Description of the new feature / enhancement
I would like the PowerToys Dock to include a dedicated section that displays all applications currently running in the Windows system tray (notification area). This section could be placed at either end or in the center of the Dock and would dynamically show the icons of background applications.
The Dock should update automatically as tray applications are launched or closed. Clicking an icon should open or focus the application, while right-clicking should display the same context menu available from the Windows system tray. An optional setting to hide or pin specific tray icons would also be a useful addition.
The goal is to make the Dock a more complete replacement for the Windows taskbar by providing access to background applications directly from the Dock.
Scenario when this would be used?
Many users rely on the Dock as their primary workspace for launching and switching between applications. However, background applications such as cloud storage clients, clipboard managers, password managers, messaging apps, VPNs, RGB control software, and hardware utilities still require users to move to the Windows taskbar and open the system tray.
Having these applications accessible directly from the Dock would eliminate unnecessary mouse movement, improve workflow efficiency, and allow users to interact with all active applications from a single interface.
Supporting information
The proposed feature would function similarly to the Windows notification area (system tray), but within the PowerToys Dock itself. The Dock would act as a centralized workspace by displaying both active applications and background applications in one place, reducing the need to switch back to the Windows taskbar.
This enhancement would especially benefit users who keep the Windows taskbar hidden, use multiple monitors, or want the Dock to serve as their primary desktop interface.
Description of the new feature / enhancement
I would like the PowerToys Dock to include a dedicated section that displays all applications currently running in the Windows system tray (notification area). This section could be placed at either end or in the center of the Dock and would dynamically show the icons of background applications.
The Dock should update automatically as tray applications are launched or closed. Clicking an icon should open or focus the application, while right-clicking should display the same context menu available from the Windows system tray. An optional setting to hide or pin specific tray icons would also be a useful addition.
The goal is to make the Dock a more complete replacement for the Windows taskbar by providing access to background applications directly from the Dock.
Scenario when this would be used?
Many users rely on the Dock as their primary workspace for launching and switching between applications. However, background applications such as cloud storage clients, clipboard managers, password managers, messaging apps, VPNs, RGB control software, and hardware utilities still require users to move to the Windows taskbar and open the system tray.
Having these applications accessible directly from the Dock would eliminate unnecessary mouse movement, improve workflow efficiency, and allow users to interact with all active applications from a single interface.
Supporting information
The proposed feature would function similarly to the Windows notification area (system tray), but within the PowerToys Dock itself. The Dock would act as a centralized workspace by displaying both active applications and background applications in one place, reducing the need to switch back to the Windows taskbar.
This enhancement would especially benefit users who keep the Windows taskbar hidden, use multiple monitors, or want the Dock to serve as their primary desktop interface.