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To show available app icons in the Windows 11 system tray, open Settings > Personalization > Taskbar, expand Other system tray icons (called Taskbar corner overflow in some versions), and turn on the apps you want visible. You can also drag an icon from the overflow menu to the visible tray, or press Windows key+B to open the hidden-icons menu.
These controls show eligible app icons; they do not turn every system indicator into a configurable app icon. Windows manages app icons and system tray controls separately.
Show app icons in the Windows 11 system tray
- Right-click an empty area of the taskbar and select Taskbar settings. Alternatively, open Settings > Personalization > Taskbar.
- Expand Other system tray icons. If your version calls this section Taskbar corner overflow, expand that instead.
- Turn on the toggle for each app icon you want to appear directly on the taskbar. Turn off icons you want to keep in the overflow menu.
Move an icon between the visible tray and overflow
- Open the overflow menu by selecting the hidden-icons arrow near the clock. You can also press Windows key+B.
- Drag the icon from the overflow area to the visible system tray.
- To hide it again, drag it from the visible tray back to the overflow area.
App icons and system tray icons are different
Other system tray icons (or Taskbar corner overflow) controls which supported app icons appear on the taskbar and which remain in the hidden-icons menu. Windows lists a separate System tray icons section for certain system controls; Microsoft’s examples include Pen Menu, Touch keyboard, and Virtual Touchpad. Available controls can depend on the device and Windows version.
Windows may also display system elements such as network, volume, battery, clock, and notifications. These are distinct from app icons, and their availability or settings can vary by device and Windows version.
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Use the keyboard or accessibility settings
Press Windows key+B to open Show hidden icons. To reach the app icon controls using Settings, press Windows key+I, go to Personalization > Taskbar, and open Taskbar corner overflow if that is the label shown on your version. In Microsoft’s screen-reader instructions, use the Spacebar to change an app’s toggle.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.FAQ
How do I show all hidden icons in Windows 11?
Open Settings > Personalization > Taskbar, expand Other system tray icons or Taskbar corner overflow, and turn on the app icons you want visible. You can also drag icons from the overflow menu onto the visible tray.
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How do I open the hidden-icons menu with a keyboard?
Press Windows key+B to open Show hidden icons.
Why don’t I see every system icon under Other system tray icons?
That section controls eligible app icons. Windows manages system tray controls separately, and the available controls can vary by device and Windows version.
Can I move an icon back to the hidden-icons menu?
Yes. Drag the icon from the visible tray back to the overflow area.
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