Windows 7 - Taskbar Button Flash - Change Flash Count

**Airbot**

How to Change the Count of Flashes for a Activated Window on the Taskbar

Information

This will show you how to change the number of flashes the taskbar buttons make to notify you when a Window/program (such as when an Antivirus program is finished scanning) is activated in the background. By default it is set to 3.

Note

Microsoft has made changes to this since Build 7000 (notably Build 7048). They have changed the flashing animation curve to make it more noticeable ( from a sine wave to a sawtooth wave). They also implemented a bolder orange color and changed the default flash count from 3 to 7 appropriately.

Here's How:

1) Type regedit in your start menu search bar and open up the Registry Editor.

2) Navigate to:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\CONTROL PANEL\DESKTOP

3) In the right pane, right click on ForeGroundFlashCount

4) Click on Modify, and select Decimal.

5) Change the Value to a higher number to however many flashes you want.
Setting a Value of 1 will give you a single flash.

Setting a Value of 0 will give you indefinite flashes.

6) Close Regedit

7) Log off and Log on or Restart the Computer to apply the changes.

That's it...

Airbot

RJV · 08-03-2009

Hi Airbot

Is there any way to completely disable the Taskbar Flashing?

Thanks.

**Airbot** · 08-03-2009

Hi RJV,

Not that I know of. Since setting it to 0 makes it continuously flash and 1 or above to the set number, there isn't a setting just for that for stopping it completely, at least that I have found. I even deleted the reg key and rebooted to see if it would have an effect, and it still flashes. Unless someone else knows a way how, I'd just set it at 1 if you don't like it.

RJV · 08-03-2009

Hi Airbot

Thanks for the information. If hear of a way to do this, do another tut.

The only problem I have with this is that I use a Netbook so destop space is precious. I like to keep the Taskbar hidden, but I usually have Messenger active and with all the activity, the Taskbar is constantly popping up with an orange button flashing.

Regards

**Airbot** · 08-03-2009

You're welcome, If I find a way, I'll post it up here.

**Taosgr** · 09-20-2009

Use the TuneUp Utilities.. It has an option to disable it...

**Taosgr** · 09-20-2009

Does anyone know a way to change the color of the flashing? I have a black theme and the flashing is black too... I would like another color...

**Zawarudo** · 09-20-2009

Quote: Originally Posted by Taosgr

Does anyone know a way to change the color of the flashing? I have a black theme and the flashing is black too... I would like another color...

That's strange, I've a black theme too but the buttons always flash in the color that is dominant in the button's icon, like orange for firefox, pink for zune, red for avira, yellow for powerISO, etc...

Windows 7 - Taskbar Button Flash - Change Flash Count

Taskbar Button Flash - Change Flash Count

Taskbar Button Flash - Change Flash Count problems?