Add/remove Windows Security icon in Windows 11

In Windows 11, managing the visibility of the Windows Security icon is not only a matter of personal preference but also a crucial aspect of maintaining a seamless and secure computing environment. The Windows Security icon serves as a gateway to essential security features, providing quick access to antivirus, firewall, and other protective measures. In this guide, we’ll walk through the steps to effortlessly add/remove the Windows Security icon in Windows 11, allowing you to tailor your desktop experience according to your preferences and ensuring that access to vital security tools aligns perfectly with your workflow.

Add/remove the Windows Security icon in Windows 11

Adding or removing the Windows Security icon in Windows 11 boils down to personal preferences and workflow optimization:

Reasons to Add:

• Quick Security Access: Easily reach essential security tools.
• Visual Reminder: Stay alert with a constant security visual cue.
• Efficient Status Checks: One-click security status updates for proactive measures.

Reasons to Remove:

• Desktop Cleanliness: Opt for a clutter-free, minimalist desktop.
• Alternative Security Tools: Rely on other security solutions without redundancy.
• Tailored Workflow: Customize your desktop for a personalized, efficient experience.

Below we have four easy methods to add or remove the Windows Security Icon in Windows 11:

Method 1: Add/remove the Windows Security Icon in Windows 11 using the Local Group Policy Editor

1. Press the Windows key + R. Type “gpedit.msc” and click OK.

2. Navigate to the following path:

Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Security > Systray

3. Now, double-click on the “Hide Windows Security Systray” option.

4. A dialog box will appear. Select “Not Configured” to add the Windows Security icon.

To disable the Windows Security Icon for all the users, select “Enabled“.

5. Click OK followed by Apply.

6. Close all the local group policy editor windows and restart the PC to save the changes.

Method 2: Add/remove the Windows Security Icon in Windows 11 using Registry Editor

1. Press the Windows key + R. Type “regedit” and click OK.

2. Navigate to the following path:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender Security Center

3. First you need to create a registry key named “Systray“.

To create a registry key, right-click on “Windows Defender Security Center” and select “New => Key“.

Type “Systray” and press Enter.

4. Now, you have to create a registry keyword named “HideSystray“.

To create a registry keyword, right-click on “Systray” and select “New => DWORD (32-bit) value“.

Type “HideSystray” and press Enter.

5. Double-click on “HideSystray” and set the value to 1 to disable the Windows Security Notification icon for all users.

6. Close all the registry editor windows and restart the PC to save the changes.

Method 3: Add or remove using Startup Apps

1. Open the Settings App and go to “Apps“.

2. After that click on “Startup” in the right panel.

3. Turn on the toggle of the “Windows Security notification icon” option to add it else turn off the toggle to remove it.

Method 4: Add or remove using Settings App

1. Open the Settings App and go to “Personalization“.

2. Now, click on “Taskbar“.

3. Expand the “Other system tray icons“.

4. After that turn on the “Windows Security notification icon” option to add the Windows Security Icon and turn it off to remove it.

That’s It!