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How to Keep Microsoft Teams Running in the Taskbar

Richard
Written by
Richard
Apr 5, 2024 Updated Aug 13, 2026 2 min read
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Running Microsoft Teams in the Taskbar keeps the chat app open in the background even after you click the red X to close the main window. This background mode lets you get instant message alerts and jump into video calls without waiting for the program to start up again.

Recent versions of Microsoft Teams for Windows include a background setting that hides the app in the system tray instead of shutting it down completely. Turning on this option saves you time and stops you from missing important work or school updates during the day.

⚡ Quick Answer

Click the three dots next to your profile picture, select Settings, then General. Check the box for “On close, keep the application running and minimize it to the taskbar ” in the System section. This keeps Teams active in the taskbar when you close the window.

Turn “On close, keep the applications running and minimize it to the taskbar” on or off in Teams

Running Teams in the background keeps you reachable for calls and messages while working on other tasks. This setting makes sure you don’t miss any messages or calls while you’re working on other things.

Here’s how.

First, launch the Microsoft Teams app by clicking the Start menu and selecting Teams on the All Apps list. This action opens the main Microsoft Teams window, allowing you to access its features and settings.

Turn on or off automatically starting Microsoft Teams
Turn on or off automatically starting Microsoft Teams

You can also launch the app from the Taskbar or Taskbar overflow.

Turn on or off automatically starting Microsoft Teams
Turn on or off automatically starting Microsoft Teams

When you first launch the Teams app, the mini window will open. Click the expansion button on the menu bar to open the full Teams window.

Turn on or off automatically starting Microsoft Teams
Turn on or off automatically starting Microsoft Teams

In the full Teams window, click the Settings and more ( …) button next to your profile picture and select Settings from the menu.

Microsoft Teams options and settings button
Microsoft Teams settings button to manage notifications and options.
💡Tip
Next, select the General tab on the left of the Settings page. Then, under 'System,' check the box next to "On close, keep the application running and minimize it to the taskbar" to enable it.

To disable it, uncheck the box.

Teams keep app running and minimize it to the taskbar on or off
Teams keep app running and minimize it to the taskbar on or off

That should do it!

Conclusion:

  • Enabling this feature allows quick access to the Teams app without reloading
  • Helps in ensuring essential notifications and messages are not missed when away from the computer
  • Convenient for swiftly joining meetings or calls without reopening the app from scratch

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Richard

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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