How to Hide Windows Terminal in Notification Area
Hiding Windows Terminal in the notification area moves its icon from your taskbar to the system tray.
The notification area, also known as the system tray, is that little spot on your taskbar near the clock. When you minimize Windows Terminal to this area, its icon vanishes from the main taskbar.
This trick is particularly useful in Windows 11 for keeping your taskbar tidy. It lets you manage Windows Terminal without it taking up valuable space alongside your other open apps.
Open Windows Terminal, go to Settings, then Appearance. Toggle “Hide Terminal in the notification area when it is minimized” to On. Click Save to apply the change.
What is Windows Terminal?
Windows Terminal is an app that brings together command-line tools like Command Prompt and PowerShell into a single window. It makes it easier to manage computer commands and even Linux tools, with options to change how it looks and acts, such as hiding its icon in the notification area when it’s minimized.
Why Hide Windows Terminal in the Notification Area?
- Keep your taskbar clean: When you minimize Terminal, its icon moves to the notification area instead of staying on the taskbar .
- Keep Terminal running quietly: You can keep Terminal open in the background. It won’t take up space on the taskbar .
- Access Terminal when needed: You can still open Terminal from the notification area whenever you want to use it again.
The Windows Terminal icon moves out of sight when you minimize Windows Terminal. This behavior allows Windows Terminal to run quietly in the background without occupying taskbar space. You can still easily access Windows Terminal again when you need it.
How to Hide Terminal in the Notification Area When Minimized
To hide Windows Terminal in the notification area when it's minimized, you just need to change a single setting within the app. Open Windows Terminal by searching for it in the Start menu, then click the small down arrow icon near the top of the window to find and select this option.
- Open Windows Terminal. Click the Start menu button (Windows icon) on the bottom-left of your screen. Type Terminal in the search box. Then click Windows Terminal from the results.
Open the Windows Terminal app - Once Terminal is open, click the down arrow ▼ button near the top. Select Settings. Or press
Ctrl + ,on your keyboard.
Open the Windows Terminal Settings - In the Settings window, click on Appearance from the left menu.
- Look for the option labeled "Hide Terminal in the notification area when it is minimized".
- Turn the switch On to enable hiding. Or turn it Off to disable it.
Hide Terminal in notification area when minimized - Click the Save button at the bottom to keep your changes. Then close the Settings window.
That's it! Now when you minimize Windows Terminal, it will hide in the notification area instead of staying on the taskbar.
Summary
Enabling the 'Hide Terminal in the notification area when minimized' setting cleans up your taskbar and lets Windows Terminal run in the background, ready for use without cluttering your view. This feature ensures the app is accessible but out of sight, maintaining a tidy desktop.
Hiding the Windows Terminal in the notification area provides a cleaner desktop workspace. This action allows the Terminal application to continue running in the background, accessible for use at any time without cluttering the main display.
You can change this setting anytime. Just go back to Settings whenever you want to switch it on or off.
These helpful guides offer more tips for customizing Windows Terminal, a command-line application. Users can discover different ways to change Windows Terminal settings.
How to Change Windows Terminal Language
How to Change Windows Terminal Launch Size
How to Set Default Profile in Windows Terminal
Why does my desktop have a notification area?
The icons in the notification area are used to provide quick access to system and application functions, as well as to display notifications and alerts. Each icon represents a different program or system function and may have different actions associated with it.
Was this guide helpful?
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.
No comments yet — be the first to share your thoughts!