How to Add or Remove Notification Bell Icon on Your Windows 11 Taskbar

Option 1Use Settings (Easiest Method)

1. Press Windows key + I to ⚙️ open Settings.
2. Click System on the left side.
3. Click Notifications on the right side.
4. Or use this link to go straight there: Open Notifications Settings

Manage the Windows 11 notification bell icon directly from the ⚙️ Settings app. This is the most common method for managing the bell. ⚙️ Open Settings, navigate to System, and then select Notifications on the right side. A provided direct link also jumps straight to the correct screen.

5. Click the arrow next to Notifications to see all options.
6. Check the box for Show notification bell icon to add the bell.
7. Uncheck the box to remove the bell.

Manage the Windows 11 notification bell icon directly from ⚙️ the Settings app. This is the most common method for managing the bell. Open Settings, navigate to System, and then select Notifications on the right side. A provided direct link also jumps straight to the correct screen.

The ⚙️ Windows Settings app allows users to manage the notification bell icon on the Windows 11 taskbar. To add the notification bell icon, users check the ‘Show notification bell icon’ box. To remove the icon, users uncheck the same box. These changes appear immediately. Closing ⚙️ the Settings app finalizes the action.

Option 2Use Registry Commands (Advanced Users)

For advanced users, specific registry commands can quickly add or remove the Windows 11 notification bell icon, though administrator privileges are required. To add the bell, use this command: reg add “🗝️HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advancedcopy” /v ShowNotificationIcon /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f. To remove it, use the same command structure but change the final number to 0.

To add the notification bell:

reg add "HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced" /v ShowNotificationIcon /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f

To remove the notification bell:

reg add "HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced" /v ShowNotificationIcon /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f

Option 3Edit the Registry Manually (For Advanced Users)

Manually editing the Windows 11 registry offers another way for advanced users to add or remove the notification bell icon. It’s crucial to proceed with caution and back up your registry beforehand. Open Registry Editor by pressing Windows key + R, typing regedit, and pressing Enter. Then, navigate to 🗝️HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced.copy

1. Press Windows key + R.
2. Type regedit and press Enter. Registry Editor opens.
3. Find this location: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced
4. In the right pane, double-click ShowNotificationIcon.
5. Change the value to:

   • 1 to show the bell
   • 0 to hide the bell
6. Click OK.
7. Close Registry Editor.

Your change takes effect right away.

Summary

Three methods exist for adding or removing the Windows 11 notification bell icon. ⚙️ The Settings option is the most accessible, featuring a simple toggle switch. For advanced users, registry commands provide a rapid, direct approach requiring administrative rights. Manual registry editing also suits advanced users needing finer control, but necessitates caution and a backup.

• 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.