Learn To Fix the Missing Windows Security Icon from the System Tray

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Find out how to fix the missing Windows Security Icon from the System Tray with six possible ways from App Startup Settings to Taskbar or updating methods all are listed.

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Windows 10 and 11 have a very good security tool called Windows Security. This full security software protects your Windows device from various security threats and hacking tries.  

It gives features that most free security programs don’t, like Tamper protection and Ransomware protection, etc. It’s really simple to access the Windows Security app on Windows when you get a shortcut for it on your System Tray and Taskbar.

However, what if the Windows Security app’s System Tray and Taskbar icon disappear? The first thought you will have is a virus attack, but that’s usually not the case. The Windows Security icon can disappear for reasons like system file damage, incorrect startup settings, etc.

Why is the Windows Security Icon Missing?  

The Windows Security app can disappear for several reasons. We have mentioned the common reasons for such problems:

• Windows Security app is turned off on your device.  

• You are using another security program.

• Damaged System Files.  

• Old version of Windows.

• Incorrect Taskbar/System Tray Settings.

• Incorrect Group Policy Settings.

How to Fix the Missing Windows Security Icon from the System Tray or Taskbar  

If the Windows Security Icon is already missing from your System Tray, keep reading this guide. Below, we have shared a few simple ways to fix the missing Windows Security Icon from the System Tray and taskbar. Let’s get started.

1. Enable the Windows Security Icon via App Startup Settings  

It’s possible you accidentally disabled Windows Security from the Startup settings, so it’s not showing on the taskbar or system tray. Here’s how to show the Windows Security icon via Settings:

1. Click the Windows Start button and choose Settings.  

2. When Settings opens, switch to Apps.   

3. On the right side, click Startup.  

4. Now, find and turn on Windows Security Notification icon.  

That’s it! After the changes, restart your Windows PC. The Windows Security app icon should show up now.

2. Show the Windows Security Icon on the System Tray via Taskbar Settings  

In this way, we enable the Windows Security notification icon on the System tray via Taskbar settings:  

1. Click the Windows Start button and choose Settings.

2. When Settings opens, go to the Personalization tab.   

3. On the right side, click Taskbar.  

4. Scroll down and expand Other system tray icons.   

5. Now, find and turn on the Windows Security notification icon.  

That’s it! This shows the Windows Security system tray icon from Taskbar Settings.

3. Show the Windows Security Icon via Local Group Policy Editor  

I’m using Windows 11 Home Edition, which doesn’t have the Local Group Policy editor. But if you use Windows 11 Pro or other editions, follow these steps to show Windows Security icon:

1. Press Windows Key + R to open Run dialog box.  

2. Type gpedit.msc and press Enter.  

3. Go to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Security > Systray.  

4. Double-click Hide Windows Security Systray, choose Disabled and click OK.  

That shows the Windows Security System tray icon by changing the Local Group Policy Editor.

4. Add SecurityHealthSystray to the Startup folder  

Another way to fix missing Windows Security icon from System tray is adding SecurityHealthSystray to Startup folder:   

1. Open File Explorer and go to C:\\Windows\\System32.  

2. Find the SecurityHealthSystray.exe file. Use File Explorer search to find it.

3. Right-click the file, and select Create Shortcut.  

4. Press Windows Key + R. Type shell: Start in the Run dialog box and press Enter.   

5. Copy the SecurityHealthSystray desktop shortcut and paste it into the Startup Shortcut folder.  

That’s it! After the changes, restart your Windows PC. This should add the Windows Security icon to system tray.

5. Turn Off Other Security Programs   

If none of the methods work and you still can’t see the Windows Security icon on the system tray or taskbar, your PC likely has other security programs.   

Windows Security automatically disables when it finds another security program. Checking for other security programs is important.   

Check the Control Panel for third-party antivirus/security. If found, disable or uninstall it.

6. Update your Windows   

System file damage or old Windows versions also cause missing Windows Security icon from system tray or taskbar.   

So if nothing has worked, updating Windows is best. Updating to the newest version also ensures stability and brings new features.

Check for updates  

To update Windows 11: Go to Settings > Windows Updates > Check for Updates. Windows 11 will check for and install available updates automatically.  

So those are some of the best ways to fix the missing Windows Security icon from the system tray or taskbar. Let us know in the comments if you need more help.

Final Words

There are possible ways to handle the situation. windows are tricky but we have made it passably easy for you to do the basics at home. The possible ways How to Fix the Missing Windows Security Icon from the System Tray are mentioned, read carefully and follow the instructions. But some problems still need fixing so we recommend you to get it done by a professional tech. thank you.