How to Manage Windows 11 Hidden Icons in System Tray

Option 1Change Settings (The Easy Way)

This method uses the Windows Settings ⚙️ app.

Step 1Open Settings

The Win+I combination opens the Settings ⚙️ app in Windows 11. This action allows you to change system preferences and customize your computer's behavior, offering direct access to various customization options without needing to search through menus.

Step 2Go to Taskbar Settings

Within Settings, select Personalization from the left-hand menu. On the right side, scroll down and choose Taskbar.

Step 3Find "Other system tray icons"

In the Taskbar settings, locate the section named Other system tray icons (this is the area that manages the hidden icons). Click on it to reveal the available options.

Step 4Control the Hidden Icon Menu

You can control the hidden icon menu directly within Windows 11 settings. Look for an option like "Show hidden icons in the taskbar" and simply turn the switch On to display the menu with its arrow, or Off to hide it.

• Tip: When this setting is On, you'll see the upward-pointing arrow (the chevron) in the system tray. Clicking it shows icons for apps not currently displayed directly on the taskbar.
• Warning: If you turn this setting Off, the arrow will vanish. Icons that were hidden will likely appear directly on your taskbar, which might make it look more crowded.

Step 5Close Settings

You can now close the Settings window. Your taskbar will update immediately.

Option 2Using Registry Editor (For Advanced Users)

Step 1Open Registry Editor

Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard. This opens the Run dialog box. Type regedit and press Enter or click OK. A User Account Control (UAC) prompt might appear, asking for permission. Click Yes.

Step 2Go to the Correct Registry Key

To manage the hidden icon menu using the Registry Editor, you need to find a specific location. Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\Local Settings\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\TrayNotify in the left pane, or paste it into the address bar.

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\Local Settings\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\TrayNotify

Alternatively, you can copy and paste this path directly into the address bar at the top of the Registry Editor window and press Enter. Ensure all backslashes are included.

Step 3Change the "SystemTrayChevronVisibility" Value

In Windows 11, after you locate the TrayNotify key within the Windows Registry editor, find SystemTrayChevronVisibility in the right pane. To show the hidden icon menu, change its value to 1; to hide the hidden icon menu, change its value to 0. Ensure the Base is set to Hexadecimal.

• To Turn ON the Hidden Icon Menu (Show the Arrow): In the "Value data" box, type 1. Make sure "Base" is set to Hexadecimal. Click OK.
• To Turn OFF the Hidden Icon Menu (Hide the Arrow): In the "Value data" box, type 0. Make sure "Base" is set to Hexadecimal. Click OK.

Using the number 1 instructs Windows to show the hidden icon menu, while 0 tells it to hide the menu.

Step 4Restart Windows Explorer

After changing the registry setting for the hidden icon menu, you need to restart Windows Explorer for the changes to show. You can do this by opening Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), finding Windows Explorer, and choosing 'Restart'.

• Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
• Go to the Processes tab.
• Scroll down and find Windows Explorer.
• Right-click on Windows Explorer and choose Restart.

Your taskbar and desktop will briefly vanish and then reload. The setting for your hidden icon menu should now be active.

Step 5Close Registry Editor

You can now close the Registry Editor window. Your taskbar behavior will be updated accordingly.

Summary

You can easily turn the hidden icon menu on or off in Windows 11 through the Settings app under Personalization › Taskbar › Other system tray icons For more control, the Registry Editor can be used by changing the SystemTrayChevronVisibility value at HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersi