How to Enable or Disable Flashing Taskbar Apps in Windows 11

You can enable or disable the flashing taskbar app feature in Windows 11 to control how alerts visually notify you.

This flashing effect is a built-in Windows notification system designed to make application icons blink on the taskbar when they require your immediate attention, such as for new messages or pending updates.

For example, a blinking icon for your email client might indicate a new message has arrived, ensuring you don’t miss it while working on other tasks.

Disabling this feature means apps will still send notifications, but their icons will no longer flash on your taskbar, helping to reduce visual distractions.

Change Settings via Windows Settings

You can change this using the built-in Settings app. Note: This action requires an administrator account on your computer.

1. Open the Settings app by pressing Windows key + I.

2. Click Personalization in the left menu.

3. Select Taskbar on the right.

4. Click Taskbar behaviors to expand it.

5. Find Show flashing on taskbar apps. Check or uncheck the box to enable or disable it.

Advanced: Registry Editor Method

Warning: Editing the registry can cause system issues if done incorrectly. Always back up your registry before proceeding. This requires administrator privileges.

To control the flash count, use the ForegroundFlashCount setting:

1. Press Windows key + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.

2. Navigate to: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop

3. Find ForegroundFlashCount in the right pane. Double-click it to change the value. A value of 0 stops the flashing entirely.

Troubleshooting Persistent Flashing

If apps keep flashing, check your Focus Assist settings. Sometimes, notification badges or background apps force the taskbar to alert you. Ensure your system is updated by visiting the official Microsoft support documentation for taskbar customization.

Summary

Flashing taskbar apps are a helpful way to stay updated, but they can be distracting. You can easily toggle this behavior in Settings > Personalization > Taskbar or by modifying the ForegroundFlashCount in the Registry Editor. Disabling this feature keeps your taskbar calm while still allowing notifications to arrive silently.