How to disable flashing apps in Taskbar on Windows 11

Yes, you can disable the flashing animation for apps in Taskbar, and here's how to disable the distraction on Windows 11.

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@Pureinfotech
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Windows 11 flashing Taskbar apps setting
Windows 11 flashing Taskbar apps setting / Image: Mauro Huculak
  • To disable flashing on Taskbar apps for Windows 11, open Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviors and clear the “Show flashing on Taskbar apps” option.
  • Alternatively, you can also set the “ForegroundFlashCount” and “ForegroundLockTimeout” keys to “0” in the Registry to prevent apps from flashing.

On Windows 11, you can prevent apps from flashing in the Taskbar when they require your attention, and in this guide, I will explain two ways to complete this configuration.

Sometimes, when you’re working with multiple apps, the app that isn’t in focus can flash in the Taskbar with a subtle animation with a light red color backplate and the red pill, letting you know that it requires your attention. Although this is a way for apps to call your attention, at times, they can also be overwhelming and distracting. However, in this case, the system includes a setting to turn off flashing on Taskbar apps, and you can even disable this feature through the Registry.

In this guide, I will teach you how to disable the flashing alerts for apps in the Taskbar for Windows 11.

Warning: Before proceeding, it’s crucial to acknowledge the risks associated with modifying the Windows Registry. Incorrect changes can lead to system instability or operational issues. Therefore, ensure you have a full system backup before making any changes. Proceed with caution and understanding.

Disable flashing apps in Taskbar from Settings

To disable flashing apps in the Taskbar on Windows 11, use these steps:

  1. Open Settings on Windows 11.

  2. Click on Personalization.

  3. Click the Taskbar tab.

  4. Click the Taskbar behaviors setting.

  5. Clear the “Show flashing on taskbar apps” option to disable the feature.

    Disable flashing apps in the Taskbar

  6. (Optional) Check the “Show flashing on taskbar apps” option to enable the feature.

Once you complete the steps, when an app tries to get your attention, it won’t flash in the Taskbar.

Disable flashing apps in Taskbar from Registry

To turn off flashing apps in the Taskbar from the Registry, use these steps:

  1. Open Start.

  2. Search for regedit and click the top result to open the Registry Editor.

  3. Browse the following path:

    HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop

  4. Right-click the ForegroundFlashCount DWORD and choose the Modify option.

  5. Change the value from 7 to 0.

    Registry ForegroundFlashCount

  6. Click the OK button.

  7. Right-click the ForegroundLockTimeout DWORD and choose the Modify option.

  8. Change the value from 30d40 to 0.

    Registry ForegroundLockTimeout

  9. Click the OK button.

  10. Restart the computer.

After you complete the steps, apps will flash with a subtle animation with a light red color backplate, and the red pill will stop showing in the Taskbar.

If you want to revert the changes, you can use the instructions mentioned above, but in step 5, set the ForegroundFlashCount DWORD value to “0,” and in step 8, set the ForegroundLockTimeout DWORD value to “30d40.”

About the author
Avatar for Mauro Huculak

Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].