Slideshow: Manage Windows 7 Notification area icons

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

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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, gadgets, finance, accounting, and tech-life for more than 25 years. Most recently, he has been a regular contributor to BreakingModern.com, aNewDomain.net,

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