Remove Synaptics Touchpad Icon - Guide

Removing the Touchpad Icon from the System Tray

During efforts to optimize system performance by eliminating unnecessary tray icons, a recurring issue arose with Windows Vista’s automatic updates. Specifically, a new driver installation reintroduced the touchpad icon to the system tray. Given the limited utility of this icon, its removal was desired.

Identifying the Icon

The touchpad icon appears in one of two common forms. Users likely recognize it from their own system tray.

To begin the removal process, a simple right-click on the icon is required. From the context menu, select "Pointing Device Properties."

Disabling the Tray Icon

Navigate to the "Device Settings" tab within the Pointing Device Properties window. This tab contains the necessary controls for managing the tray icon.

Select the "Remove tray icon from taskbar" radio button. The icon will then be immediately removed from the system tray.

While this procedure may be straightforward for many users, it represents a valuable step in reclaiming system resources. Optimizing memory usage, even through small adjustments, can contribute to overall system efficiency.