The system tray, also known as the notification area, is a section of the taskbar in Windows operating systems that provides a quick and easy way to access various system functions and applications. System tray windows, also known as notification area windows, are specialized windows that reside in the system tray and provide users with information and functionality. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of system tray windows, including their history, functionality, and technical details.
| Goal | Action | | :--- | :--- | | | Drag it out of the "Hidden Icons" menu. | | Hide an annoying icon | Drag it into the "Hidden Icons" menu. | | Stop a background app | Right-click the tray icon -> Exit/Quit. | | Fix a frozen tray | Restart "Windows Explorer" in Task Manager. | | Disable system icons | Taskbar Settings -> Notification Area. | system tray windows
Windows hides less-frequently used icons behind a small upward-facing arrow (the "overflow menu"). The system tray, also known as the notification