Driver FixRecommendedSound, Wi-Fi or graphics acting up? Check drivers firstFind missing or outdated drivers fast.Check DriversHalloween DealsAmazon USHalloween week deals: useful picks before month-endAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsClean PCRecommendedOne scan can reveal what keeps slowing WindowsLook for cleanup and repair opportunities.Run Scan×
FREEDOM251

Freedom251 › Blog › How To

How to Choose Which App Icons Appear in the Windows 11 Tray

By Freedom251 Team · · 2 min read

What’s actually slowing this PC down?

Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

To manage app icons in the Windows 11 system tray, open Settings > Personalization > Taskbar, then expand Other system tray icons. Turn the hidden icon menu on or off, choose which app icons appear, or drag an icon between the overflow menu and the visible tray. Windows features such as the Pen menu and Touch keyboard have a separate control.

Choose the right Taskbar setting

Open Settings > Personalization > Taskbar. You can also right-click an empty part of the taskbar and select Taskbar settings. On the Taskbar page, the two relevant sections do different jobs:

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

  • Other system tray icons controls the hidden icon menu—also called the overflow area—and which app icons can appear in the tray. Microsoft gives Teams, Outlook, and Windows Explorer as examples of app icons managed here.
  • System tray icons controls certain Windows features, including the Pen menu, Touch keyboard, and Virtual touchpad.

If you are looking for a particular icon and do not see an appropriate control, check both sections: an app icon and a built-in Windows feature may be managed separately. Microsoft’s taskbar instructions and its accessibility guidance describe these controls.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Show or hide an app icon with Settings

  1. Open Settings > Personalization > Taskbar, or right-click the taskbar and choose Taskbar settings.
  2. Expand Other system tray icons.
  3. Use the available switches to choose whether the hidden icon menu is enabled and which app icons appear in the system tray. The exact choices depend on the icons and options available on your Windows build.

Turning off the hidden icon menu and changing an individual app’s placement are distinct controls. If you want some icons visible and others tucked away, leave the menu available and select or move the icons you want in each location.

#1 Best Overall
Sale
Amazon Basics Wired QWERTY Keyboard, Works with Windows, Plug and Play, Easy to Use with Media Control, Full-Sized, Black
  • KEYBOARD: The keyboard works for Windows with hot keys that enable easy access to Media, My Computer, Mute, Volume up/down, and Calculator
  • EASY SETUP: Experience simple installation with the USB wired connection
  • VERSATILE COMPATIBILITY: This keyboard is designed to work with multiple Windows versions, including Vista, 7, 8, 10 offering broad compatibility across devices.
  • SLEEK DESIGN: The elegant black color of the wired keyboard complements your tech and decor, adding a stylish and cohesive look to any setup without sacrificing function.
  • FULL-SIZED CONVENIENCE: The standard QWERTY layout of this keyboard set offers a familiar typing experience, ideal for both professional tasks and personal use.

Move an icon between the visible tray and overflow

To place an icon directly, open the hidden icon menu, then drag the icon into the visible system tray. To tuck a visible icon away, drag it from the tray back into the overflow area. Dragging icons can also change their order.

Use the keyboard or screen reader

Press Windows key+B to reach Show hidden icons. Use the left and right arrow keys to move among taskbar tray elements. Microsoft documents this keyboard route in its taskbar navigation guidance.

Rank #2
Sale
Logitech K120 Full Size Wired Keyboard USB Plug-and-Play Windows - Black | Full-size keyboard, spill-resistant, curved space bar, Windows PC and laptops compatible
  • All-day Comfort: The design of this standard keyboard creates a comfortable typing experience thanks to the deep-profile keys and full-size standard layout with F-keys and number pad
  • Easy to Set-up and Use: Set-up couldn't be easier, you simply plug in this corded keyboard via USB on your desktop or laptop and start using right away without any software installation
  • Compatibility: This full-size keyboard is compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10 or later, plus it's a reliable and durable partner for your desk at home, or at work
  • Spill-proof: This durable keyboard features a spill-resistant design (1), anti-fade keys and sturdy tilt legs with adjustable height, meaning this keyboard is built to last
  • Plastic parts in K120 include 51% certified post-consumer recycled plastic*

For the settings route, press Windows key+I, go to Personalization > Taskbar, and open Taskbar corner overflow to adjust app icon placement. The label may differ from Other system tray icons in other Microsoft guidance or on another Windows build.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Quick Recap

SaleBestseller No. 1
SaleBestseller No. 2
Logitech K120 Full Size Wired Keyboard USB Plug-and-Play Windows - Black | Full-size keyboard, spill-resistant, curved space bar, Windows PC and laptops compatible
Logitech K120 Full Size Wired Keyboard USB Plug-and-Play Windows - Black | Full-size keyboard, spill-resistant, curved space bar, Windows PC and laptops compatible
Plastic parts in K120 include 51% certified post-consumer recycled plastic*; Product carbon footprint: 4.02 kg CO2e
$12.39
SaleBestseller No. 3
Logitech K270 Full Size Wireless Keyboard for Windows - Black | Full-size keyboard with number pad, 8 multimedia keys, includes USB-A receiver, 2-year battery, compatible with PC, laptop
Logitech K270 Full Size Wireless Keyboard for Windows - Black | Full-size keyboard with number pad, 8 multimedia keys, includes USB-A receiver, 2-year battery, compatible with PC, laptop
Plastic parts in K270 include 38% certified post-consumer recycled plastic; Eight hot keys: For instant access to the Internet, e-mail, music volume and more
$21.48
Bestseller No. 5
Arteck Backlit USB Wired Full Size Keyboard with Media Hotkey for PC and Laptop
Arteck Backlit USB Wired Full Size Keyboard with Media Hotkey for PC and Laptop
7 Unique Backlight Color: 7 Elegant LED backlight with 3 brightness level.
$32.97
Best Value
Arteck Backlit USB Wired Full Size Keyboard with Media Hotkey for PC and Laptop
  • 7 Unique Backlight Color: 7 Elegant LED backlight with 3 brightness level.
  • Easy Setup: Simply insert the 1.2M (4 feet) USB wire into your computer and use the keyboard instantly.
  • Ergonomic design: Scissors X structure gives you the comfortable typing experience, low-profile keys offer quiet and comfortable typing.
  • Ultra Thin and Light: Compact size (16.7 X 4.5 X 0.24in) and light weight (17.4oz) but provides full size keys, arrow keys, number pad, shortcuts for comfortable typing.
  • Package contents: Arteck Backlit USB wired Keyboard, welcome guide, our 24-month warranty and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
Sale
Logitech MK120 Full Size Wired Keyboard and Mouse Combo - Black | Full size wired keyboard, optical wired mouse, USB plug-and-play, Windows only, pc and laptop compatible
  • Durable and Reliable: This USB keyboard features a curved space bar, spill-resistant design (2), durable keys that can withstand 10 million keystrokes, and sturdy, adjustable tilt legs
  • Comfortable, Familiar Typing: You’ll enjoy a comfortable and familiar typing experience thanks to the deep-profile keys and standard layout with full-size F-keys and number pad
  • Full-size Sculpted Mouse: The high-definition optical USB mouse puts comfort and control in your hands with smooth, accurate tracking and an ambidextrous shape that feels good hour after hour
  • Simple Set-Up: Simply plug the keyboard and mouse into the USB ports on your desktop, laptop, or netbook and you're ready to work; compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10 or later
  • Clear and Convenient: The bold, bright white and long-lasting characters make the keys on this PC or laptop keyboard easy to read and extra durable
Rank #3
Sale
Logitech K270 Full Size Wireless Keyboard for Windows - Black | Full-size keyboard with number pad, 8 multimedia keys, includes USB-A receiver, 2-year battery, compatible with PC, laptop
  • All-day Comfort: This USB keyboard creates a comfortable and familiar typing experience thanks to the deep-profile keys and standard full-size layout with all F-keys, number pad and arrow keys
  • Built to Last: The spill-proof (2) design and durable print characters keep you on track for years to come despite any on-the-job mishaps; it’s a reliable partner for your desk at home, or at work
  • Long-lasting Battery Life: A 24-month battery life (4) means you can go for 2 years without the hassle of changing batteries of your wireless full-size keyboard
  • Simply plug the USB receiver into a USB port on your desktop, laptop or netbook computer and start using the keyboard right away without any software installation
  • Simply Wireless: Forget about drop-outs and delays thanks to a strong, reliable wireless connection with up to 33 ft range (5); K270 is compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10 or later
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

If the icon still will not behave as expected

  • The switch seems unrelated: Check whether the icon is a Windows feature under System tray icons or an app under Other system tray icons.
  • You want to hide the overflow menu: Look for its on/off control under Other system tray icons. That setting is different from choosing which individual app icons appear there.
  • You cannot find the same label or choices: Windows taskbar settings vary by build. Microsoft’s August 27, 2026 preview notes for KB5120998, OS Builds 26200.9278 and 26100.9278 describe taskbar changes rolling out gradually, with availability varying by device. Use the Taskbar page on your PC as the practical guide.
  • You are trying to remove a core taskbar element: Not every item is configurable. Microsoft states that Quick Settings cannot be removed from the taskbar.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

How Tosystem trayTaskbarWindows 11Windows Settings

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You DownFree scan - exact matches
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?Free scan - under a minute

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.