Microsoft scraps the new Windows 11 system tray after user criticism

Microsoft has decided not to move forward with plans for a simplified system tray in Windows 11, reports Windows Latest.

The new design would have removed the full date and time display as well as the notifications icon, with the aim of creating a more stripped-down and barebones system tray.

Although we previously lost the clock icon for notifications with Windows 11 24H2, the intended minimalist design was never finalized or fully realized. Microsoft was pretty close to rolling out these further changes, but suddenly pulled back—without offering any explanation.

According to company spokesperson Brandon LeBlanc, the decision was made after negative user feedback, with only a few people showing actual interest in the simplified system tray design. As such, Microsoft listened to its user base and ultimately scrapped the plans.