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How to Enable or Disable Minimize Xbox app to Taskbar System Tray on Close in Windows 11

Richard
Written by
Richard
Apr 19, 2026 Updated Jun 19, 2026 2 min read
Close-up settings window with startup tray toggle
Close-up settings window with startup tray toggle

This tutorial will show you how to turn on or off the option to minimize the Xbox app to the system tray on close for your account in Windows 11.

⚡ Quick Answer

Open the Xbox app, click your Profile, select Settings, then App. Toggle the “On close, minimize the app to the system tray” option under Startup settings to enable or disable this feature. This keeps the app running in the background for faster access.

Why Would You Want to Do This?

Minimizing the Xbox app to your system tray keeps it running in the background even after you close it, letting you jump back into your games much faster.

If you use the Xbox app often on your PC, minimizing it to the system tray on close is helpful. Instead of the app fully closing, it stays running in the background. This means faster access to your games and less waiting time when you want to jump back in.

What You’ll Need

  • The Xbox app installed on your Windows PC
  • Your user account

Here’s How:

Changing how the Xbox app closes is simple and only takes a few clicks within the app’s settings.
  1. Open the Xbox app.
  2. Click or tap on your user Profile button in the top right corner. Then click or tap on Settings.
  3. Click or tap on App in the left side menu of Settings.
  4. Look for the section labeled Startup settings. You’ll see an option that says On close, minimize the app to the system tray. Turn this option on or off depending on what you want.
Xbox app settings menu to minimize to system tray on close
Xbox app settings menu to minimize to system tray on close

More Information

For more details about the Xbox PC app, visit: Xbox PC app | Xbox and Xbox Support

Summary

The Xbox app setting to minimize to the system tray keeps it running in the background for quicker access, instead of closing completely.

How to make Xbox apps smaller?

You can make the Xbox app window smaller using Windows snap by dragging it to the side of your screen or pressing ‘⊞ Win+/Right Arrow’.

How to minimize screen on Xbox?

To minimize the Xbox app on Windows 11, click the standard minimize button in the top-right corner of its window.

How do I exit the fullscreen Xbox app?

To exit fullscreen mode in the Xbox app on Windows, press the 'F11' key on your keyboard. Alternatively, move your mouse to the top of the screen to reveal the title bar and click the 'Restore Down' button or the 'X' icon to close the application window entirely.

How do I stop the Xbox app from running in the background?

To stop the Xbox app from running in the background, you need to turn off the setting that minimizes it to the system tray when you close it.

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Tags: #Windows 11
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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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