In the dynamic realm of operating systems, subtle shifts in user interface design can profoundly alter our daily interactions. With the release of Windows 11, Microsoft introduced several new UI components, including a revamped system tray area, now referred to as the “Taskbar Corner Overflow.” Unlike its predecessors where the system tray icons were ever-present, Windows 11 has opted for a cleaner look. Most app and system icons in the tray area remain concealed by default. Curious where they’ve gone? Simply click on the up arrow icon in the taskbar notification area to reveal these hidden icons. This flyout is what’s termed as the taskbar corner overflow menu. In the days of Windows 10 and prior, this region was widely recognized as the Notification Area or System Tray.
Whether you’re seeking your internet connection status, peeping into your antivirus health, or checking out your device’s battery life, all these icons, and more, find their home in the Taskbar Corner Overflow. But what if you’re a stickler for customization? Just as you’d rearrange the notifications on your smartphone, Windows 11 allows you to add or remove icons from this space, granting you a tailored experience. Dive in with us, as this risewindows article unfurls the steps on how to Show or Hide Icons in Tray Area (Taskbar Corner Overflow) on Windows 11.
How to Show or Hide Icons in Taskbar Corner Overflow on Windows 11?
Follow these steps to Show or Hide Icons in Taskbar Corner Overflow on Windows 11:-
Step 1. First, open the Settings app by pressing the Windows + I keys simultaneously from the keyboard.
Alternatively, press the Windows + X keys together from your keyboard to open the Quick Links menu and select Settings.
Step 2. In the Settings window that opens after performing the above step, click on the Personalization category from the left sidebar.
Step 3. Then, click on the Taskbar tab from the right side.
Step 4. After that, click the Taskbar corner overflow option under the Taskbar settings page.
Step 5. Finally, turn the toggle to the On or Off position to enable/disable the icons you want to show/hide from the notification area in Windows 11.
After completing the above steps, enabling apps will show their icons in the notification area to the left of the control center button and the language input indicator. Even when you turn off or disable a notification icon for an app, its icon will appear in the taskbar corner overflow menu and not in the taskbar corner. So, the icon will appear right in the taskbar corner when you turn on an app’s notification icon. It will not hide behind the taskbar corner overflow.
If you want to remove an icon from Taskbar Corner Overflow and see it in the taskbar corner, drag the icon from the Taskbar Corner Overflow to the taskbar area. Similarly, if you wish to remove some of the taskbar icons and shift them in Taskbar Corner Overflow, drag the icon upward, and Taskbar Corner Overflow will open. Leave the mouse cursor after dragging the icon to the Taskbar Corner Overflow area.
So, you can transfer the icons from the taskbar to the taskbar corner overflow area using the above methods. Although, Windows 11 does not allow hiding the network, battery, and volume icons. These icons are permanently fixed to the bottom-right corner of your screen.
Also Read: How to Hide Desktop Icons on Windows 11/10 Automatically?
Conclusion
Windows 11 has redefined the user interface, presenting a fresh take on the system tray area, now dubbed as the “Taskbar Corner Overflow.” This design choice embodies the desire for a sleeker look, hiding most system and app icons by default. Yet, Microsoft has ensured that customization remains at the core of its user experience. The steps delineated above provide a simple route for users to show or hide icons, thus allowing for a personalized touch to the operating system’s appearance. Whether you choose to display all icons prominently or keep them hidden, Windows 11 accommodates your preferences, ensuring that the control remains in your hands.
