When you use Windows Live Messenger in Windows 7, you noticed that when you run it, and then minimize or close it, it does not go to Windows System Tray as it used to be in Windows XP or Vista.
I know this is new Windows, but some things can still irritate and this is definitely one of those things. I simply hate to see Windows Live Messenger mixed with my other applications that are running at the moment or that are pinned down to the new Windows 7 taskbar.
If this irritates you as well and you would like Windows Live Messenger to go directly to System Tray when you minimize it, here’s a simple how-to for you.
To accomplish this little tweak, we are going to use the Compatibility Mode feature which will trick the Windows Live Messenger into using the old behavior that it used for previous versions of Windows like Vista or XP.
Here’s step-by-step how to make Windows Live Messenger to go directly to system tray:
1. Close the Windows Live Messenger completely.
2. Go to Start Menu and locate the program. In this case you can find it by going – Start – All Programs – Windows Live – Windows Live Messenger.
3. Right-click on it and select Properties.
4. Under the ‘Compatibility’ tab check the box that says ’Run this program in compatibility mode‘ (see the image below)
5. In the drop-down menu, choose ‘Windows Vista‘, and finally click Apply. This is the key step that tricks Windows Live Messenger into using the behavior of Windows Vista instead of the new Windows 7 mechanism that we don’t like.
That’s it! Now when you start Windows Live Messenger after applying these steps above, it will still display itself in the taskbar like it did before, BUT, now when you close it by clicking the ‘X‘ in the top right corner, you’ll see that your System Tray will now be complete with a little blueish green man. Yes, that’s the result we wanted.
Now your Messenger will display an icon in system tray when you close it and it will be ready for using whenever you need it. And the best of all – it won’t interfere with your other running applications and pinned down icons on the taskbar. Which means less clutter and more enjoyable experience! So… Enjoy!
And if you would like to know some more tweaks that can help you with Windows 7, read 70 Fantastic Windows 7 Tips & Tricks For Better Functionality.
Posts that you might like:
- Check Out The Popular Posts Below
July 11th, 2009 at 4:06 PM
Cool tip indeed :)
I’ve tried everything… but not that!
July 12th, 2009 at 10:26 PM
Yeah, it’s simple but really useful! :) Enjoy!
September 5th, 2009 at 9:10 AM
thank you very much, it works, finally I can find windows live messenger in the system tray :D
September 5th, 2009 at 11:12 AM
I’m glad you can enjoy the old system tray msn icon! :) Enjoy!
October 6th, 2009 at 11:25 AM
Cool tip! It really works! – Thanks a lot.
November 8th, 2009 at 3:18 AM
Finally! Thank you!
November 12th, 2009 at 9:15 AM
Thanks!
Is the latest messenger really supposed to not go in the tray?
December 5th, 2009 at 9:06 PM
It’s not about the latest messenger, it’s about Windows 7 that has some problems (or maybe Microsoft intended it to work that way). So in Windows 7, Messenger won’t minimize to system tray, instead, it goes down on desktop toolbar.
So this post lets you know how to fix that little bug…
January 7th, 2010 at 5:51 AM
Whether it’s a bug or not, is uncertain. Perhaps, Microsoft want this program to be in the desktop tool bar. Who knows? But, I’ve mistakenly closed the icon thinking that messenger was still running, (like you would do with the messenger window of old), when in fact it causes it to close. So, I’m sat there wondering why I’m not receiving messages and all the time the program isn’t even running!
Using this method solves that, as like in previous versions of Windows, when you close the messenger window the program remains open and is reduced to the system tray.
February 1st, 2010 at 8:54 AM
Thanx it works for me but for others like myself you cant right-click on properties on the icons in the start menu dunno way. But go to c-drive and find the msn messenger and it should work.