The far right corner of the taskbar on the bottom right side of your screen used to be called the System Tray prior to Windows 11. It is now called the “Notification Area” or “Taskbar Corner”. This area displays all the running apps’ icons and system icons such as volume, network, power, clock, keyboard layout, etc. Some of these icons are called “Taskbar corner icons” in Windows 11.
In addition, the area where the icons are hidden – the area where you will need to click the up arrow button to open, is now called the “Taskbar corner overflow”. Depending on the app upon installation, when the app is running in the background, the app’s icon may appear visible directly on the taskbar, or may be hidden in the taskbar corner overflow area.
If you don’t want any of the system tray icons to appear on the Notification Area, you can hide the apps’ icons to the Taskbar corner overflow, and/or completely disable the system icons such as Touch keyboard, Pen menu and Virtual touchpad. This guide will show you how to hide system tray icons in Windows 11.
Also see: How to Hide Apps in Windows 11
Hide system tray icons in Windows 11 via Settings
To hide (or show) system tray icons on the taskbar in Windows 11, the best way would be to manage the taskbar icons via the Taskbar Settings. Follow the steps below to do so.
Right-click anywhere on your taskbar, and select Taskbar settings. Alternatively, you can press Win + i keys to open Settings and navigate to Personalization > Taskbar.
Next, click “Taskbar corner overflow” to expand it. From there, you can hide any system tray icon from the taskbar corner by toggling it off. Toggling on an app would show its icon on the notification area.
To hide system icon such as the Touch keyboard or Pen menu, in the same Taskbar settings page, click “Taskbar corner icons” to expand the section. Then, toggle off any system icon to hide it entirely from the system tray.
Related: How to Know Which App is Using The Internet in Windows 11
Drag and drop to hide any or all system tray icons
The easier method to quickly hide an icon from the system tray would be to drag and drop the icon from the taskbar directly to the taskbar corner overflow (hidden icons area).
The icons you moved to the hidden icons area will be remembered by Windows 11. The next time you launch these apps, their icons will automatically be hidden in the taskbar corner overflow. However, you can’t drag and drop system icons such as the Touch keyboard.
Suggested Guide: How to Show Seconds in Windows 11 System Clock
Hide icons and notifications via Control Panel
Another method to hide system tray icons along with their notifications in Windows 11 is to manage the icons via Control Panel. To do this, follow the steps below.
- First, press Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
- Next, enter the following command to the Open field in the Run window.
explorer shell:::{05d7b0f4-2121-4eff-bf6b-ed3f69b894d9}
- In the Notification Area Icons window, click the drop-down menu next to the icon you want to hide, and then select “Hide icon and notifications”. This will hide the icon and its notifications from the system tray.
In addition, make sure the “Always show all icons and notifications on the taskbar” option is turned off. Otherwise, Windows 11 will show all system tray icons on the taskbar regardless the settings and there will be no hidden icons area (taskbar corner overflow).
Can I hide system tray icons entirely from the taskbar in Windows 11?
If you meant to hide a system tray icon from even the taskbar corner overflow as if it doesn’t exist, unfortunately, unless if there is an option in the app itself that lets you hide it from the taskbar, there is no settings in Windows 11 that allows you to completely hide a running app’s icon from the system tray if it is meant to be shown there.
An app’s icon, when it is running, will appear in either the notification area or the taskbar corner overflow in Windows 11. This is partly due to security reason to show users what apps are actually running in the background. You can, however, exit or close the app to stop them from running, and thus removing its icon from the taskbar system tray.
Windows 11 brings a modern redesign and a plethora of new features while retaining some long-standing functionalities. One of these features is the system tray, also known as the notification area. It’s an essential part of the taskbar where icons for background applications, system utilities, and notifications reside. While this feature is useful, it can also become cluttered, especially if you frequently use several applications that launch their own icons in this area. Knowing how to hide system tray icons can significantly improve your workflow by reducing distractions and creating a cleaner desktop environment.
This article will explore various methods to hide system tray icons in Windows 11, including built-in settings and third-party applications. Whether you want to hide specific icons, manage notifications, or completely remove the system tray, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in!
Understanding the System Tray
Before we delve into the methods for hiding system tray icons, let’s first understand what the system tray is. The system tray is located at the bottom-right corner of the taskbar. It’s represented by a small arrow (often referred to as the «show hidden icons» arrow) that opens up a menu of additional icons that may not always be visible.
The system tray serves various functions, such as:
- Quick access to applications: Applications running in the background often minimize to the system tray, allowing users to access them quickly without cluttering the main taskbar.
- Displaying notifications: System tray icons often show important notifications from the software they represent.
However, too many icons can become overwhelming and distract users from their primary tasks, so knowing how to manage these icons effectively is crucial for an organized workspace.
Hiding System Tray Icons via Settings
Method 1: Customize Taskbar Settings
Windows 11 provides a straightforward method to customize the taskbar, allowing users to manage which icons appear in the system tray. You can hide some icons while keeping the others visible by following these steps:
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Right-click on the Taskbar: Start by right-clicking on an empty space on the taskbar.
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Select Taskbar Settings: From the context menu, choose «Taskbar settings.»
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Locate Notification Area: In the Settings window, scroll down until you reach the “Notification area” section.
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Select ‘Select which icons appear on the taskbar’: Click on this option, and you will be taken to another screen displaying a list of apps.
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Toggle Icons: Here you can toggle the switches next to the applications you want to show or hide in the system tray. Simply set the switch to «Off» for any app you wish to hide from the taskbar.
Method 2: Hiding Specific Icons
If you prefer to keep certain system tray icons visible while hiding others, this method is for you:
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Access Taskbar Settings: Open the taskbar settings as described above.
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Click on ‘Turn system icons on or off’: This option allows you to manage system icons like the volume control, network status, or battery levels.
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Toggle System Icons: Set the switches to «Off» for any system icon you want to hide. Note that this primarily applies to built-in system features rather than third-party applications.
Method 3: Using Focus Assist
Windows 11 includes a feature called Focus Assist that allows users to minimize distractions during critical tasks. By managing notifications, you can reduce the number of system tray icons that are actively disrupting your workflow.
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Open Quick Settings: Click on the network, volume, or battery icon in the system tray to open Quick Settings.
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Find Focus Assist: In the Quick Settings menu, look for the Focus Assist icon (it looks like a crescent moon).
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Select Focus Assist: Click on it, and you’ll see options like «Off,» «Priority only,» and «Alarms only.» Choose «Priority only» to customize which notifications you want to see.
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Customize Priority List: For more control, click on «Go to Settings» under Focus Assist, which will allow you to customize which notifications are considered a priority and which apps are muted.
Advanced Methods for Hiding System Tray Icons
While the settings above provide built-in options to manage icons, you may require more advanced solutions depending on your workflow. Below are options for users who want more granular control over their system tray:
Method 4: Using Third-Party Software
There are several third-party applications available that provide advanced functionality for managing system tray icons. These applications often come with features for customizing the appearance and behavior of the taskbar.
A. TaskbarX
TaskbarX is an excellent tool for those looking to customize their taskbar’s layout and behavior. Although TaskbarX focuses more on aesthetic customization, it also allows users to manage system tray icons effectively.
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Download and Install TaskbarX: Find and download TaskbarX from the official website or a trusted source.
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Open TaskbarX Configurator: Once installed, open the TaskbarX Configurator application.
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Adjust System Tray Settings: Look for options related to system tray icons and adjust the settings based on your preferences.
B. TrayIt!
TrayIt! is another useful software solution that enables you to minimize any application to the system tray, which can help reduce clutter on the taskbar.
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Download and Install TrayIt!: Visit the official website and download the application.
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Run Your Application: Open the application you wish to minimize to the system tray.
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Use TrayIt!: Access TrayIt! from the system tray and right-click to minimize any application to the tray rather than the taskbar.
Method 5: Customizing Group Policy (for Advanced Users)
If you’re comfortable with advanced user settings, you can adjust the Group Policy settings to manage system tray icons more closely. This method is primarily intended for IT professionals or users comfortable with using the Group Policy Editor.
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Open the Group Policy Editor: Press
Windows + R, typegpedit.msc, and hit Enter. -
Navigate to User Configuration: Expand
User Configuration>Administrative Templates>Start Menu and Taskbar. -
Edit the Policies: Look for various policies related to the system tray and taskbar. Adjust these settings based on your preferences, though be cautious as incorrect settings may affect system behavior.
Method 6: Registry Editor Adjustments
Another advanced method involves using the Windows Registry. This method can enable users to hide all system tray icons, but caution is required as incorrect modifications can lead to system issues. Always backup your registry before making changes:
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Open Registry Editor: Press
Windows + R, typeregedit, and hit Enter. -
Navigate to the Following Path:
HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionPoliciesExplorer -
Create a New DWORD: Right-click on the right pane, select
New>DWORD (32-bit) Value. -
Name the DWORD: Enter the name as
NoTrayItemsDisplay. -
Set the Value: Double-click the newly created DWORD and set its value to
1to hide tray icons. Set it to0to restore visibility. -
Restart Your Computer: For changes to take effect, restart your computer.
Method 7: Hiding Notifications from Apps
In addition to hiding icons, you can also manage how applications send notifications, effectively minimizing their presence in the system tray:
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Open Settings: Press
Windows + Ito open the Settings app. -
Navigate to System > Notifications: Click on “System,” then select “Notifications.”
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Review App Notifications: Scroll down to review the list of applications that can send notifications.
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Turn Off Notifications: For any application you want to hide from the system tray, toggle the switch to “Off.”
Conclusion
Managing system tray icons in Windows 11 can greatly enhance your productivity and create a cleaner workspace. From built-in taskbar settings to advanced tweaking methods and third-party applications, users have a plethora of options to customize their system tray to their liking.
Experiment with the methods discussed in this article to find the best solution that fits your needs. Whether you prefer the simplicity of the taskbar settings or the robust controls provided by third-party applications, hiding system tray icons can lead to a more focused and efficient computing experience.
As always, remember that while it’s useful to have a decluttered taskbar, it’s essential to find a balance that allows you to easily access the applications and notifications you use most frequently. Happy customizing!
On the right side of your Windows 10 taskbar, you would find a panel that contains several icons of the startup apps or the current background running apps. This part of the taskbar is called Notification Area or, more commonly, the System Tray.
The System Tray provides quick access to many Windows 10 system settings and also helps you to monitor the running apps. However, for some reason, if you want to hide or show the app icons from the system tray, you can do it easily without much trouble since it is more customizable in Windows 10, unlike the previous versions of Windows.
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In this guide, we would discuss some quick methods to show or hide the app icon on the system tray or the notification area in Windows 10.
- Adjust System Tray Icons using Mouse
- Hide or Show Icons in the Notification Area from Settings
- Turn On or Off “Always show all icons in the notification area” in Registry Editor
- Enable or Disable “Always show all icons in the notification area” in Local Group Policy Editor
- Turn System Icons On or Off
Adjust System Tray Icons using Mouse
- On the rightmost side of the taskbar, open the hidden icons section by clicking on the up arrow.
- Drag and drop the icons that you want to display from the hidden icons section to the System Tray.
- Similarly, drag and drop icons from the system tray to the hidden icons section that you want to hide.
Hide or Show Icons in the Notification Area from Settings
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Go to Settings -> Personalization.
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Select Taskbar from the left-panel.
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Under the Notification area, click on Select which icons appear on the taskbar.
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In the next window, you can toggle the switch to display all icons on the notification area or select the icons you want to hide or show.
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After adjusting the settings of your preference, close the Settings window.
Turn On or Off “Always show all icons in the notification area” in Registry Editor
- Open Run Command Window and type regedit to open the Registry editor.
- Type or copy & paste the following path: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer
- Look for EnableAutoTray and double click on it to modify.
- Set Value data as 0, to show all icons on the system tray or set it as 1, to display only those icons that you want on the system tray or the notification area.
- Close the editor
Enable or Disable “Always show all icons in the notification area” in Local Group Policy Editor
- Open the Group Policy Editor from the Windows search.
- Go to User Configuration->Administrative Templates->Start Menu and Taskbar
- Double click on the Turn off notification area cleanup to modify it.
- Click on “Enabled” to enable “Always show all icons in the notification area” or choose “Disabled” or “Not Configured” for disabling it.
- Click Apply & OK and close the editor.
Turn System Icons On or Off
- Go to Settings->Personalization->Taskbar
- Under the Notification area, click on Turn system icons on or off.
- From the list, select the system icons to Show or Hide in the icons tray.
- Close the settings windows after adjusting the settings.
Final Words
That is it. These are the top possible methods to show or hide icons in Windows 10 System Tray. Except for Group Policy Editor, rest methods are applicable to all Windows 10 versions. Group Policy Editor is not available for Windows 10 Home users.
1. Where is the system tray icon?
In Windows 10 system tray icon is available at the right side of the taskbar, where the clock and other system icons are present.
2. What is the Keyboard shortcut to select the system tray?
To select the system tray from the keyboard, press Windows icon + B and hit the Enter key. Use the arrow keys to navigate through the apps.
Peter is an Electrical Engineer whose primary interest is tinkering with his computer. He is passionate about Windows 10 Platform and enjoys writing tips and tutorials about it.
Missing a System Tray icon, or need to hide one? Let’s do it!
Updated on August 5, 2021
What to Know
- Click and drag any System Tray icon from the expanded area to the default area if you want to see it at all times.
- Click and drag any icon from the System Tray to the expanded tray if you don’t want to see it.
- Navigate to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Turn system icons on and off to show or hide individual icons.
How to Show Hidden Icons in the Windows 10 System Tray
The Windows 10 System Tray consists of two parts: a section of icons that are always visible and a section of icons that you only see when you click the expanded system tray button. If an icon is hidden in the expanded System Tray, all you have to do to show it is drag it from the expanded tray to the standard tray.
Here’s how to show hidden icons in the Windows 10 System Tray:
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Click the ^ icon that’s located to the left of the System Tray icons to open the expanded tray.
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Click and hold an icon from the expanded System Tray.
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Drag the icon into the standard System Tray.
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Release the left mouse button.
If you don’t like the positioning of the icon, you can click and drag it left or right to position it where you want it in the tray.
How to Hide Icons in the Windows 10 System Tray
The easiest way to hide an icon that you don’t want to see in the System Tray is to reverse the previous section’s process.
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Click and hold an icon in the System Tray.
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Drag the icon to the ^ icon.
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Position the icon where you want it in the expanded System Tray.
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Release the left mouse button.
How to Show and Hide Windows 10 System Tray Icons
Windows 10 also provides you with a menu to quickly hide or show your System Tray icons. This menu applies to system icons, like the volume and power icons, in addition to icons that represent your apps. If your battery icon is missing, for example, this method allows you to get it back quickly.
This process does not disable System Tray icons. Icons are either set to On and appear in the main System Tray area or set to Off and appear in the expanded System Tray. If you want to remove icons altogether, skip to the next section.
Here’s how to choose which icons appear on your Windows 10 taskbar:
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Open the Settings app.
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Click Personalization.
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Click Taskbar.
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Click Select which icons appear on the taskbar.
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Click toggles to On for icons you want to show, and Off for icons you want to hide.
If you turn on the Always show all icons in the notification area toggle, you won’t have a hidden System Tray area anymore. Every icon will be visible in the System Tray at all times.
How to Remove System Tray Icons
If you want to prevent a System Tray icon from appearing at all in either the main tray or expanded tray, you can do that as well. However, this option is limited to system icons like the volume and battery. Icons that represent your apps can’t be turned off in this manner, although some individual apps do provide you with an option to prevent the app from appearing in the System Tray.
Here’s how to turn Windows 10 System Tray icons on and off:
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Open the Settings app.
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Click Personalization.
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Click Taskbar.
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Click Turn System icons on or off.
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Click toggle switches to On if you want the icon to appear in your System Tray or Off to prevent the icon from appearing.
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Today in this article you are going to see a quick guide on how to add or remove system icons from the taskbar system tray in your windows 10.
Windows 10 allows Windows users to easily access their favorite system apps inside the system tray on the taskbar, but Windows doesn’t allow its users to easily add new system icons or remove old unwanted system icons.
So if you are one of those Windows users who can’t remove icons from the taskbar, keep reading the article.
Table of Contents
How to Add or remove icons from the system tray taskbar in windows 10
Before we learn how to add or remove icons from the system tray, let’s first talk about system stray in windows.
What is the system tray in Windows 10?
System tray in windows 10 is a group of system icons that you can see on the right side of the taskbar on your computer. It contains tiny icons for system apps such as antivirus settings, printer, modem, sound volume, battery status, etc for easy access from the taskbar.
Now you know about the system tray, let’s see
To remove system tray icons from windows, follow these steps carefully.
- Open setting by pressing windows button + i
- Go to personalization
- Go to taskbar
- Scroll down, and below the Notification area, click on Turn system notification on or off
- From here simply enable or disable any system app you wish to add or remove from the system tray.
How to hide system tray icons from windows 10
If you just want to hide system apps from the taskbar and group it inside the system tray, follow these steps:
- From settings> personalization> taskbar go to Select which icons should appear on the taskbar, which is below the Notification area
- And from here simply click on or off any system app icon you wish to hide or unhide from the taskbar.
Or you can just drag any system app icon to the system tray, which will hide that icon from the taskbar and only show up in the system tray.
So if your system tray icons are not hiding you can use the second method to hide them.
Keep in mind that the second method will only hide the system app, but they may be running on your computer, which you can check in the task manager.
Also, watch this video for a quick guide
In addition to being a journalist and an editor for windows ground, He is a programmer, writer, and tech enthusiast. He loves exploring new technologies and writing technical how-to tips to help people solve their daily life tech problems. He can be found on Twitter @slim-python