Hide Volume Pop-Up on Windows 8 & 10 - Easy Guide
Hiding the Volume Display in Windows 10 & 8
Both Windows 10 and Windows 8 feature a volume level indicator that is shown in the upper-left area of the screen each time the volume is modified via a keyboard shortcut.
Currently, Microsoft does not provide a native option to deactivate this feature. However, a workaround exists to conceal the display.
The Issue with the On-Screen Display
This on-screen display (OSD) can be distracting, especially when utilizing media center applications that already incorporate their own volume controls and visual representations.
The redundant display can create visual clutter and potentially interfere with the user experience within these dedicated media environments.
How to Hide the Volume OSD
While a direct setting isn't available, the volume OSD can be hidden through a registry modification. This method allows users to regain control over their screen's appearance.
It's important to exercise caution when editing the Windows Registry, as incorrect changes can lead to system instability. Backing up the registry before making any alterations is highly recommended.
- The process involves navigating to a specific key within the registry editor.
- A value needs to be created or modified to suppress the volume OSD.
This solution provides a way to eliminate the unwanted volume indicator without affecting core system functionality.
Limited Customization Options for the Windows Volume OSD
Windows 10 offers a restricted set of controls for managing the volume On-Screen Display (OSD). Notably, a complete disabling of this feature isn't directly supported through the standard settings.
Within the Settings application, navigating to Ease of Access > Other Options allows adjustment of the notification duration. This impacts the volume OSD alongside other system notifications.
However, the shortest available display time for the OSD, and all notifications, is fixed at 5 seconds. The setting only permits extending the visibility period, not reducing it or eliminating it.
The visual appearance of the volume OSD is partially configurable. Specifically, its color is linked to the accent color selected in Settings > Personalization > Colors.
This means the OSD will dynamically reflect your chosen accent color scheme.
Suppressing the Volume OSD Display
For users seeking to disable the on-screen display (OSD) that appears when adjusting volume, a dedicated solution exists in the form of HideVolumeOSD. This utility is freely available and operates as an open-source project.
HideVolumeOSD is compatible with Windows operating systems including versions 8, 8.1, and 10.
The application can be downloaded directly from the website of its creator, Marcus Venturi. For those with technical expertise, the source code is also accessible on GitHub for review and modification.
During installation, select the option to include the tray icon. This will place a small icon in your system tray that automatically launches upon user login.
Controlling the volume OSD is straightforward. Simply click the tray icon to toggle the visibility of the volume display on or off.
Should the system tray icon become undesirable, it can be easily concealed by dragging it to the left side of the notification area icons.
This allows for a cleaner desktop experience without interrupting the functionality of volume control.
Suppressing the Volume OSD Without a Background Tray Application
For users who desire a cleaner system, a silent mode installation of HideVolumeOSD offers a solution. This method allows for the disabling of the volume OSD without requiring a persistent application running within the system tray.
Following installation of the silent mode version, a dedicated HideVolumeOSD folder will appear in your Start menu. Within this folder, you will find three distinct shortcuts designed for managing the volume OSD.
Further Reading: Methods for Adding a Program to Startup in Windows 10 or 11
The shortcut labeled "HideVolumeOSD" launches the standard system tray application. Conversely, the "HideVolumeOSD (Hide)" program executes, suppresses the volume OSD, and then terminates. The "HideVolumeOSD (Show)" program functions similarly, but instead reveals the volume OSD before exiting.
To instantly disable the volume OSD, simply execute the "HideVolumeOSD (Hide)" shortcut as needed. Alternatively, for a permanent solution, copy the "HideVolumeOSD (Hide)" shortcut into your Startup folder.
This ensures that Windows automatically runs the shortcut upon user login, consistently hiding the volume OSD without a visible system tray icon.
To configure automatic execution, locate the "HideVolumeOSD" shortcuts within your Start menu. Right-click on one of these shortcuts and select "More" followed by "Open File Location".
Right-click the "HideVolumeOSD (Hide)" shortcut and choose "Copy" from the context menu.
In File Explorer's address bar, type the following command:
shell:startupand press Enter. This will open your Startup folder.
Within the Startup folder, right-click and select "Paste" to insert the copied shortcut. Windows will then automatically launch this program during the login process, effectively concealing the volume OSD.
Upon subsequent logins, Windows will automatically execute the "HideVolumeOSD (Hide)" application, ensuring the volume OSD remains hidden without occupying space in your system tray.
Should you wish to temporarily re-enable the volume OSD, simply run the "HideVolumeOSD (Show)" shortcut. To permanently disable automatic hiding, navigate back to the shell:startup folder and delete the "HideVolumeOSD (Hide)" shortcut.
Adjusting Windows 11's Search Highlights
Currently, Windows 11 incorporates a "Search Highlights" feature within the taskbar's search box. This displays trending topics and information directly in the search menu.
While potentially useful for some, many users find these highlights distracting or simply unnecessary. Unfortunately, Microsoft has not yet provided a native option to disable this functionality.
Workarounds for Disabling Search Highlights
At present, users seeking to remove Search Highlights must rely on third-party applications or registry edits. These methods offer a temporary solution, but require ongoing maintenance.
It is anticipated that future updates to Windows 11 may include a built-in toggle to control the visibility of Search Highlights. However, there is no confirmed timeline for such an addition.
We anticipate that Microsoft will eventually allow users to conceal this feature without the need for external tools. However, expectations for this remain low.
Note: Modifying the Windows Registry can be risky. It is strongly recommended to create a system restore point before making any changes.
- Incorrect registry modifications can lead to system instability.
- Always back up your registry before making alterations.
The lack of a straightforward setting to disable Search Highlights remains a common point of feedback from the Windows 11 community.
Users continue to request greater control over the search experience, including the ability to customize or remove elements like Search Highlights.
Until Microsoft addresses this concern, users are left to explore alternative solutions to tailor Windows 11 to their preferences.
The hope is that Microsoft will prioritize user customization options in future releases of the operating system.
For now, reliance on workarounds remains the only option for those wishing to streamline their Windows 11 search experience.
We remain hopeful that Microsoft will one day permit the hiding of this feature without the intervention of third-party software, but we are not optimistic about a swift resolution.
