for FREE

With the release of Windows 8, Microsoft has added a small volume OSD in the top-left area of the screen. It can be very helpful, as it indicates the current volume when it is changed using media keys, but it cannot be customized in any way or disabled.

HideVolumeOSD is a tiny, open-source application that can prevent the volume OSD from being displayed. It is very easy to set up, and it can run in silent mode or be displayed in the system tray for easy accessibility.

When setting up the software, you have the option of installing either the tray icon or silent version of the application. The former makes it easy to hide or show the OSD, while the latter keeps your taskbar clutter-free.

Both versions are launched automatically at system startup. In silent mode, you need to search for several launch icons in the HideVolumeOSD program group in order to hide or show the OSD.

Whether you prefer the OSD provided by another application or just find the Windows volume indicator to be irritating, this utility may be just what you need. The Windows volume OSD is a top-level window on the desktop, so hiding it isn’t particularly difficult.

This application makes the process of disabling the OSD remarkably straightforward, so it is suitable even for complete novices. If you don’t wish ever to enable it again, you are probably best off installing the silent version to avoid adding a system tray icon that you’ll never need to use.

In a nutshell, HideVolumeOSD is a lightweight, user-friendly program that can help you get rid of the volume indicator in Windows 8/8.1 and Windows 10. It is very easy to set up, and it can be installed in silent mode or as a system tray application.