How to Add or Remove Notification Bell Icon on Your Windows 11 Taskbar
The notification bell icon sits on the bottom-right corner of your Windows 11 taskbar near the clock to show when you have unread alerts and system messages.
Windows 11 version 22H2 and later includes this dedicated icon to display your notification count at a glance. A full bell means unread items wait for you, while an empty bell confirms everything is up to date.
Turn this taskbar shortcut on or off directly through the Settings app whenever you want to clean up your screen space.
Open Settings, go to System, then Notifications. Toggle the “Show notification bell icon” option to add or remove it from your taskbar . This instantly updates your taskbar’s appearance.
Option 1Use Settings (Easiest Method)
- Press Win+I to open Settings .
- Click System on the left side.
- Click Notifications on the right side.
- Or use this link to go straight there: Open Notifications Settings
The easiest way to show or hide the Windows 11 notification bell is through the main Settings app . You just need to open the system settings, find the notifications menu, and toggle the switch for the notification bell icon to appear or disappear on your taskbar right away.
- Click the arrow next to Notifications to see all options.
- Check the box for Show notification bell icon to add the bell.
- Uncheck the box to remove the bell.
The easiest way to show or hide the Windows 11 notification bell is through the main Settings app . You just need to open the system settings, find the notifications menu, and toggle the switch for the notification bell icon to appear or disappear on your taskbar right away.
The Windows Settings app allows users to manage the notification bell icon on the Windows 11 taskbar. To add the notification bell icon, check the ‘Show notification bell icon’ box. To remove the icon, uncheck the same box. These changes appear immediately. Closing the Settings app finalizes the action.
Option 2Use Registry Commands (Advanced Users)
Advanced users can add or remove the Windows 11 notification bell quickly by running a short command in Command Prompt or PowerShell. This method lets you bypass the visual menus and update the system registry directly with admin rights to change the icon visibility in seconds.
To add the notification bell:
reg add "HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced" /v ShowNotificationIcon /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /fTo remove the notification bell:
reg add "HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced" /v ShowNotificationIcon /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /fCopy the command you need. Then, open Command Prompt or PowerShell (built-in Windows command-line tools). Paste your copied command and press Enter.
Option 3Edit the Registry Manually (For Advanced Users)
Manual registry editing gives advanced users complete control over the Windows 11 notification bell by changing specific values in the system database. You open the Registry Editor tool, locate the correct folder path, and adjust the relevant setting key to turn the taskbar icon on or off.
- Press Windows key + R.
- Type
regeditand press Enter. Registry Editor opens. - Find this location:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced - In the right pane, double-click ShowNotificationIcon.
- Change the value to:
- 1 to show the bell
- 0 to hide the bell
- Click OK.
- Close Registry Editor.
Your change takes effect right away.
Summary
Three distinct methods let you control the Windows 11 notification bell depending on your comfort level with your computer. You can use the standard Settings app for the fastest fix, run a quick command line script, or manually edit the system registry for direct control over the taskbar icon.
- Settings Method: The easiest and fastest way. Just toggle one switch.
- Registry Commands: For advanced users. Requires admin rights. Fast and direct.
- Registry Editor: Manual control. Requires caution to avoid errors.
- Instant Results: All methods take effect immediately.
- Your Choice: Show or hide the bell based on what you prefer.
Choose the method that feels most comfortable for you. Your taskbar is now customized to match your style.
What is the notification bell icon in Windows?
When you have new notifications, the notification bell icon on the taskbar lights up. For notifications that display as banners, select the quick action buttons within the banner to perform specific tasks, such as dismissing a reminder or snoozing an alarm.
How to get rid of the bell icon?
To turn off the show and status bar, flip one switch. That's how you can manage the notification bell icon. Knowing these options helps you customize your taskbar the way you like it.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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