How to fix
Missing Windows Security icon in taskbar
on Windows

Hello. The Windows Security icon is not showing up on my Windows taskbar. How do I get it back?

The Windows Security icon in the taskbar provides quick access to the Windows operating system's various security features and settings. It is a useful tool that enables users to monitor the security status of their device and quickly perform actions such as running a virus scan, checking firewall settings, and managing device performance and health.

When the Windows Security icon is missing from the taskbar, users may find it difficult to access these important security features and settings. This issue may have an impact on users who rely on the icon to quickly check the security status of their device or perform security-related tasks.

One possible explanation for the missing Windows Security icon is that it was turned off or disabled. Another possibility is that the operating system has a bug or a glitch that prevents the icon from appearing in the taskbar. Users can try restarting the Windows Security service, checking the taskbar settings, enabling the icon from the Settings app, and updating or reinstalling device drivers to resolve this issue.

This guide will walk you through 4 steps that should help you fix the missing Windows Security icon in the taskbar. Keep in mind that you can also try a maintenance tool like [d1]. It can fix most system errors, BSODs,[ref en-1] corrupted files, registry[ref en-2] issues, or clear cookies and cache[ref en-3] automatically. Otherwise, follow the step-by-step instructions below.

Solution 1. Enable the Windows Security Notification Icon

• Press the Windows + I keys to open the Settings app.
• On the left pane, click on Personalization.
• Click on Taskbar on the right pane.
• In the Taskbar settings, locate the Other system tray icons option and expand it.
• From the list of apps under the option, find the Windows Security notification icon.

• Toggle On the button for the Windows Security notification icon to make it appear on Taskbar.
• Close the Settings app.
• Restart your PC.

Solution 2. Enable the Windows Security icon at Startup

• Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
• On the left pane, click on Apps.
• Click on Startup on the right pane.
• Find the Windows Security notification icon.

• Turn On the button for the Windows Security notification icon to make it appear on Startup.
• Close the Settings app.
• Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

Solution 3. Modify the Windows Registry

• Press the Windows key to open the Start menu.
• Type Command Prompt in the Windows search bar.
• Click on Run as administrator on the right pane.
• Type the following command in the dialog box and press Enter:

reg add "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run" /v SecurityHealth /d "%windir%\system32\SecurityHealthSystray.exe" /t REG_SZ /f

• Wait for the process to complete.
• Restart your computer.

Solution 4. Modify the Local Group Policy Editor

• Press the Windows key + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
• Type gpedit.msc and press Enter.
• In the Local Group Policy Editor window, navigate to the following path:

Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Windows Security\Systray

• On the right pane of Systray in the Local Group Policy Editor, double-click on the Hide Windows Security Systray policy to edit it.
• Select Enabled and click OK.
• Close the Local Group Policy Editor.
• Restart your computer.