How to choose which items show in the notification area

Icons in the notification area, also known as the system tray, contain information for users about several features of their operating system. Examples include the date and time, the state of your Internet connection, and any active background processes. from the list below, pick the version of Windows you use, then follow the instructions to change the information and icons that are displayed in the notification area.

In Windows 11, alter the items in the notification box

1. To change the taskbar settings, press the Windows key and then enter. Alternately, you can select Taskbar settings by right-clicking the taskbar.
2. Depending on your preferences, click the toggle switches for each taskbar item and icon to the on position in Windows 11 or the Off position in Windows 11. Click each taskbar configuration option to expand it.

In Windows 10, alter the items in the notification box

1. To change the taskbar settings, press the Windows key and then enter. Alternatively, you can select Taskbar settings by right-clicking the taskbar.
2. To the window's bottom, scroll down that appears until you see the Notification section.
3. From this point, you may select Turn on or off system icons or Choose which icons appear on the taskbar.
4. Depending on your preferences, enter either menu and adjust the toggle switches to the On Toggle switch to on position in Windows 10 or the Off Toggle switch to off position in Windows 10.

In Windows 8, modify the items in the notification area

1. To change the taskbar settings, press the Windows key and then enter.
2. Select Show or Concealed the notification area on the taskbar from the list of search results.
3. You may select which icons to display in the Windows notification area using the drop-down menu next to each item in the newly opened Notification Area Icons window (1). By selecting the Switch on/off system icon link, you may also turn system icons on and off.
4. When finished, press the OK button making your adjustments.

In Windows 7 and Vista, modify the items in the notification area

1. Right-click the taskbar on the Windows desktop and choose Properties.
2. Next to the Notification box, click the Customize button in the Taskbar Properties box.
3. You may select which icons to display in the Windows notification area using the drop-down menu next to each item in the newly opened Notification Area Icons window (1). By selecting the Switch on/off system icon link, you may also turn system icons on and off.
4. When finished, press the OK button making your adjustments.

In Windows XP, alter the notification area's contents

1. From the drop-down menu that opens, choose Properties when you right-click the taskbar.
2. Click the Customize button in the lower-right corner of the Taskbar and Start Menu Properties box to start the customization process.
3. Choose Always show, always hide, or hide while inactive by clicking the downward pointing arrow next to each item in the new window.
4. When finished, click Apply and then OK.

When using Windows 95, 98, ME, NT, and 2000, you can alter the notification area's items

These previous versions of Microsoft Windows do not have the ability for systray icon customization. We advise turning off the systray icon for one or more of your programmes if your notification area is getting cluttered.

Following these steps will make the systray icon disappear from many programmes:

• Select "right-click" on the systray icon.
• From the drop-down menu, choose Properties or Preferences.
• Remove all systray icon selections. Unfortunately, because every application is unique, you might need to look around a bit to find this option, if it's even there.
• As an alternative, you can prevent the software from ever launching when the machine boots.

How can I access the systray symbols for hidden Windows notifications?

Operating systems Vista, 7, 8, 10, and 11

To access hidden icons in Windows Vista, 7, 8, 10 and 11, click the tiny up on the notification area, there is an arrow left. An illustration is the image.

Window XP

• From the drop-down menu that opens, choose Properties when you right-click the taskbar.
• Click the Customize button in the lower-right corner of the Taskbar and Start Menu Properties box to start the customization process.
• Check the option next to Hide inactive icons in the new window that appears.
• The two chevrons (shown below) on the far-left side of the systray in Microsoft Windows XP can be clicked to reveal all concealed systray icons once this functionality has been turned on. There are no hidden icons if they are not visible.