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Slideshow: Manage Windows 7 Notification area icons

By Mark W. Kaelin

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Slideshow: Manage Windows 7 Notification area icons

Default 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.

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ntCustomize icon behavior

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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.

Slideshow: Manage Windows 7 Notification area icons

Right-click and click Properties

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.

Slideshow: Manage Windows 7 Notification area icons

Click Customize button

Click Customize button

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

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

Slideshow: Manage Windows 7 Notification area icons

Customize icon notifications

Customize icon notifications

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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.

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ntYou have three choices for each icon in the list:

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  • nttHide icon and notifications: Never displays the icon and notifications

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  • nttOnly show notifications: Displays only notifications

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  • nttShow icon and notifications:Always displays the icon and notifications

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

Slideshow: Manage Windows 7 Notification area icons

An example

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.

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

Slideshow: Manage Windows 7 Notification area icons

Turn off and on system icons

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.

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

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

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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.