Slideshow: Manage Windows 7 Notification area icons

By Mark W. Kaelin January 31, 2011, 12:38 AM PST

Image
1
of 6

Slideshow: Manage Windows 7 Notification area icons

Default icons

ntMicrosoft Windows 7 provides users with a simple tool for managing which icons display in the Notification area located in the lower right corner of the typical Windows Desktop. The behavior of icons in area are generally determined by whether they are trying to alert a user that some application or system process requires attention. However, a user can exert some control over this area through Taskbar properties.

ntCustomize icon behavior

ntThe default icon behaviors in Notification area are usually adequate, but you may want to make some changes based on your preferences.

This gallery is also available as a TechRepublic blog post and download. Image created by Mark Kaelin for TechRepublic.

Right-click and click Properties

ntTo make changes, right-click on the Taskbar and click on Properties in the context menu.

This gallery is also available as a TechRepublic blog post and download. Image created by Mark Kaelin for TechRepublic.

Click Customize button

ntThe next screen contains a Customize button on the Taskbar tab.

This gallery is also available as a TechRepublic blog post and download. Image created by Mark Kaelin for TechRepublic.

Customize icon notifications

ntClick the Customize button to get to the next screen where you can customize which icons will appear in the Notification area and what behavior those icons will use while they are displayed there.

ntYou have three choices for each icon in the list:

nttHide icon and notifications: Never displays the icon and notifications

nttOnly show notifications: Displays only notifications

nttShow icon and notifications:Always displays the icon and notifications

This gallery is also available as a TechRepublic blog post and download. Image created by Mark Kaelin for TechRepublic.

An example

ntI made a few changes on my test machine as an example. Your changes, of course, will depend on your preferences and needs.

This gallery is also available as a TechRepublic blog post and download. Image created by Mark Kaelin for TechRepublic.

Turn off and on system icons

ntThere is also a link on the configuration screen that will take you to another screen where you can turn off and on system icons in the Notification area.

ntThere is also a link on the configuration screen that will reset the icons in the Notification area to their default values.

This gallery is also available as a TechRepublic blog post and download. Image created by Mark Kaelin for TechRepublic.

By Mark W. Kaelin

Mark W. Kaelin has been writing and editing stories about the information technology industry, software, hardware, gaming, finance, accounting, and technology geekdom for more than 30 years.

Account Information

Contact Mark W. Kaelin

Your message has been sent
|
See all of Mark W.'s content

Business intelligence and data analytics give tech decision makers a clearer idea of how well their companies are running and whether they’re meeting goals. Because BI incorporates data from across the enterprise — revenue operations, sales, supply chain and logistics — its insight is beneficial in areas such as customer profiling, customer support and market ...

Even for the smallest and most independent developers, creating a successful modern video game requires the coordination of designers, programmers, testers, artists, musicians, animators and a multitude of other talented personnel. Getting all these moving parts to work together, synchronize their production and do it on time and on budget is the role of the ...

Food stands as a fundamental necessity for human survival. Our bodies rely on the nutrients found in food that enable us to carry out our day-to-day activities and responsibilities. However, in our modern, fast-paced world, the convenience of readily available food is often prioritized, notwithstanding the expense of food safety due to potential contaminants. This ...