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To restore the NVIDIA Control Panel icon, open the classic NVIDIA Control Panel and select Desktop > Show Notification Tray Icon. If you mean the separate GPU Activity icon, use Desktop > Display GPU Activity Icon in Notification Area instead; that option is available only on systems with NVIDIA power-saving GPU technology.
First, identify which NVIDIA icon is missing
NVIDIA has two taskbar notification-area icons that are easy to confuse:
- NVIDIA Control Panel notification icon: A shortcut for configuring key Control Panel settings.
- GPU Activity icon: Opens a view of programs and displays using the NVIDIA GPU. NVIDIA says this option appears only on systems using its power-saving GPU technology.
Each icon has its own setting in the classic NVIDIA Control Panel. NVIDIA documents the distinction in its Desktop menu help and its guide to NVIDIA power-saving GPU technology.
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- Open the NVIDIA Control Panel.
- In the menu bar, select Desktop.
- Select Show Notification Tray Icon to enable the icon in the Windows taskbar notification area.
NVIDIA describes this menu item as the toggle for showing or hiding the NVIDIA Control Panel notification icon. See NVIDIA Control Panel Help.
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- AI Performance: 767 AI TOPS
- OC mode: 2632 MHz (OC mode)/ 2602 MHz (Default mode)
- Powered by the NVIDIA Blackwell architecture and DLSS 4
- Axial-tech fan design features a smaller fan hub that facilitates longer blades and a barrier ring that increases downward air pressure
- A 2.5-slot design maximizes compatibility and cooling efficiency for superior performance in small chassis
Restore the GPU Activity icon instead
In the classic NVIDIA Control Panel, select Desktop > Display GPU Activity Icon in Notification Area. This is a separate control from Show Notification Tray Icon, and it may not appear on systems that do not use NVIDIA’s power-saving GPU technology.
If the Desktop menu or setting is missing
- Check which NVIDIA interface is open. These steps apply to the classic NVIDIA Control Panel. NVIDIA’s newer app has received selected settings from the classic Control Panel, but its release highlights do not identify this particular tray-icon toggle as a migrated setting. Check NVIDIA app release highlights for documented changes; do not assume the same menu path exists in the app.
- Check the current Control Panel category. NVIDIA notes that menu-bar choices can vary depending on the category in use. If Desktop is absent, inspect the open category and interface before concluding that the toggle was removed. See NVIDIA’s menu bar help.
The documented remedy is the relevant Control Panel toggle. The cited NVIDIA guidance does not establish reinstalling a driver or changing Windows startup settings as a fix for this specific missing-icon symptom.
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- Powered by the NVIDIA Blackwell architecture and DLSS 4 OC mode: 2640MHz/Default mode: 2610MHz (Boost Clock)
- Military-grade components deliver rock-solid power and longer lifespan for ultimate durability
- Protective PCB coating helps protect against short circuits caused by moisture, dust, or debris
- 3.125-slot design with massive fin array optimized for airflow from three Axial-tech fans
- Phase-change GPU thermal pad helps ensure optimal thermal performance and longevity, outlasting traditional thermal paste for graphics cards under heavy loads
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- Powered by the NVIDIA Blackwell architecture and DLSS 4
- Powered by GeForce RTX 5060
- Integrated with 8GB GDDR7 128bit memory interface
- PCIe 5.0
- WINDFORCE cooling system
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- Powered by the NVIDIA Blackwell architecture and DLSS 4. System Requirements: Minimum 850W PSU with 16-pin 12V-2x6 (12VHPWR) connector required. Verify before purchasing.
- Military-grade components deliver rock-solid power and longer lifespan for ultimate durability. Compatibility: 348mm (13.7") length, 3.6 slots, 4.3 lbs. Confirm case clearance and slot spacing. GPU bracket included.
- Protective PCB coating helps protect against short circuits caused by moisture, dust, or debris
- 3.6-slot design with massive fin array optimized for airflow from three Axial-tech fans
- Phase-change GPU thermal pad helps ensure optimal thermal performance and longevity, outlasting traditional thermal paste for graphics cards under heavy loads
Rank #2
- Powered by the NVIDIA Blackwell architecture and DLSS 4
- Powered by GeForce RTX 5070 Ti
- Integrated with 16GB GDDR7 256bit memory interface
- PCIe 5.0
- WINDFORCE cooling system
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