Windows 11: Customize Taskbar Pins and System Icons
Organize taskbar pinning and display items. Launch the app, right-click the taskbar icon, and select [Pin to taskbar]. You can also right-click the app in Start Search > [Pin to taskbar]. Verify that the pinned icon opens the app and that only the required status icons are visible in the notification area.
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Who this guide is for and what to prepare
- Users who want to streamline daily operations with Windows 11
- Users who want to try out the feature in a way that allows them to restore the settings.
What you need
- Save the file you are working on and try it with test data that does not include personal information.
- Items fixed by organizational policy cannot be changed. Hiding security and synchronization status from the notification area makes it difficult to notice abnormalities.
Purpose and prerequisites
Organize taskbar pinning and display items. Launch the app, right-click the taskbar icon, and select [Pin to taskbar]. You can also right-click the app in Start Search > [Pin to taskbar]. Verify that the pinned icon opens the app and that only the required status icons are visible in the notification area.
Items fixed by organizational policy cannot be changed. Hiding security and synchronization status from the notification area makes it difficult to notice abnormalities.
Configure the feature
Launch the app, right-click the taskbar icon, and select [Pin to taskbar]. You can also right-click the app in Start Search > [Pin to taskbar].
- Launch the app, right-click the taskbar icon, and select [Pin to taskbar]. You can also right-click the app in Start Search > [Pin to taskbar]
Try it out and see the results
Settings > Personalization > Taskbar to expand and change search, Task View, widgets, other system tray icons, and behaviors as needed. Verify that the pinned icon opens the app and that only the required status icons are visible in the notification area.
Find frequently used apps in Start, right-click them, and select Pin to taskbar. If the app is already running, you can perform the same operations from the icon on the taskbar. You can change the order of the icons by dragging them, so arrange them according to your criteria, such as by frequency of use from the left. Even if you remove unnecessary pins, you can still launch the app from Start.
- Settings > Personalization > Taskbar to expand and change search, Task View, widgets, other system tray icons, and behaviors as needed
- Verify that the pinned icon opens the app and that only the required status icons are visible in the notification area.
Turn it off and restore the previous setup
Right-click the icon > select [Unpin from taskbar]. Setting toggles can also be restored. Unpinning does not mean uninstalling the app.
- Right-click the icon > select [Unpin from taskbar]. Setting toggles can also be restored. Unpinning is not uninstalling the app.
Limitations and requirements
- Items fixed by organizational policy cannot be changed. Hiding security and synchronization status from the notification area makes it difficult to notice abnormalities.
- If the settings are fixed on an organization-managed PC, check with the administrator instead of using unofficial methods to circumvent the policy.
Frequently asked questions
Will the app disappear if I remove the pin?
This operation removes the shortcut from the taskbar. The app itself will not be deleted.
Can I change the order of icons?
Drag the app icons on the taskbar to the left or right to rearrange them.
Official sources and verification date
Sources checked: . Check the official sources below for changes to supported systems, plans and menus.