Keeping Windows up to date is important for your computer’s security, performance, and stability. Microsoft regularly releases updates to fix bugs, improve system functionality, and address security vulnerabilities. However, checking Windows Update manually every time can become inconvenient.
That’s where the Windows Update Status icon in the system tray comes in handy. It provides a convenient way to identify Windows Update notifications and stay informed about updates that may require your attention, such as restarting your computer to finish installing an update.
Depending on your Windows version and configuration, you may be able to show or hide this icon through the taskbar settings. If you prefer a cleaner taskbar, disabling it can help reduce unnecessary icons. On the other hand, enabling it makes update-related notifications easier to notice.
In this guide, I’ll explain how to enable or disable the Windows Update Status icon in the system tray on Windows 11 and Windows 10.
Quick Steps to Enable or Disable Windows Update Status
To manage the Windows Update Status icon, follow the appropriate steps for your operating system:
- Press Windows + I to open Settings.
- On Windows 11, navigate to Personalization > Taskbar > Other system tray icons.
- On Windows 10, navigate to Personalization > Taskbar > Select which icons appear on the taskbar.
- Find Windows Update Status in the available list.
- Turn the switch On to enable the icon or Off to hide it.
- If the option isn’t available, try the Registry method where supported.
Enable or Disable Windows Update Status Icon in System Tray on Windows 11/10
There are several ways to manage the Windows Update Status icon. You can use the Windows Settings app, temporarily hide the icon from the taskbar, or modify the Windows Registry.
The exact steps depend on your Windows version.
Let’s look at each method separately so you can choose the one that works for your computer.
1: Temporarily Hide the Windows Update Status Icon
If you only want to remove the icon for a while, you don’t need to change any advanced Windows settings.
When the Windows Update Status icon appears in the system tray, right-click it and look for the Hide for now option.
Click Hide for now to temporarily remove the icon from the notification area.
This is a convenient option if you don’t want to make permanent changes to your taskbar configuration. However, the icon may appear again when Windows has another update-related notification.
One thing to remember is that this option may not appear on every Windows version or in every update state. If you don’t see it, use the Settings method below.
2: Enable or Disable the Windows Update Status Icon on Windows 11
If you’re running Windows 11, you can manage the Windows Update Status icon through the taskbar personalization settings.
This is probably the easiest method because you don’t need to edit the Registry or run any commands.
To get started, press Windows + I to open the Settings app. From the left sidebar, select Personalization.
Next, click Taskbar to open the available taskbar customization options.
Scroll down and expand Other system tray icons. This section contains options for controlling which application icons appear in the notification area.
Look for Windows Update Status in the available list.
If you want to enable the icon, turn its toggle On. Windows will then allow the icon to appear in the system tray when applicable.
If you want to disable it, switch the same option Off.
Settings path: Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Other system tray icons > Windows Update Status
After changing the setting, close the Settings app and check the system tray.
If the icon doesn’t appear immediately after enabling it, don’t worry. The icon may only become visible when Windows has an update-related status to display.
3: Enable or Disable the Windows Update Status Icon on Windows 10
Windows 10 uses a slightly different taskbar customization interface. However, you can still manage the Windows Update Status icon through the Settings app.
First, press Windows + I to launch Settings.
Navigate to Personalization > Taskbar. On the right side, scroll down until you reach the Notification area section.
Click Select which icons appear on the taskbar.
Windows will display a list of applications and notification icons that can appear in the system tray.
Find Windows Update Status in the list.
To display the icon, turn the corresponding switch On. To hide it, turn the switch Off.
Settings path: Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Notification area > Select which icons appear on the taskbar > Windows Update Status
Once you’ve made your selection, close the Settings window.
You can now check the notification area to see whether the icon is displayed or hidden.
Important: If Windows Update Status isn’t listed, the option may be unavailable because of your current update state or Windows configuration. You can try the Registry method where supported.
4: Enable or Disable the Windows Update Status Icon Using Registry Editor
Another way to control the Windows Update Status icon is through the Registry Editor.
This method is particularly useful when you cannot find the required option in Windows Settings. However, editing the Registry requires extra care because incorrect changes can affect Windows functionality.
Before proceeding, consider creating a System Restore Point or backing up the Registry.
Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box. Type regedit and press Enter.
If the User Account Control prompt appears, click Yes to open Registry Editor.
Now, navigate to the following location:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\WindowsUpdate\UX\Settings
You can also copy this path and paste it into the Registry Editor’s address bar.
In the right-hand pane, look for a DWORD value named TrayIconVisibility.
If the value already exists, double-click it to open the Edit DWORD (32-bit) Value window.
To disable the Windows Update Status icon, enter 0 in the Value data field and click OK.
If you want to enable the icon again, delete the TrayIconVisibility value you created. Windows can then return to its default behavior.
If the DWORD doesn’t exist, you can create it by right-clicking an empty area in the right-hand pane and selecting New > DWORD (32-bit) Value. Name it TrayIconVisibility and set its value to 0 to hide the icon.
Close Registry Editor and restart your computer to check the result.
Important: This Registry setting is documented for Windows 10 and earlier Windows 11 configurations, but it may not fully control the icon on newer Windows 11 releases, including version 24H2 and later. Therefore, use the Settings method whenever it is available.
5: Check Whether the Windows Update Status Icon Is Hidden
Sometimes, you may enable the Windows Update Status icon but still not see it on the taskbar. Before changing additional settings, check whether Windows has placed it in the hidden icon area.
On Windows 11 and Windows 10, click the Show hidden icons arrow (^) near the clock on the taskbar.
Look through the available icons and check whether Windows Update Status appears there.
If you find it, you can drag the icon toward the main notification area to make it easier to access, provided your Windows version supports this arrangement.
On Windows 11, you can also revisit Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Other system tray icons to check whether the Windows Update Status option is enabled.
If the icon is missing from both locations, it may simply mean that Windows doesn’t currently have an update status to display. Remember that enabling the icon doesn’t force it to remain visible all the time.
FAQs
1. What is the Windows Update Status icon in the system tray?
The Windows Update Status icon is a notification icon that helps you identify update-related activity or issues on your computer. It may appear when an update requires attention, such as when a restart is needed to complete an installation.
2. Can I permanently disable the Windows Update Status icon?
You can hide the icon through Windows Settings or use the Registry method on supported Windows versions. However, hiding the icon doesn’t disable Windows Update or prevent your computer from receiving updates.
3. Why can’t I find Windows Update Status in Taskbar Settings?
The option may not appear because of your Windows version, current update state, or system configuration. Check whether an update is pending and restart your computer if necessary. You can also check the Registry method if your Windows version supports it.
4. Does disabling the Windows Update Status icon stop automatic updates?
No. Disabling the icon only changes its visibility in the notification area. Windows Update can continue checking for, downloading, and installing updates according to your update settings.
5. How do I restore the Windows Update Status icon?
Open Settings > Personalization > Taskbar and locate the Windows Update Status option. Turn it on if it is available. If you previously created the TrayIconVisibility Registry value, delete that value and restart your computer. On newer Windows 11 versions, use the taskbar settings whenever possible.
6. Can I hide the Windows Update icon without editing the Registry?
Yes. You can use the taskbar customization options in Windows 11 or Windows 10. If the Hide for now option is available when you right-click the icon, you can also use it to hide the icon temporarily.