Windows 10 System Tray Not Showing: 4 Ways to Fix

The system tray, located on the right side of the taskbar, is an essential part of Windows 10. It displays icons for background applications, notifications, and basic system functions such as volume, network, and battery. However, sometimes, the system tray might not show up, making it challenging to access these essential features. If you’re facing this issue, don’t worry.

We will walk you through common reasons for the problem and how to fix it.

Common Reasons Why the System Tray is Not Showing on Windows 10

Several factors can cause the system tray to disappear or fail to display correctly. Here are some of the most common reasons:

• Corrupt or missing system files
• Outdated or incompatible graphics drivers
• Misconfigured taskbar settings
• Conflicts with third-party applications
• Glitches in recent Windows updates

Understanding the cause will help you better address the issue and restore the system tray to its proper place.

4 Ways to Fix Windows 10 System Tray Not Showing

Restart Windows Explorer

Restarting Windows Explorer can resolve many taskbar-related issues, including problems with the system tray not showing. Windows Explorer controls the entire desktop interface, so a quick restart often clears up temporary glitches.

• Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
• In the Processes tab, locate Windows Explorer.
• Right-click Windows Explorer and select Restart.

This simple step can refresh your desktop and bring back the system tray.

Check Taskbar Settings

Sometimes, the system tray might be hidden due to incorrect taskbar settings. Ensuring that your taskbar is configured properly can help restore missing icons.

• Right-click the taskbar and select Taskbar settings.
• Scroll down to the Notification area section and click Select, which icons appear on the toolbar.
• Toggle On the icons you want to display, including essential ones like volume, network, and battery.

Properly configuring your taskbar settings ensures all necessary system tray icons are visible.

Update Graphics Drivers

Outdated or incompatible graphics drivers can interfere with the display of system elements, including the system tray. Updating your drivers can resolve these graphical issues.

• Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
• Expand the Display Adapters category.
• Right-click your graphics driver and select Update driver.
• Choose Search automatically for updated driver software and follow the prompts.

Keeping your graphics drivers updated ensures smooth functionality of your desktop interface, including the system tray.

I suggest using a third-party PC solution like Fortect for a hassle-free driver update. Fortect automatically scans all installed drivers on your Windows PC, identifies any corrupted or outdated ones, and updates them automatically from a secure source.

Download and install Fortect now.

Run System File Checker (SFC) Scan

Corrupt or missing system files can prevent certain elements, like the system tray, from displaying correctly. Running the built-in System File Checker tool can repair these files.

• Press Windows + S and type cmd.
• Right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
• In the Command Prompt window, type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
• Wait for the scan to complete and follow any instructions provided.

An SFC scan can detect and fix underlying system issues, which might resolve the problem with your missing system tray.

Conclusion

When the system tray is not showing in Windows 10, it can be frustrating, but the issue is usually easy to fix with a few troubleshooting steps. By restarting Windows Explorer, adjusting taskbar settings, updating your drivers, or running an SFC scan, you can quickly restore the system tray and regain access to essential system icons.

If the problem persists, more advanced troubleshooting might be necessary, but these solutions should help most users resolve the issue.