Windows 11 brought a fresh, modern interface with many new features, including a Chat app powered by Microsoft Teams, pinned directly to the taskbar. While some users love the quick access, others find it unnecessary or distracting. If you’re in the latter group, you might be asking: “How do I unpin Chat from the Windows 11 taskbar?”
The good news is — it only takes a few clicks. In this guide, we’ll walk you through multiple ways to remove Chat from the taskbar in Windows 11, whether you prefer using Settings, Taskbar customization, or right-click shortcuts.
Why Remove Chat from the Taskbar in Windows 11?
Not everyone needs or uses the Chat app. Some reasons you might want to remove it include:
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You use other messaging apps like Zoom, Slack, or WhatsApp.
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You want a cleaner, more minimalist taskbar.
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You don’t want Microsoft Teams running in the background.
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You simply don’t use the Chat feature at all.
Whatever the reason, Windows 11 gives you full control over taskbar icons.
Method 1: Unpin Chat from Taskbar via Settings
This is the most common and reliable way.
Steps:
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Right-click an empty space on your taskbar.
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Select Taskbar settings.
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Under the Taskbar items section, find Chat.
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Toggle the switch Off.
👉 Chat will instantly disappear from your taskbar.
Method 2: Remove Chat Using Quick Right-Click
If you like shortcuts, you can remove Chat directly.
Steps:
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Right-click the Chat icon (the speech bubble with a camera) on the taskbar.
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Click Unpin from taskbar.
That’s it! The icon vanishes immediately.
Method 3: Use Group Policy Editor (Advanced)
If you’re an IT admin or want to disable Chat system-wide, Group Policy Editor is the way.
Steps:
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Press Win + R, type
gpedit.msc, and hit Enter. -
Navigate to:
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Double-click “Configures the Chat icon on the taskbar.”
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Select Disabled > Apply > OK.
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Restart your PC.
💡 This removes the Chat option entirely from taskbar settings.
Method 4: Disable Chat via Registry Editor (Tech-Savvy Option)
If you can’t access Group Policy (e.g., on Windows 11 Home), you can tweak the registry.
Steps:
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Press Win + R, type
regedit, and hit Enter. -
Navigate to:
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Find TaskbarMn (DWORD value).
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If it doesn’t exist, create it (Right-click > New > DWORD).
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Set its value to 0.
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Restart your PC or Windows Explorer.
Comparison of Methods
| Method | Difficulty | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Settings | Easy | Everyday users |
| Right-Click | Easiest | Quick removal |
| Group Policy | Medium | IT admins / Pro editions |
| Registry | Advanced | Windows Home users |
Tips for Customizing Windows 11 Taskbar
Once you remove Chat, you might want to optimize your taskbar further:
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Disable Widgets if you don’t use them.
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Move icons to the left for a classic Windows 10 feel.
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Hide or show system tray icons as needed.
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Add your favorite apps for faster access.
Conclusion
Unpinning Chat from the Windows 11 taskbar is quick and easy. Whether you use the right-click shortcut, adjust taskbar settings, or go deeper with Group Policy or Registry Editor, you’re always in control of your PC’s look and feel.
By removing unused icons, you create a cleaner, distraction-free taskbar that better suits your workflow.
FAQs About Unpinning Chat in Windows 11
1. Can I reinstall or re-enable Chat later?
Yes. Just go back to Taskbar settings and toggle Chat back on.
2. Does removing Chat uninstall Microsoft Teams?
No. It only removes the shortcut icon. Teams remains installed.
3. Is this the same as disabling Widgets?
No. Widgets and Chat are separate taskbar features.
4. Can I completely uninstall Chat/Teams?
Yes, but it requires uninstalling Microsoft Teams from Settings > Apps > Installed Apps.
5. Will this affect Windows updates?
No. Removing Chat doesn’t impact Windows 11 updates or performance.