Hiding the taskbar in Windows 11 is a simple task that can be accomplished in just a few steps. By following the directions below, you’ll learn how to make your taskbar disappear when you’re not using it, giving you more screen space for your applications and desktop. This guide will walk you through the process, ensuring that even a beginner can follow along without any trouble.
Step by Step Tutorial: How to Hide Taskbar in Windows 11
The following steps will guide you through hiding the taskbar on your Windows 11 computer. By the end, your taskbar will automatically hide itself when not in use, maximizing your screen space.
Step 1: Open Settings
First, open the Settings application by clicking the Start menu and selecting the gear icon.
To access the Settings app, you can also press Windows + I on your keyboard. This is the central hub for all system preferences and configurations.
Step 2: Select Personalization
Next, navigate to the Personalization section.
Personalization is where you can change the appearance of your Windows system, from the background to the taskbar settings.
Step 3: Click Taskbar
Choose Taskbar from the list of options on the left side of the window.
This section lets you modify various settings related to the taskbar, including how it behaves and appears.
Step 4: Toggle “Automatically hide the taskbar”
Locate the setting that says “Automatically hide the taskbar in desktop mode” and switch it on.
This setting ensures that the taskbar will hide itself automatically when it’s not needed, giving you a cleaner desktop.
Step 5: Close Settings
Finally, close the Settings application.
There’s no need to save anything manually; your changes take effect immediately.
Once you complete these steps, the taskbar will hide itself when not in use. Simply move your mouse to the bottom of the screen to make it reappear.
Tips: How to Hide Taskbar in Windows 11
- Ensure your Windows 11 is up-to-date to avoid any compatibility issues with settings.
- If you use a secondary monitor, you may need to adjust the taskbar settings for that display as well.
- Use keyboard shortcuts to open commonly used apps to reduce the need for a visible taskbar.
- Customize your taskbar to show essential icons only, reducing clutter.
- Restart your system if changes don’t take effect immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions: How to Hide Taskbar in Windows 11
Why isn’t my taskbar hiding?
Ensure that “Automatically hide the taskbar in desktop mode” is toggled on in Settings > Personalization > Taskbar. If it still doesn’t work, restart your computer.
Can I hide the taskbar on a secondary monitor?
Yes, you can find this option under Settings > Personalization > Taskbar and then configure the settings for multiple displays.
How do I get the taskbar back after it’s hidden?
Simply move your mouse cursor to the bottom of the screen, and the taskbar will reappear.
Will hiding the taskbar affect my notifications?
No, you will still receive notifications as usual. A small pop-up will appear even if the taskbar is hidden.
Can I pin apps to the taskbar even when it’s hidden?
Yes, you can still pin apps to the taskbar. They will be accessible when you make the taskbar visible.
Summary
- Open Settings.
- Select Personalization.
- Click Taskbar.
- Toggle “Automatically hide the taskbar.”
- Close Settings.
Conclusion
Hiding the taskbar in Windows 11 is a quick and easy way to free up screen space and create a cleaner look on your desktop. By following the step-by-step guide, you can ensure that your taskbar only appears when you actually need it. This minor tweak can significantly enhance your user experience, making your workspace less cluttered and more focused.
If you encounter any issues, the tips and FAQ sections should help you troubleshoot common problems. Remember, you can always revisit the settings to tweak things as needed.
Understanding how to hide the taskbar in Windows 11 is just one of the many ways you can personalize your computer. If you found this guide helpful, consider exploring other customization options in the Settings app to make your Windows experience truly your own. Happy computing!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.