Wednesday, February 11, 2026

A New Emoji Icon Lands in the Windows 11 Taskbar

A New Emoji Icon Lands in the Windows 11 Taskbar

Windows 11 now includes a small emoji icon in the system tray that gives you faster access to expressive typing. It is rolling out slowly to certain groups, so availability may vary.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor  
February 11, 2026


Windows 11
Most people know the keyboard shortcut for emojis only after someone shows them. 

Windows key plus period is easy to remember, but millions of users never discover it. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Enable the Emoji Panel in the System Tray.

Microsoft has decided to fix that by placing a small emoji icon directly in the Windows 11 taskbar. 

It is a tiny change that solves a surprisingly common problem. 

If you spend your day in Teams, Outlook, Slack, or social apps, this new icon might save you more time than you expect.

Emoji icon in the taskbar image

Feature Explanation

The new emoji icon sits in the system tray near the clock. 

When you click it, the familiar emoji panel appears. 

This is the same panel you get with Windows key plus period. 

It includes emojis, GIFs, symbols, and kaomoji. Microsoft added the icon to make the feature easier to find. 

This feature is included in the KB5067036 preview update and is rolling out slowly to certain groups. 

That means you may not see it immediately, even if you install the update.

The icon behaves like other system tray icons. 

You can show it, hide it, or set it to appear only while typing. 

The goal is simple. 

Give users a visible, friendly way to add personality to their messages without memorizing shortcuts.

What You’ll Gain
  • Faster expression.
  • Less reliance on shortcuts.
  • Consistent access across apps.
  • A more visible entry point for emojis and symbols.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Microsoft Windows 11

Important: The emoji icon will not appear unless system tray icons are enabled in Taskbar settings.

Enable Preview Updates (if needed)
  1. Click the Start menu and select Settings.
  2. In the sidebar, choose Windows Update.
  3. Scroll down to “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available.”
  4. Toggle this On to allow preview updates.
  5. Click Check for updates. If KB5067036 is available for your device, it will appear as an optional update.
  6. Click Download and install next to KB5067036.
  7. After installation, restart your device to apply changes.
⚠️ Rollout Notes
  • KB5067036 is a preview update, not a mandatory security patch.
  • Microsoft is rolling out features gradually, so even after installation, the emoji icon may not appear immediately.

Enable Emoji Panel
  1. Open Settings.
  2. Select Personalization.
  3. Select Taskbar.
  4. Scroll to System tray icons.
  5. Turn on the toggle for System tray.
  6. Find Emoji and more in the list.
  7. Choose Always or While typing.
Emoji Taskbar Settings

fig. 1 - Emoji Taskbar Settings

Use the Emoji Panel
  1. Look for the emoji icon near the clock.
  2. Click the icon to open the emoji panel. Or Windows + .
  3. Use the search bar to find emojis, GIFs, or symbols.
  4. Select any item to insert it into your active text field.

Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Easy discovery. Users who never learned the shortcut now have a visible entry point.
  • Consistent across apps. Works in Teams, Outlook, browsers, and third party tools.
  • Quick access. One click instead of a keyboard combination.

Cons
  • Slow rollout. Not everyone will see it immediately.
  • System tray clutter. Another icon in an already busy area.
  • Preview update requirement. Some organizations delay preview updates for stability reasons.

Feature Access
  • The emoji icon is included in the Windows 11 KB5067036 preview update. 
  • This feature may roll out gradually. 
  • Availability varies by device, region, and update channel. Some users will see the icon immediately. 
  • Others may receive it later as Microsoft expands the rollout.

Score

Criterion  |  Score (0–10)  |  Justification

Value 8
A small feature that saves time and improves communication.

Usability 9
Simple, visible, and works across all apps.

Wow Factor 6
Helpful but subtle. Most users will appreciate it quietly.

Total: 23/30  👍 Good  
A practical upgrade that improves everyday typing without changing your workflow.

Key Takeaways

The new emoji icon gives Windows 11 users a faster way to add expressive elements to messages. 

It is included in the KB5067036 preview update and is rolling out slowly to certain groups. 

If you rely on emojis or symbols, this feature removes friction from your daily routine.

Cool Tip Snapshot
  • Feature Name: Emoji Panel Icon
  • Platform(s): Windows 11
  • Quick Benefit: One click access to emojis, GIFs, and symbols
  • Access Type: Free, rolling out through preview updates

Try It Yourself

Install the latest Windows 11 preview update, enable system tray icons in Taskbar settings, and look for the new emoji icon near your clock. 

Try it in Teams, Outlook, or your favorite messaging app. 

Share this tip with your team, family, and friends, and subscribe to the One Cool Tip newsletter for more daily productivity boosts.


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Rodger Mansfield, a seasoned technology expert and editor of OneCoolTip.com, transforms complex tech into practical advice for everyday users. His Cool Tips empower readers to stay productive, secure, and one step ahead in the digital world.



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