A Power Icon Disappeared in Vista

The power, or battery, icon displays on the taskbar of Windows Vista laptops. This icon alerts the user to the power or charging status of the battery, and the user may rely on it to know when to connect the power adapter.

Background

The power icon displays in the bottom-right corner of Windows Vista laptop computers, next to other quick-launch icons in the taskbar. This indicator informs users of how much power remains in the computer's battery and whether the power adapter is connected. Some users have experienced issues with the power icon disappearing from the taskbar.

Significance

Because the user cannot quickly see the power icon in her Vista taskbar, she cannot determine how much power is remaining in her laptop or how many minutes before the laptop shuts down due to lack of power. Additionally, she cannot immediately access options to adjust the power plan or screen brightness.

Solution

One way to remedy this situation is to right-click the taskbar and select "Properties." The list of system icons in the "Notification Area" tab includes the power icon. Check the box next to it to enable this icon in the taskbar.

References

• My Digital Life: Volume, Battery (Power) or Network Icon Disappear or Missing from Vista Taskbar Notification Area (System Tray)
• The WinVista Club: If your System Tray Notification Area Icons are missing or have disappeared in Windows 7 or Vista
• MSDN Library: Notification Area
• Microsoft Support: Windows System Tray Icons