Windows 7: Notification Area - Add or Remove

   Information

The notification area (aka: system tray) is on the far right of the taskbar just to the left of the system clock. This includes the default Volume, Network, Power, Action Center, and Input Indicator (Windows 8) system icons in addition to all system tray icons added by installed programs.

This tutorial will show you how to add or remove the notification area from the taskbar for all or specific users in Windows 7 and Windows 8.

You must be logged in as an administrator to be able to do this tutorial.

   Note

If you remove the notification area, then the taskbar displays only the Start button, pinned taskbar buttons, custom toolbars (if any), and the system clock.

You will also no longer be able to set the Notification Area Icons and System Icons settings as well since the notifcation area is no longer there to display them and their balloon messages on.

OPTION ONE

Using a REG File Download

1. To Add Notification Area to All Users Taskbar
NOTE: This is the default setting.

A) Click on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 3 below.

Add_Notification_Area.reg

2. To Remove Notification Area from All Users Taskbar

A) Click on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 3 below.

Remove_Notification_Area.reg

3. Save the .reg file to your desktop.

4. Double click/tap on the downloaded .reg file to merge it.

5. Click/tap on Run, Yes (UAC), Yes, and OK when prompted.

6. Log off and log on, or restart the computer to apply.

7. When finished, you can delete the downloaded .reg file if you like.

OPTION TWO

Through the Local Group Policy Editor

1. Open the all users, specific users or groups, or all users except administrators Local Group Policy Editor for how you want this policy applied.

2. In the left pane, click/tap on to expand User Configuration, Administrative Templates, and Start Menu and Taskbar. (see screenshot below)

3. In the right pane, double click/tap on Hide the notification area to edit it. (See screenshot above)

4. To Add Notification Area to Taskbar

A) Select (dot) either Not Configured or Disabled, and go to step 6 below. (see screenshot below step 6)
NOTE: Not Configured is the default setting.

5. To Remove Notification Area from Taskbar

A) Select (dot) Enabled, and go to step 6 below. (see screenshot below step 6)

6. Click/tap on OK. (see screenshot below)

7. Close the Local Group Policy Editor window.

8. Log off and log on, or restart the computer to apply.