While commonly called the "system tray" (or "systray"), Microsoft's official documentation refers to it as the . The unofficial name stuck due to an early Windows 95 process called systray.exe , which handled system icons like volume and battery life. If that process was killed, the icons disappeared, leading users to believe the entire area was the "system tray". Today, it remains one of the most vital components of the Windows desktop, providing a "quiet" way for apps like OneDrive or Telegram to stay active in the background. Common Windows Tray Icons and Their Meanings