How to Enable or Disable Taskbar App Badges in Windows 11

Have you ever noticed those small numbers or dots on your taskbar/" class="sal-link" rel="noopener" target="_blank" data-sal-id="11268">app icons in the taskbar? Those are called badges. They tell you that you have unread messages or notifications waiting for you.

Why use badges?

Badges help you see if you have missed anything important without needing to open every single app. They act as a quick alert system for your desktop.

What happens when you change this?

If you turn badges on, you will see a count of unread items. If you turn them off, your taskbar will look cleaner and less distracting. This can help you focus if you find the constant updates annoying or if you prefer more privacy.

How to manage your app badges

You do not need special permissions for these steps. Anyone using the computer can change these settings.

1. First, open the open the Settings Settings app.
2. You can press the Windows key + I on your keyboard to open it quickly. Alternatively, click the Start button and select Settings.

3. In the Settings menu, click on Personalization on the left side.
4. Select Taskbar from the list on the right.

5. Click on the Taskbar behaviors section to expand it.
6. Find the option that says Show badges on taskbar apps.
7. Check the box to turn badges on, or uncheck the box to turn them off.

Once you are finished, you can simply close the Settings window. Your changes will take effect immediately.

Summary

Windows 11 shows little badges on your app icons to notify you of unread messages. You can easily turn these off if they cause too much clutter or if you want to keep your notifications private. Adjusting this setting helps you create a workspace that works best for your personal style.