How to Hide Windows Terminal in Notification Area

This article explains how to hide the Terminal icon in the notification area when you minimize it in Windows 11.

What is Windows Terminal? Windows Terminal is a modern application for command-line shells. It includes Command Prompt, Windows PowerShell, and bash (via Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)).

The Terminal app in Windows allows many customizations. You can change the language, adjust the launch size, set the default profile, change the startup behavior, open the admin window, open Terminal automatically at startup, add copy selection to the clipboard automatically, automatically hide the Terminal window, and more.

Why Hide Terminal in the Notification Area?

The Terminal app has a feature that automatically hides the window in the notification area when minimized. This is turned off by default. But you can turn it on anytime.

When you enable this feature: The Terminal window disappears from your taskbar when you minimize it. It keeps running in the background. This helps reduce clutter on your taskbar. It’s helpful if you use Terminal often and want to keep it open but out of the way.

When you disable this feature: The Terminal window stays visible on your taskbar when you minimize it. This makes it easier to access when you need it.

How to Hide Terminal in the Notification Area When Minimized

1. Open the Windows Terminal app. Click the Start menu and search for “Terminal.” Under “Best match,” select and open Windows Terminal.
   
   

   

   
   
2. Open Settings. When Terminal opens, click the down arrow button on the top bar. Then select Settings (or press Ctrl +,).
   
   

   

   
   
3. Go to the Appearance tab. In the Settings window, click on the Appearance tab on the left side.
   
4. Toggle the hide feature on. Find the option that says “Hide Terminal in the notification area when it is minimized.” Toggle the switch button to the On position to enable it.
   

   To turn it off later, toggle the switch to the Off position.

   
   

   

   
   

5. Save your changes. Click the Save button at the bottom. Then close the Settings window.
   

That’s all you need to do!

Summary

Windows Terminal has a feature to hide itself in the notification area when minimized. This helps reduce taskbar clutter and keeps Terminal running in the background. To enable this feature, open Terminal, go to Settings, click the Appearance tab, and toggle on “Hide Terminal in the notification area when it is minimized.” You can disable it anytime by toggling the same switch off. Choose what works best for how you use Terminal.

Frequently Asked Questions