Share this article
Improve this guide
5 Ways to Remove Windows Defender Tray Icon
Choose the way you find the simplest!
4 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
Share this article
Improve this guide
Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial teamRead more
Key notes
Windows Defender or Windows Security is the built-in antivirus in Windows and comes bundled with the OS. It’s at par with most of the top third-party antivirus software, but its presence in the notification area bothers many. In that case, you can remove the Windows Defender system tray icon.
There are a few ways you canremove Windows Securityfrom the taskbar in Windows 11, but some are afraid that it would leave their PC unprotected. We will be taking all this up in the following sections. So, keep reading!
Will Windows Defender work if I remove it from the system tray?
Yes, Windows Defender will continue to work even after you clear it from the system tray. It won’t show you anyunnecessary notifications, though it will continue to detect malware and virus and offer other critical warnings.
The only change you will find is that Windows Defender will now silently work in the background. Besides, it can still be accessed from the Start menu or via the Settings app in Windows 10.
How do I hide the Windows Defender icon from the taskbar?
1. Using the Task Manager
That’s it! One of the easiest ways to remove the Windows Defender tray icon is via the Task Manager.
2. Through the startup apps settings
3. Via Taskbar settings
Another way to remove the Windows Defender system tray icon in Windows 11 is via the Taskbar settings. Besides, using this method, you can disable the expandable icon menu that lists additional programs altogether.
4. With the Local Group Policy Editor (Gpedit)
The Local Group Policy Editor is a quick way to make advanced changes on the PC by modifying the set policies, and it allows users to remove Windows Defender (Windows Security) from the system tray in Windows 10.
It’s available on the Pro and Enterprise editions of the OS. Though you caninstall the Group Policy Editor in the Home editionas well.
5. From the Registry Editor (Regedit)
If the previous solutions didn’t remove the Windows Defender icon from the system tray, you could always use the Registry Editor to make concrete changes. But when working with the registry, make sure not to make any other changes as it could drastically affect the PC.
Before you leave, do check some quick tips toboost Windows 11’s performanceand make it run faster than ever.
For any queries or to share which method worked best for you, drop a comment below.
More about the topics:Microsoft Windows Defender
Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim has always been fond of technology, be it scrolling through the settings on his iPhone, Android device, or Windows PC. He’s specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
Long-time Windows user, Kazim is ready to provide a solution for your every software & hardware error on Windows 11, Windows 10 and any previous iteration. He’s also one of our experts in Networking & Security.
User forum
0 messages
Sort by:LatestOldestMost Votes
Comment*
Name*
Email*
Commenting as.Not you?
Save information for future comments
Comment
Δ
Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim is specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
