Hide or disable the Windows 10 system tray icon

Windows 10 will soon be upon us, and to the surprise of no one, Microsoft has added a reminder of the update to your current Windows installation. Though it’s a tiny one, the reminder comes in the form of a new icon that resides in the system tray.

If you like to keep that area of your screen tidy, and fewer things eating space across the taskbar in general, then you may want to hide or disable the new Windows update icon. Here are your options:

Temporary fixes

If you do not have all icons showing in the system tray:

• Drag and drop this new icon into the hidden area under the arrow.

If all icons are showing:

• Open the Task Manager (Ctrl+Alt+Del) and terminate the GWX (or GWXUX) process.

These options will work until you restart your computer.

Permanent fix

Want to keep the update notifier, but discontinue running it every time you boot the computer?

• Head to Control Panel > Windows Update.
• On the left, choose Installed updates. If you don’t see this option, click View installed updates, and a link to Installed updates should appear at the top of the window.
• Remove the update with the label with the label Update for Microsoft Windows KB3035583. It’s easiest to sort by name to find it.
• You will need to skip this particular update by right-clicking and hiding it when you install other future updates.

What do you think of the new icon appearing on your current installation? And which fix will you use? Share your thoughts in the comments.