How can I get Google Hangouts to start minimized?

There are two options of installing Hangouts from the Chrome Web Store on your computer. I suspect you have the Hangouts App installed.

• Hangouts (App)
• Hangouts (Extension)

You can disable the app (or remove it altogether) and try the Hangouts Extension. The Hangouts Extension will start when Chrome starts minimized in the notification area of your Windows taskbar.

You activate it by clicking it.

You trade-off the standalone app experience if you switch to the Hangouts extension.