If you have Windows 10, you can remove the “Chat” taskbar icon by following these steps:
- Open the Start menu and type “netstat -a”.
- If the “Chat” taskbar icon is not listed, then it may be hidden behind other icons. To show it, open the Task Manager and click on the “Taskbar” tab.
- Scroll down to the bottom of the list and look for the “Chat” taskbar icon. It should be listed as a white arrow in its location. If it isn’t, then it may be hidden behind other icons or disabled altogether. To enable it, simply right-click on it and select “show hidden files and folders” from the context menu.
Windows 11 includes a Chat icon that links to Microsoft Teams in the taskbar. While handy, if you don’t use it, it’s easy to hide. Here’s how to disable it—and how to bring it back if you change your mind later.
How to Hide the Windows 11 Chat Button
Getting rid of the Chat icon in the Windows 11 taskbar is easy. To do so, right-click an empty spot on the taskbar and select “Taskbar Settings” in the pop-up.
When Settings opens to Personalization > Taskbar, expand the “Taskbar Items” section near the top. Next, flip the “Chat” switch to “Off.”
After that, close Settings, and you’re all set.
How to Show the Windows 11 Chat Button
If you change your mind and want the Chat icon back on your taskbar, right-click the taskbar and select “Taskbar Settings.”
Windows Settings will open to Personalization > Taskbar. In “Taskbar Items,” switch “Chat” to “On.”
As soon as you flip the switch, the Chat icon will reappear in your taskbar. If you click it, you’ll find a handy way to chat with others through Microsoft Teams. Have fun!
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