Windows 11 lets you show or hide taskbar icons with just a couple of clicks. Here is how to do it in simple and easy steps.
A couple of the most significant changes in Windows 11 are the Start menu and taskbar. Out of the box, the new taskbar looks pretty good, especially with the new icons and uplifted user interface. One of the best things I like about the new taskbar is its new icon animations when you open, close, minimize, or maximize apps and files. All in all, Windows 11’s taskbar is pretty decent.
Though the taskbar looks very similar to the one in Windows 10, its changes are significant. To be specific, Microsoft removed a lot of taskbar features and functionality. For example, you cannot drag and drop apps and files on the taskbar, inability to move taskbar position, nowhere to find context menu options, etc. Even with all the downgrades in favor of aesthetics, you still have the opportunity to show or hide taskbar icons in Windows 11. Of course, you can also move icons to the overflow menu.
With the new settings app, you toggle the app icons you want to appear or disappear on the taskbar. All you have to do is find the option and make the changes. Though easy, being a new operating system with significant changes to the settings app and its behavior, it can be unclear. That is where this simple Windows 11 guide comes.
So, without further ado, let me show you the steps to show taskbar icons or hide taskbar icons in Windows 11 operating system.
Show icons on the taskbar in Windows 11
Windows 11 shows two types of icons on the taskbar. They are the system icons and app icons. The system icons can be enabled from the Taskbar Corner Icons section and the app icons from the “Taskbar corner overflow” section. To show or add icons to the Windows 11 taskbar, follow the below steps.
- Right-click on the taskbar.
- Select “Taskbar settings.”
- Select the icons you want to appear under “Taskbar corner icons.”
- Expand “Taskbar corner overflow.”
- Turn on the icons you want to appear on the taskbar.
- Close the Settings app.
- With that, the icons you want will appear on the taskbar.
Detailed steps:
First, we need to open the Taskbar Settings. To do that, right-click on the taskbar and select the “Taskbar settings” option.
In the Taskbar settings window, expand the “Taskbar Corner Icons” section and select the icons you want to appear on the taskbar. As I said earlier, this section shows all system icons.
Next, expand the “Taskbar corner overflow” section and turn on the apps you want to show on the taskbar.
After that, close the Settings app. From now on, the icons you turn on will appear on the taskbar.
If you think there are way too many icons on the taskbar, you can hide a few not-so-important icons. Drag and drop the target icons on the arrow mark (ᐱ). This action puts them in the taskbar bar overflow menu.
Hide icons on the taskbar in Windows 11
If you don’t want an icon appearing on the taskbar, follow the below steps to hide them.
- Right-click on the taskbar.
- Select “Taskbar settings.”
- Expand “Taskbar corner icons.”
- Turn off the icons you want to hide.
- Expand “Taskbar corner overflow.”
- Turn off the icons you want to appear on the taskbar.
- Close the Settings app.
- With that, the icons will no longer appear on the taskbar.
Can I remove Windows 11 taskbar icons?
Yes, you can remove some icons from the Windows 11 taskbar. Just right-click on the taskbar, select “Taskbar settings,” and turn off the icons you want to remove or hide under the “Taskbar corner icons” and “Taskbar corner overflow” sections. To show them again, turn on the icons.
How do I remove the network, volume, or battery icon on Windows 11 taskbar?
You cannot remove or hide the network, volume, or battery icons from the taskbar in Windows 11. For whatever reason, Microsoft removed the option to remove essential system icons from the taskbar.
That is it. It is that simple to show or hide taskbar icons in Windows 11.
I hope that helps.
If you are stuck or need some help, comment below, and I will try to help as much as possible.
