One useful function is adding a Chat feature to the Windows 11 taskbar.

By default, the chat feature allows you to accessMicrosoft Teamseasily.

Next, simply toggle off theChatoption to disable it and free up space on your taskbar.

Changing system settings in Windows 11 with Personalization highlighted

Remove Chat Icon Using Windows options

OpenSettings(pressWin+i) and navigate toPersonalization.

SelectTaskbarfrom the list of options.

Toggle theChatoption to off.

Changing personalization settings in Windows 11 with Taskbar highlighted

To get the Chat icon back, simply repeat these steps and toggle Chat back to on.

Why Did Microsoft Add a Chat Icon to My Taskbar?

The chat icon was added to the taskbar in Windows 11 to push Microsoft Teams to more users.

Taskbar settings in Windows 11 with Chat toggle highlighted

Microsoft has been pushing to make Teams more adaptable for both businesses and individual users.

The Chat icon was added to let users more easily jump into the Teams tool.

FAQ

OpenSettingsand selectPersonalization>Taskbar.

Or, right-opt for taskbar and selectTaskbar prefs.

Next toWidgets, turn the slider toOff.

The Weather icon will immediately be removed from the taskbar.

To remove Teams from your taskbar, launchSettingsand selectApps>Startup.

Scroll down toMicrosoft Teamsand turn the slider toOff.

You won’t see Teams in the taskbar on startup.

Next toWidgets, turn the slider toOff.

you’ve got the option to also go toSettings>Personalization>Taskbarand turn offWidgets.