The Windows taskbar helps you access your pinned taskbar apps and all your active programs.
However, it can get really crowded if youre running multiple apps simultaneously.
So, how do you avoid taskbar clutter without closing your software programs?
Easyjust grab an app that can store them for you and get your taskbar back once again.
Now, lets dive in and discover the best apps to help you clean up taskbar clutter.
What Are Taskbar Cleaning Apps?
Once you hide a window from view, taskbar cleaning apps typically store them in one of two ways.
By default, you might hide any program by clicking on it and pressing theF8hotkey.
To restore the program, pressShift + F8.
However, it’s possible for you to configure these hotkeys to your liking inOptions > Hotkey.
To restore a program, check the box next to it and click theShowbutton.
To hide or restore multiple windows simultaneously, pressCtrl + Aand click theShoworHidebutton.
Download: Hide Window Hotkey forWindows(Free)
2.
MinimizeToTray
MinimizeToTray is a simple tool that makes managing taskbar icons a breeze.
The utility requires no installationyou only need to run its executable file.
Once the program is running, minimize any active window by clicking on it and pressingAlt + F1.
To restore a program, pressAlt + F2.
To restore all your programs simultaneously, pressF10.
And if you want to change these hotkeys, right-click theMinimizeToTrayicon, clickConfigs, and follow the on-screen instructions.
Download: MinimizeToTray forWindows(Free)
3.
RBTray
RBTray is another easy-to-use app that runs in the background.
To get started with this tool, download it and then fire off the executable file.
Depending on your system specs, you should either download the 32 or 64-bit version of RBTray.
If you’re unsure which of these your PC uses, trychecking your PC specsbefore downloading this program.
Related:What’s the Difference Between 32-Bit and 64-Bit Windows?
Alternatively, you might minimize any program to the system tray byright-clickingon the programsMinimizebutton.
Finally, to restore a window,right-clickon it in the system tray and selectRestore Window.
If you want to close RBTray, do it via the Task Manager.
To get started with this, launch the Task Manager by pressingCtrl + Shift + Esc.
Next, locate RBTray underBackground processes, right-hit it, and selectEnd task.
Download: RBTray forWindows(Free)
4.
Min2Tray
Min2Tray runs in the background and helps you minimize windows by using hotkeys.
However, youll have to configure some options before you might start using this app.
To get started,download and runMin2Tray,right-clickits icon in the system tray, and selectPreferences.
In the next window, configure your hotkeys on the left-hand side pane.
From there, you might minimize and restore windows by using your hotkeys.
And to restore all your windows simultaneously,right-clickMin2Tray in the system tray and selectRestore all windows.
To exit Min2Tray, right-hit it in the system tray and selectQuit only.
Otherwise, selectRestore all & quitif you want to restore all your windows and close Min2Tray simultaneously.
Download: Min2Tray forWindows(Free)
5.
Actual Window Minimizer
Actual Window Minimizer is a sophisticated tool that offers a wide variety of features.
To get started with using this app, download and run it.
From there, right-click theActual Window Minimize iconin the system tray and clickConfigure.
When the program opens, navigate toWindow tweaks > Default Settingsand then click theMinimizingtab.
If youd like to minimize programs after a predetermined period, configure the options under theMinimize Window Automaticallyoption.
it’s possible for you to also configure more configs under theMinimize Window Manuallyoption.
Alternatively, you’re able to configure parameters by clicking theHotkeysoption on the left-hand side pane.
To make things easier, Actual Window Minimizer adds an extra Minimize button to all your active programs.
This allows you to minimize any program to the system tray byleft-clickingon the programs additionalMinimizebutton.
Download:Actual Window Minimizer forWindows(Free 14-day trial, premium version available)
6. is another lightweight program with a clean and straightforward interface.
After launching the program, itll display all your active programs.
Then, to minimize any window to the system tray,right-clickon the program and selectHide Window.
you could then restore the window byright-clickingon it and selectingRestore Window.
To configure your controls and hotkeys, press theModify Applications Optionsbutton (next to the Refresh button).
forWindows(Free)
7.
TrayEverything
TrayEverything displays all your active programs in its interface.
Also, this program shows you whether your programs are hidden or not.
To get started with this tool, download and install it.
From there, open TrayEverything, right-select your target program and then selectMinimize to tray.
To restore a window, right-hit it and selectRestore.
Also, you might minimize TrayEverything to the system tray and let it run in the background.
To do this, click theMinimizebutton on the program.
However, taskbar clutter shouldnt be an issue for you anymore.
