Windows 7: "Notification Area Icons" Settings - Enable or Disable

   Information

This will show you how to enable or disable the ability of users to be able to change the taskbar Notification Area Icons settings in Windows 7.

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

OPTION ONE

Using a REG File Download

1. To Enable the Ability to Change "Notification Area Icons"
NOTE: This is the default setting.

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

Enable_Notification_Area_Icons_Settings.reg

B) Go to step 3.

2. To Disable the Ability to Change "Notification Area Icons"

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

Disable_Notification_Area_Icons_Settings.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.

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

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

4. To Enable the Ability to Change "Notification Area Icons"

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 Disable the Ability to Change "Notification Area Icons"

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

6. Click on OK. (see screenshot below)

7. Close the Local Group Policy Editor window.