The Taskbar is the central element of the Windows user interface, allowing you to quickly access various applications and functions. It features an up and down arrow, which Windows uses to condense icons and save space.

However, if you find the limited space on the Taskbar restrictive and wish to eliminate this confinement, you're in the right place. This article will discuss two efficient methods to remove the up/down arrow in Windows 11. Let's get started.

1. Using the Drag and Drop Feature

The most convenient and straightforward method to display all icons and eliminate the up/down arrow is by utilizing the Windows drag and drop feature. All you need to do is drag and drop each icon one by one from the icon overflow to the Taskbar. The up and down arrow will disappear once you have moved all the icons.

If you wish to return the icons under the up/down arrow, drag the desired icon to the left and release it when the unpin icon appears.

Unpin icon in the Taskbar

2. Using the Windows Security App

The Windows Settings app is the go-to place to customize all the important settings and features of a Windows OS. Whether you're looking to personalize the Windows Taskbar or perform more advanced tasks like troubleshooting when it malfunctions, the Windows Settings app has got you covered.

Additionally, you can use the Settings app to remove the up/down arrow from the Taskbar. Here's how:

  1. Press the Win key to open the Start Menu.
  2. Type Settings in the search bar and press Enter. If this method doesn't work, try other ways to launch the Windows Settings app.
  3. Choose Personalization from the left sidebar and Taskbar from the right pane.
  4. Click the drop-down icon next to the Other system tray icons option.
    Other system tray icons option in the Settings app
  5. Disable the toggle next to the Hidden icon menu.
    Hidden icon menu in the Settings app

If you want to move a particular icon from the up/down arrow to the Taskbar, enable the toggle next to its name. For instance, if you want to send the Bluetooth Devices icon to Taskbar, enable the toggle next to its name.

Liberate Your Taskbar Icons Again on Windows

Windows provides various customization options for the Taskbar, allowing you to personalize your desktop experience. You can pin your favorite icons to the Taskbar for quick access, utilize it as a convenient shortcut to open the Task Manager, and explore numerous other features.

Furthermore, if you wish to add or remove icons from the Taskbar's up/down arrow section, you can easily accomplish this using the methods mentioned above.