How to Enable or Disable Changing "Notification Area Icons" Settings in Windows 7 and Windows 8
InformationThe notification area is a part of the taskbar that provides a temporary source for notifications and status. It can also be used to display icons for system and program features that are not on the desktop.
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 and Windows 8.
You must be logged in as an administrator to be able to do this tutorial.
EXAMPLE: "Notification Area Icons" Disabled
OPTION ONEEnable or Disable "Notification Area Icons" Settings using REG File
1. To Enable the Ability to Change "Notification Area Icons" for All Users
NOTE: This is the default setting.
A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 3 below.2. To Disable the Ability to Change "Notification Area Icons" for All Users
Enable_Notification_Area_Icons_Settings.reg
A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 3 below.3. Save the .reg file to your desktop.
4. Double click/tap on the downloaded .reg file to merge it.
5. If prompted, click/tap on Run, Yes (UAC), Yes, and OK to approve merging.
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 TWOEnable or Disable "Notification Area Icons" Settings in Group Policy
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.That's it,
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 Turn off notification area cleanup to edit it. (See screenshot above)
4. To Enable the Ability to Change "Notification Area Icons"
A) Select (dot) either Not Configured or Disabled, and go to step 6 below.. (see screenshot below step 6)5. To Disable the Ability to Change "Notification Area Icons"
NOTE: Not Configured is the default setting.
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.
Shawn
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