ARCHIVED: In Windows, what is the notification area?

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The notification area (also called the "system tray") is located in the Windows Taskbar, usually at the bottom right corner. It contains miniature icons for easy access to system functions such as antivirus settings, printer, modem, sound volume, battery status, and more. Hover over or click an icon to view and access details and controls.

The notification area is loaded by SysTray.exe, and may load the following icons:

Battery meter
Network icon
PC card status
Volume control
QuickRes
Task Scheduler

Other parts of the system may provide additional icons, for example:

Windows Explorer provides the printer status icon.
Various email programs may provide the mail status icon.
The accessibility status indicator program (Accstat.exe) displays keyboard accessibility icons.
Microsoft Fax adds the Fax Rendering and Fax Status icons.