You can add a course back to your dashboard at any time using the same menu or by searching for it.

Step-by-Step: Remove a Course Using the Dashboard Menu

Open Canvas and go to your dashboard. Look at the list of courses displayed on the main page. Find the course you want to remove.

Hover your mouse over the course card or title. A three-dot menu icon (⋯) will appear in the top right corner of that course's box. Click on it. A dropdown menu opens with several options.

Look for "Remove from Dashboard" or "Unfavorite" in the menu, depending on which version of Canvas your school uses. Click that option. The course disappears from your dashboard when ready. You have not deleted anything — the course is still in Canvas, just hidden from your main view.

Find a Course You Removed Later

If you remove a course and later need to see it again, you have two ways to find it. The first is to use the search box at the top of Canvas. Type the course name or number and Canvas will show you the course in the results, even if it is not on your dashboard.

The second way is to click "All Courses" (usually found in the left sidebar or at the bottom of your course list). This page shows every course you are enrolled in or teaching, including ones you have removed from your dashboard. Click on the course name to open it, and you can add it back to your dashboard if you want.

Add a Course Back to Your Dashboard

To bring a removed course back to your dashboard, find it using the search box or the "All Courses" page. Once you have opened the course, look for the three-dot menu again (usually in the top right of the course page). Click it and select "Add to Dashboard" or "Favorite."

The course reappears on your dashboard in the same way it was before. All your grades, assignments, and course materials are exactly as you left them — removing a course from your dashboard never affects the actual course content.

Why Remove a Course From Your Dashboard

Students often remove courses from their dashboard when they have finished a class and do not need to see it every time they log in. If you are taking five courses but only actively working in three, removing the completed ones keeps your dashboard clean and focused.

Instructors might remove courses from their dashboard after the semester ends, especially if they teach the same course multiple times and want to see only the current section. Removing old sections from view does not affect student access or any grades you have entered.

What Happens to Your Course When You Remove It

Removing a course from your dashboard is purely a visibility change. The course itself remains in Canvas. All assignments, grades, discussions, files, and announcements stay exactly where they are. If you are a student, your grades do not change. If you are an instructor, student access to the course does not change.

The only thing that changes is that the course no longer appears in your main course list when you log in. You can still access it by searching or by going to "All Courses," and you can add it back to your dashboard whenever you want.

Troubleshooting: The Menu Does Not Appear

If you hover over a course and the three-dot menu does not show up, try refreshing your browser page. Sometimes Canvas takes a moment to load all the interactive elements on the dashboard.

If the menu still does not appear, check that you are using a supported browser. Canvas works best in Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. If you are using an older browser or a mobile app, the menu location might be different — look for a settings icon or swipe options on the course card itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does removing a course delete my grades or assignments?

No. Removing a course from your dashboard only hides it from view. All your grades, submitted assignments, and course materials remain in Canvas. You can find the course again by searching or visiting "All Courses" and everything will be exactly as you left it.

Can I remove a course if I am the instructor?

Yes. Instructors can remove courses from their dashboard just like students can. Removing it does not affect student access to the course or any grades you have entered. Students will still see the course and can still submit work.

What if I accidentally removed a course and want it back?

Search for the course by name or number in the Canvas search box, or go to "All Courses" in the sidebar. Open the course and click the three-dot menu, then select "Add to Dashboard" or "Favorite." The course reappears on your dashboard when ready.

Will my instructor know if I remove their course from my dashboard?

No. Removing a course from your dashboard is a personal preference that only you can see. Your instructor cannot tell whether the course is on your dashboard or not, and it does not affect your enrollment or access to the course.

Can I remove multiple courses at once?

Canvas does not have a bulk remove feature. You need to remove each course individually by clicking its three-dot menu and selecting the remove option. If you have many courses to remove, it takes a few minutes, but each removal is quick.