PSA: The latest Windows Insider Dev, Beta Channel builds lets you disable all app icons in your system tray

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Published onApril 13, 2022

published onApril 13, 2022

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Microsoft releasedWindows 11 build 22593last week to both Dev Channel Windows Insiders and Beta Channel Insiders, and there was an interesting feature that wasn’t mentioned in the release notes. As spotted byNeowin, it recently became possible in this build to disable all icons in the system tray to the left of the clock area.

It already was possible to hide system tray icons in Windows 11, by adding them to an overflow menu by going to Windows 11’s settings (Personalization, Taskbar, Taskbar corner overflow.) Yet, this new option lets you remove them entirely. In the Dev channel, Windows 11 now shows a new third option in this settings menu calledHidden icon menu. And when this is clicked, along with toggling all the other switches for icons tooff,you’ll see a clean space to the bottom right of your taskbar with just the time and usual indicators for Wi-Fi, volume, and battery on laptops.

Of course, it might not make sense to do this, as some apps will only quit from the system tray, but it is nice to see that you can clean up this area a bit. Do note, though, that this doesn’t mean the feature will make it to the retail version of Windows 11.

Features that are tested in the Windows Insider program are known to come and go. Yet, the fact that this feature is in testing with the Beta Channel, too, could hint at a possible release for all Windows 11 users in a future update, but don’t hold your breath for it.

Radu Tyrsina

Radu Tyrsina has been a Windows fan ever since he got his first PC, a Pentium III (a monster at that time).

For most of the kids of his age, the Internet was an amazing way to play and communicate with others, but he was deeply impressed by the flow of information and how easily you can find anything on the web.

Prior to founding Windows Report, this particular curiosity about digital content enabled him to grow a number of sites that helped hundreds of millions reach faster the answer they’re looking for.

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Radu Tyrsina

With KB5043178 to Release Preview Channel, Microsoft advises Windows 11 users to plug in when the battery is low#

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PSA: The latest Windows Insider Dev, Beta Channel builds lets you disable all app icons in your system tray#

With KB5043178 to Release Preview Channel, Microsoft advises Windows 11 users to plug in when the battery is low

Copilot in Outlook will generate personalized themes for you to customize the app

Microsoft will raise the price of its 365 Suite to include AI capabilities

Death Stranding Director’s Cut is now Xbox X|S at a huge discount

Outlook will let users create custom account icons so they can tell their accounts apart easier

PSA: The latest Windows Insider Dev, Beta Channel builds lets you disable all app icons in your system tray