Microsoft has updated the placement of the Copilot icon on the taskbar in the most recent stable version of Windows 11. In previous versions, the Copilot icon was located as the third icon in the middle of the taskbar, alongside the Start Menu button and Search. However, the February 2024 Windows Security Update has brought about a change.
The new position of the Copilot icon is now on the far right of the taskbar, replacing the long-standing Show Desktop icon by default.
Microsoft has officially confirmed this change on its support website, stating that “the Copilot icon now appears on the right side of the system tray on the taskbar.” It’s important to note that the display of Show Desktop at the rightmost corner of the taskbar will be turned off by default.
After installing the February 2024 update, Windows 11 users can still access the Show Desktop option, but the taskbar icon for it is no longer enabled by default. However, users have the option to restore the icon if they wish to use it.
How to restore Show Desktop on Windows 11’s taskbar
Windows 11 users can bring back the Show Desktop icon on the taskbar by following these steps:
Step 1: Open the Taskbar Preferences
Right-click on a blank space on the taskbar and select Taskbar settings from the context menu, or navigate to Personalization in the Settings app and select Taskbar.
Step 2: Enable the Show Desktop icon
In the Taskbar preferences, enable the option “Select the far corner of the taskbar to show the desktop” to reintroduce the invisible area to the taskbar once again.
Things to note
Microsoft will gradually implement the new location for the Copilot icon and the elimination of the Show Desktop icon across all devices. Disabling Windows Copilot will not restore the Show Desktop functionality, so it’s essential to enable the option in the Settings to bring it back.
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