Microsoft

Slideshow: Manage Windows 7 Notification area icons

By // January 31, 2011, 12:51 AM PST // markwkaelin

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  • Default icons

    Microsoft 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.

    Customize icon behavior

    The 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

    To 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

    The 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

     

    Click 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.

    You have three choices for each icon in the list:

    • Hide icon and notifications: Never displays the icon and notifications
    • Only show notifications: Displays only notifications
    • Show 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

    I 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

    There 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.

    There 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.

Default icons

Microsoft 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.

Customize icon behavior

The 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.

Related Topics:

Microsoft Enterprise Software Software Collaboration Mobility Cloud Hardware

By Mark Kaelin

Mark W. Kaelin has been writing and editing stories about the IT 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, and TechRepublic.