How to Choose App Icons for Windows 11 Taskbar
Choosing app icons for your Windows 11 taskbar lets you launch programs with a single click from the strip at the bottom of your screen. Pinning your favorite software to this area saves you time because you no longer need to search through menus every time you want to open a program.
Deciding which shortcuts stay on the taskbar helps you clear away clutter and keeps your most-used tools within easy reach. You can pin any app in Windows 11 by right-clicking its icon and selecting the pin option, or remove it just as easily when your needs change.
Open Settings by pressing Win+I, then navigate to Personalization Taskbar. Use the toggle switches within the Taskbar items, System tray icons, and Other system tray icons sections to show or hide specific app icons.
How to Open Your Settings
How to Open Your Settings: The Settings app in Windows 11 is your first stop for managing taskbar icons. Press Win+I to open Settings instantly. Once Settings is open, click on ‘Personalization’ on the left side, then select ‘Taskbar’ on the right to find all your taskbar options.
Once the window opens, click Personalization on the left side. Then, click Taskbar on the right.
Inside the Taskbar menu, you will see three main areas:
- Taskbar items
- System tray icons
- Other system tray icons
Click on each section to see your choices.
Show or Hide Buttons
Windows 11 includes several default buttons on the taskbar that you can add or remove. Adding or removing buttons like Search and Widgets tailors the desktop experience to fit personal workflows.
To hide an app button on the Windows 11 taskbar, find the switch next to the app's name and flip it to Off. This action removes the app's icon from your visible taskbar, decluttering your workspace.
You can adjust these buttons to keep your bar simple.
Managing the System Tray
The system tray in Windows 11 is that small area on the bottom right of your screen. It's where icons for background apps usually appear. To keep this area tidy, choose which Windows 11 system tray icons you want to see. Go into the Taskbar settings and flip the switch to 'Off' for any icons you don't need visible.
Hiding icons you don't use will keep your corner area tidy.
Using the Overflow Area
The Windows 11 taskbar overflow area hides app icons that do not fit on the main taskbar. This overflow area acts like a small drawer. It keeps your taskbar less cluttered. To see icons within the overflow area, click the small up-arrow icon. Click the up-arrow icon to reveal all the extra app icons you've tucked away.
The Windows 11 taskbar's hidden icon drawer appears when you click the small up-arrow icon. This drawer shows all extra app icons that do not fit on the main taskbar.
Click that arrow to access your hidden icons whenever you need them.
Summary
Customizing your Windows 11 taskbar makes it easier to find the apps you use most. It also helps keep your screen tidy. You can decide which icons appear directly on the taskbar and which ones stay hidden. Open System Settings: Press Windows key + I. Then go to Personalization, then Taskbar, to see your options. From there, choose to show or hide specific taskbar items and system tray icons.
Hiding unneeded icons makes your taskbar less cluttered, letting important apps pop out.
- Open System Settings with Windows key + I.
- Go to Personalization and then Taskbar to see your options.
- Use the toggle switches to show or hide your buttons and icons.
- A tidy taskbar prevents you from missing notifications and improves your daily workflow.
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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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