In Windows, what is the system tray?

The system tray is located in the Windows Taskbar, usually at the bottom right corner next to the clock. It contains miniature icons for easy access to system functions such as antivirus settings, printer, modem, sound volume, battery status, and more. Double-click or right-click an icon to view and access the details and controls. The system tray was first introduced with Microsoft Windows 95, and is now used in Windows 98, 98SE, Me, NT 4.0, 2000, and XP.

The system tray is loaded by SysTray.exe, and may load the following icons:

• Battery meter
• 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.

Also see:

• In Windows 98 or Me, how do I keep undesired programs from loading during startup?
• In Windows, what is the Taskbar?