How to Arrange Icons in Multiple Rows in the Windows 11 System Tray

In Windows 11, the system tray (notification area) displays icons for various apps and system services in a single row. However, if you have a lot of icons, it can take up a significant amount of space on the taskbar, and some icons might get hidden behind the "Show hidden icons" button. To display icons in multiple rows within the notification area, you can use some settings adjustments and third-party tools.

Method 1: Using Taskbar Settings

Unfortunately, Windows 11 does not offer a native option for displaying system tray icons in multiple rows. However, you can adjust icon visibility so that more icons are always shown:

  1. Right-click on the Taskbar and select Taskbar Settings.
  2. Scroll down to the Taskbar behaviors section.
  3. Enable the option Always show all icons in the notification area. This will display all icons, but they will still be arranged in a single row.

While this does not create multiple rows, it helps eliminate the "Show hidden icons" button if all icons fit in one row.

Method 2: Using Third-Party Applications

To enable multi-row icon display, you will need to use third-party software, as this feature is not available natively in Windows 11. Here are some popular tools that can help:

  • ExplorerPatcher – a free utility that brings back some classic Windows features, including options for customizing the taskbar and notification area behavior.
  • StartIsBack – a paid application that offers extensive customization for the taskbar and Start menu, including the option to change the appearance of the system tray.

By installing one of these applications, you can gain more control over taskbar customization, including how icons are displayed in the system tray.

Method 3: Increasing Taskbar Height

If you want to increase the visible space for icons, you can adjust the height of the taskbar:

  1. Unlock the taskbar by right-clicking on it and unchecking Lock the taskbar.
  2. Drag the edge of the taskbar upwards to increase its height.
  3. The icons will be spread out across the expanded taskbar, giving the appearance of multiple rows.

This method does not create true multi-row icon placement, but it does increase the available space for displaying icons.