Windows System Tray
The Windows System Tray contains the clock and calendar, and other items, depending on how it is set up. Some of the other items might include an icon for the volume, Internet connection indicator, battery level indicator for laptops, and possibly a virus checker indicator. All of the items can be displayed, or only the main items, with a "Notification Chevron" which opens to display the rest of the items. Items can be added to the System Tray, depending on what the user wants in that area. There a number of methods to get to the System Tray, including specific key commands in some of the screen readers. For example, the JAWS screen reader uses the Insert F11 to open the Windows System Tray in a list. Following is an activity to familiarize you with how to get to and how to move through the Windows System Tray. When you are finished move to the link at the bottom of this page titled "BACK" to go to the "Simple Windows Lessons" web page.
1. Press and hold down the Windows key and hit the letter d or m to minimize all running programs and move to the Windows Desktop.
2. Hit the Windows key two times to open and close the Windows Start menu.
3. Hit the Tab a number of times to move past the Task Bar and Task Manager, onto the System Tray.
4. Right arrow through the items on the "System Tray" until you get to the "Clock" item. The "Clock" is the last or furthest item on the "System Tray."
5. Left arrow back through the items.
6. If you hear "Notification Chevron" hit the Enter key one time and more "System Tray" items appear. Use your left and right arrow keys to explore all of the items on the "System Tray."
7. Arrow to the "Volume" item.
8. Hit the Enter key one time and the "Volume" slider should appear.
9. Hit the up and down arrow keys to change the volume of sound on your computer.
10. Hit the Escape key one time to exit the "Volume" item.
11. Repeat the steps above to find, open and close another item on the "System Tray."