PlayInfoBox

Home /Utilities /How to Organize System Tray Icons on the Windows Taskbar

How to Organize System Tray Icons on the Windows Taskbar

Tap a step to see it in order.

  1. Open taskbar settings

    Right-click an empty spot on the taskbar and choose Taskbar settings.

  2. Find the "Other system tray icons" menu

    Scroll down in the settings window and click Other system tray icons.

  3. Choose which icons to show per app

    Toggle the switch next to each listed app to decide which icons always show on the taskbar and which get tucked into the hidden overflow area.

  4. Check the "always show all icons" option

    Turning on Always show all icons and notifications on the taskbar, further down the same screen, keeps every tray icon visible with nothing hidden.

  5. Drag a hidden icon back into the tray

    Click the up-arrow to open the hidden icon overflow list, then drag any icon you use often back into the visible tray area.

More Background Apps Means a Messier Tray

Installing a program often adds its icon to the tray automatically, and over time it gets harder to spot the ones you actually need. A periodic cleanup keeps the taskbar tidy and puts frequently used features within easier reach.

Hidden Icons Are Just Out of Sight

Moving an icon into the hidden overflow area doesn't close the app or turn off its background process β€” it's purely a display choice, and you can always pull it back out from the arrow menu whenever you need it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does hiding an icon shut down that program?

No β€” hiding a tray icon only removes it from view. The program keeps running in the background exactly as before.

Will newly installed programs add their icon back to the hidden area?

Yes β€” a newly installed program's icon is usually added to the hidden area by default, so you may need to revisit the settings and adjust visibility again afterward.