Windows Security Icon Missing from Taskbar in Windows 11

Taskbar Personalization Settings (Most Effective)

2 STEPS EASY 2 MIN

1/4

METHOD

Method 1

Overview

Addresses the most common cause by re-enabling Windows Security's startup components and taskbar display permissions through system settings.

Method 1 of 4

Next Method

Open Taskbar Settings

Right-click on the Taskbar

Click on "Taskbar settings"

Click on the "Other System Tray Icon"

Note: This will directly take you to: Settings > Personalisation > Taskbar

Method 1 of 4

Step 1 of 2

Trun On Notification

Toggle on the "Windows Security Notification Icon"

Switch Windows Security toggle to On (If Any Available)

Method 1 of 4

Step 2 of 2

Restart Windows Explorer Process

2 STEPS EASY 2 MIN

2/4

METHOD

Method 2

Overview

Resolves temporary display glitches and corrupted icon rendering by restarting essential Windows display components and clearing cached icon data.

Method 2 of 4

Next Method

Open Task Manager

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc

Find Windows Explorer, in Processes tab

Method 2 of 4

Step 1 of 2

Restart Explorer

Right-click → Restart

Method 2 of 4

Step 2 of 2

Repair Windows Security Application

3 STEPS EASY 2 MIN

3/4

METHOD

Method 3

Overview

Directly fixes corrupted Windows Security application files and settings by resetting the app to its default state or re-registering it with the system.

Method 3 of 4

Next Method

Open Settings

Press Win + I

Navigate to Apps → Installed apps

Search for Windows Security

Method 3 of 4

Step 1 of 3

Advanced options

Click 3 dots → Advanced options

Method 3 of 4

Step 2 of 3

Reset the app

Click Reset

Note: Restart PC , to apply the fix

Method 3 of 4

Step 3 of 3

System Integrity Verification

3 STEPS EASY 2 MIN

4/4

METHOD

Method 4

Overview

Scans for and repairs corrupted Windows system files that may be preventing Windows Security from functioning or displaying properly.

Method 4 of 4

Open Command Prompt as Admin

Right-click Start → Command Prompt (Admin)

Method 4 of 4

Step 1 of 3

Run SFC scan

sfc /scannow

Wait and restart Takes 15–30 mins → Restart PC if repairs made

Method 4 of 4

Step 2 of 3

Run Commands

Run these commands:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Success: Restart PC, after completing all scans

Method 4 of 4

Step 3 of 3

Windows Security Icon Missing from Taskbar in Windows 11

Deepak Yadav

Install All Windows Updates

Check for Third-Party Security Software

Review Recent System Changes