How to Show or Hide Taskbar Icons in Windows 11

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.

The Windows 11 taskbar is significantly different from the older versions of Windows. Out of the box, the taskbar looks pretty good with its sleek user interface, new icons, and animations. While the taskbar’s features are pretty limited compared to the older versions, you can still show or hide icons on the taskbar. For example, you can hide default system icons, such as the pen and touchscreen keyboard, or apps you don’t want to see in the taskbar. The same applies to the icons you want to show. However, unlike the older versions, showing and hiding icons on the taskbar can be a bit confusing in Windows 11. That is where this guide comes into play.

In this quick and easy guide, I will show you how to hide or show the icons on the taskbar in Windows 11. Let’s get started.

Hide Icons on the Taskbar in Windows 11

On Windows 11, the taskbar shows two types of icons. They are the system icons and app icons. System icons can be enabled in the System Tray Icons section, and app icons in the “Other system tray icons” section in the Settings app. To hide icons on the taskbar, just toggle the icon. Here’s how to do it in simple steps.

1. Right-click on the taskbar.
2. Select “Taskbar settings”.
3. Expand the “System tray icons” section.
4. Choose “Never” from the “Emoji and more” dropdown to hide the emoji icon.
5. Turn OFF the “Pen Menu” toggle.
6. Select “Never” from the “Touch keyboard” dropdown.
7. Scroll down and expand the “Other system tray icons” section.
8. Turn OFF the toggles of the icons that you don’t want to appear in the taskbar.
9. Close the Settings app.
10. With that, the icons you want to hide will not appear on the taskbar.

Detailed Steps (With Screenshots)

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, click and expand the “System tray icons” section. Here, you will see a list of system icons that appear on the taskbar. Do the following to the icons you want to hide:

• Emoji and more: Never
• Pen Menu: Turn off the toggle
• Touch keyboard: Never

Now, click and expand the “Other system tray icons” section. Now, turn off the toggle next to the icons that you don’t want to appear.

That is it. Close the Settings app. From now on, the icons you chose to hide will not appear on the taskbar.

Show Taskbar Icons on Windows 11

1. Right-click on the taskbar.
2. Select “Taskbar settings”.
3. Expand the “System tray icons” section.
4. Choose “Always” or “While typing” from the “Emoji and more” dropdown to hide the emoji icon.
5. Turn ON the “Pen Menu” toggle.
6. Select “Always” or “When no keyboard attached” from the “Touch keyboard” dropdown.
7. Scroll down and expand the “Other system tray icons” section.
8. Turn ON the toggles of the icons that you want to appear in the taskbar.
9. Close the Settings app.
10. With that, the icons you want to show will appear on the taskbar.

Note: If you think there are way too many icons on the taskbar, you can hide a few not-so-important icons by dragging and dropping the target icons on the up arrow mark (ᐱ). This action puts them in the taskbar bar overflow menu.

Can I remove the network, volume, or battery icon on the 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 all. It is that simple to show or hide the taskbar icon on Windows 11. If you have any questions or need help, comment below. I’ll be happy to assist.

Good to read: How to remove the search icon on the Windows 11 taskbar.