security icon missing from task bar

G Mack 0 Reputation points
2025-10-05T02:08:17.44+00:00

icon missing on task bar and cannot get it to show up

Windows for home | Other | Security and privacy
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  1. Ramesh Srinivasan 173.6K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2025-10-05T11:29:56.4766667+00:00

    Right-click Start, click Run, type the following file name, and click OK.

    C:\Windows\System32\SecurityHealthSystray.exe
    

    The “Windows Security” icon should now appear in the notification area.

    You can create a shortcut to that program and place it in your Startup folder.

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  2. Randy Baroja 19,125 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-10-05T13:28:33.73+00:00

    Hi,

    If the Windows Security (Defender) icon is missing from your taskbar, first check the hidden icons by clicking the small up arrow (^)—it may just be tucked away, and you can drag it back to the visible area. If not, right-click the taskbar, open Taskbar settings, and under Other system tray icons, turn on Windows Security Notification Icon. If it still doesn’t show, open Task Manager with Ctrl+Shift+Esc, go to the Startup tab, and make sure the "Windows Security notification icon" is enabled, then restart your PC. This usually happens after updates that reset icon visibility, and these steps restore it so your protection status stays easy to monitor.

    Kind regards,

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