Windows 7 has a new "Show Desktop" button all the way at the edge of the system tray area. Is there any way to get rid of it?
I never use it because I just press Win+D instead, and it's kind of annoying to me.
I really don't like those precompiled closed-source tools so here is a simple AutoIt script that you can copy in your startup folder:
$hwnd = WinGetHandle("[CLASS:Shell_TrayWnd]", "")
ControlHide($hwnd, "", "TrayShowDesktopButtonWClass1")
7+ Taskbar Tweaker provides this option among many others. It's a robust little program that I've been using for quite some time without a problem. It adds exciting new functionality to the Windows 7 and Windows 8 taskbar and fixes some of its flaws.
I don't think you can remove the button, but you can disable its functionality. Right-click on Superbar -> Properties -> uncheck "Preview desktop with Aero Peek"
Sorry it seems that beyond this, there is no way to remove it.
Quotes:
Hi,
Based on my research, there was no related article about the feature. I suspect it is by design and you cannot remove it.
There is no way to do it.
As far as I know, it cant be removed. you all will just have to live with it.
This tool should be worked. I have tried it.
http://www.thewindowsclub.com/remove-and-restore-show-desktop-button-with-showdesktop-remover
Try YTrayClock - a clock that replaces MS clock in the tray. It is configurable (what to show, which font to use). Besides other things it can remove this button, but one has to switch this option on. By default it does not remove it (so take a look into .ini file). It doesn't have a nice dialog based settings user interface, instead you have to modify .ini file manually. Program does not need an admin privileges. It does not need installation. It is just one exe, one dll and an ini file (actually an exe and dll for XP and 7). So download, unzip and run (maybe you may test with VirusTotal before, it's small enough to be tested, 47 anti viruses there says it's clear). Start again and it will ask whether to stop.
You can't remove it, however you can disable it. Right click on your task bar, then click properties. Then about 3/4 the way down you'll see "use Aero peek to preview the desk top". Uncheck that option, then click apply. Then you won't have that problem any more.
This does it:
Windows 7 Show Desktop Button Remover : Remove Windows 7 Show Desktop Button With One Click
If you right-click on it you can unselect "Peek at Desktop". At least this way it doesn't show the desktop anymore when you hover over it. You can still click on it to get to the Desktop.