The Windows 11 system tray can get cluttered quickly, especially if you’re running apps that insist on showing an icon 24/7. While Windows offers limited customization for hiding icons, it doesn’t give you full control. That’s where Windhawk comes in — a powerful modding tool for Windows that lets you hide system tray icons, even ones Windows doesn’t normally allow you to remove.
Here’s how to do it.
What Is Windhawk?
Windhawk is a free, open-source tool that lets you tweak and extend the behavior of Windows programs using mods. It doesn’t modify your system files — instead, it injects lightweight code at runtime. That makes it safer and easier to use than many traditional customization tools.
Step-by-Step: Hiding System Tray Icons
1. Download and Install Windhawk
Go to the official Windhawk website: https://windhawk.net
- Download the installer and run it.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete installation.
Once installed, Windhawk runs in the background and gives you access to a library of mods.
2. Open Windhawk and Search for the Tray Icon Hiding Mod
- Launch Windhawk.
- Click the “Browse mods” tab.
- In the search bar, type “Hide tray icons” or simply look for a mod called “Hide tray icons” or something similar.
If no official mod appears, check the community or GitHub section for third-party contributions.
3. Install the Mod
- Click on the mod title.
- Read the mod description to confirm it does what you want.
- Click “Install” and then “Enable”.
The mod will be applied immediately, and you should see certain tray icons disappear — or be able to configure which ones to hide.
4. Customize as Needed
Most tray icon hiding mods come with a settings menu. You can:
- Select which icons to hide.
- Toggle visibility based on specific conditions.
- Restore icons if needed.
Open Windhawk, go to the mod’s settings, and adjust everything to your preference.
Bonus: Why This Works Better Than Windows’ Native Options
Windows 11 only lets you move some icons to the overflow menu — but it doesn’t let you truly hide or remove them, especially for persistent background apps. Windhawk fills that gap by giving you real control, without needing to dig into the registry or run risky scripts.
Is It Safe?
Yes — Windhawk is open-source and well-documented. Mods are sandboxed, and changes are reversible. Still, always back up your system or create a restore point before installing any third-party tools.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to clean up your system tray and Windows won’t let you, Windhawk is the fix. It’s fast, lightweight, and puts control back in your hands.
Let me know in the comments if you found a favorite mod — or ran into issues I can help troubleshoot.
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