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 will show you how to add or remove the notification area (aka: system tray) from the taskbar for all users in Windows 7. This will affect the default Volume, Network, Power, Action Center system icons, and all system tray icons added by installed programs.

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

   Note

If you remove the notification area, then 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 on.

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

A) Click on the Download button below to download the file below.

Add_Notification_Area.reg

B) Go to step 3.

2. To Remove Notification Area from Taskbar

A) Click on the Download button below to download the file below.

Remove_Notification_Area.reg

3. Click on Save, and save the .reg file to the desktop.

4. Right click on the downloaded .reg file and click on Merge.

5. Click on Run, Yes, Yes, and OK when prompted.

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

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

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 on to expand User Configuration, Administrative Templates, and Start Menu and Taskbar. (see screenshot below)

3. In the right pane, right click on Hide the notification area and click on Edit. (See screenshot above)

4. To Add Notification Area to Taskbar

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

B) Go to step 6.

5. To Remove Notification Area from Taskbar

A) Select (dot) Enabled. (see screenshot below step 6)

6. Click 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.