Wifi icon and sound clock icon not displayed in the Windows 11 task bar

Donghui Wu 0 Reputation points
2026-08-15T02:56:50.1233333+00:00

My laptop didn't not show the wifi symbol and sound icon

in Windows 11

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Desktop, Start, and personalization | Task Bar
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  1. Kapil Arya 38,446 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2026-08-15T09:13:33.1433333+00:00

    Try to re-register taskbar and related components using this PowerShell command in admin mode:

    Get-appxpackage -all *shellexperience* -packagetype bundle |% {add-appxpackage -register -disabledevelopmentmode ($_.installlocation + "\appxmetadata\appxbundlemanifest.xml")}

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  2. John DeV 169.6K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-08-15T03:36:24.61+00:00

    Hi, good day!

    Before troubleshooting, could you confirm

    When did this issue start? Did the icons work normally before?

    Did you recently install a Windows update or make any system changes?

    Have you already tried any of the troubleshooting steps suggested by the AI?

    In the meantime, please try restarting Windows Explorer

    Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.

    Select the Processes tab.

    Scroll down and look for Windows Explorer

    Right click then select Restart.

    I look forward to receiving your update and I'm willing to collaborate with you till we resolve the issue. Do keep me informed by clicking "Add comment" below.

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  3. AI answer

    2026-08-15T02:57:05.5866667+00:00

    Try these checks in order:

    1. Open Taskbar settings
      • Right-click the taskbar and select Taskbar settings.
      • Under System tray icons, turn on the items needed.
      • Under Other system tray icons, make sure the hidden icon menu is enabled if needed.
      • In Windows 11, the system tray area is where icons such as sound and network appear.
    2. Open Quick Settings
      • Select the Network, Volume, or Battery area on the right side of the taskbar.
      • Or press Windows + A.
      • If Quick Settings opens, check whether Wi‑Fi is turned on.
    3. Check Wi‑Fi status
      • Go to Settings > Network & internet.
      • Make sure Wi‑Fi is turned on.
      • Also check Settings > Network & Internet > Airplane mode and make sure Airplane mode is off.
    4. Run the network troubleshooter
      • Go to Start > Settings > Network and Internet.
      • Select Status.
      • Scroll down and select Network troubleshooter.
      • Follow the on-screen steps.
    5. If no Wi‑Fi networks appear
      • Open Device Manager.
      • Expand Network adapters.
      • Right-click the wireless adapter and select Properties.
      • On the Advanced tab, check Wireless Mode or Band and make sure it allows the same frequency as the network.
      • Also confirm the adapter is not disabled. If needed, right-click it and select Enable device.
    6. If the taskbar notification area is hidden by policy
      • Check whether the policy User Configuration\Administrative Templates\Start Menu and Taskbar\Hide the notification area is enabled. That policy can cause the network or internet icon to be missing from the taskbar.
    7. For the missing sound icon and audio issue
      • In the taskbar search box, type services and open it.
      • Restart these services:
        • Windows Audio
        • Windows Audio Endpoint Builder
        • Remote Procedure Call (RPC)

    If the wireless adapter is missing entirely in Device Manager, Windows may not be detecting it. In that case, check for the latest driver through Windows Update or install the correct driver from the device manufacturer.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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