tray icons Archives

Winsage

October 23, 2025

How To Get Rid Of Microsoft Copilot On Windows 11

Microsoft has developed in-house AI models to improve user interaction with PCs through text and voice commands, featuring a Copilot that can perform actions on behalf of users. However, some Windows PC users are hesitant to adopt this AI-driven environment and prefer to maintain control over their interactions with AI. Microsoft has adjusted its AI features in response to past challenges, including privacy concerns that delayed the launch of its Recall feature. For users who wish to disable the Microsoft Copilot experience in Windows 11, they can follow specific steps in the Settings menu and the registry editor. Additionally, users can uninstall Copilot via the Start Menu or use PowerToys to remap the Copilot button.

Winsage

March 3, 2025

You might mock Microsoft’s new emoji button in Windows 11 but as someone that’s explained how to quickly access emojis and special characters too many times, I get it

Microsoft has introduced a dedicated emoji button in the taskbar of the latest beta build of Windows 11, allowing users to quickly access various emojis, including the thumbs-up. This feature can be activated using the Win + . shortcut, which brings up a window with emojis, emoticons, gifs, clipboard options, and special characters. Microsoft aims to improve the discoverability of this emoji panel, acknowledging its importance in a blog post. The feature is currently being tested in beta update 22635.5015 and is expected to be integrated into the main version of Windows soon. Users can also enable or disable system tray icons for a minimalist interface.

Winsage

December 15, 2024

Windows 11 Trials A New Emoji Panel Button On Taskbar

Microsoft has introduced a dedicated emoji button in the preview build 22635.4580 of Windows 11, located near the System Tray, allowing users to access the emoji panel with a click. This feature is optional and can be hidden through the Settings menu. Currently, the button is non-functional, but mockups illustrate its design. The rollout timeline for this feature is uncertain, but it may be included in a future Windows Update.

Winsage

December 14, 2024

Windows 11 introduces a hidden system tray feature nobody asked for – could it actually be useful?

Microsoft is rolling out the Windows 11 24H2 update, which includes a new battery indicator and an emoji panel feature integrated into the system tray. This feature, discovered in beta build 22635.4655, allows users to access an emoji panel with a single click from the taskbar. To enable the emoji panel, users must use ViveTool with the command for id:48504539, as it is not visible by default and is still in testing.

Winsage

October 26, 2024

5 settings I always change to declutter the System Tray on Windows 11

The System Tray on Windows 11 is located on the right side of the Taskbar and displays information such as the clock, network status, and volume control. Users can hide the time and date by going to Settings > Time & language > Date & time and toggling off the "Show time and date in the System tray" switch. An abbreviated format can be shown by toggling on the "Show time and date in the System tray" switch and selecting the "Show abbreviated time and date" option. To hide system icons, users can go to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > System tray icons and toggle off unnecessary icons. The "Show desktop" button can be disabled by unchecking the "Select the far corner of the taskbar to show the desktop" option under Taskbar behaviors in Settings > Personalization > Taskbar. Notifications can be turned off by toggling on the "Do not disturb" switch in Settings > System > Notifications. The weather widget can be disabled by toggling off the "Widgets" switch under Taskbar items in Settings > Personalization > Taskbar.

Winsage

August 31, 2024

Tired of disappearing tray icons in Windows 11? Try this simple fix

Windows 11 lacks a feature that allows users to toggle all tray icons with a single click, a functionality present in Windows 10. Users have reported issues with tray icons being hidden or restored unpredictably. To address this, developer m417z created a mod for the Windhawk platform that enables this one-click toggle feature. Windhawk is a third-party application that offers various tweaks for Windows 10 and 11, allowing users to review the source code of its modules for transparency. Users can download Windhawk, install the "Always show all taskbar tray icons" mod, and revert changes if desired. Additionally, Windhawk allows users to reposition the taskbar to the side of the screen, a feature not prioritized by Microsoft.