How to Hide Taskbar on Windows

The Windows taskbar provides quick access to applications, notifications, and system settings, but it can sometimes take up valuable screen space. Learning how to hide taskbar on Windows allows you to create a cleaner desktop and more room for your applications. Windows provides a built-in automatic hiding feature that works on both Windows 10 and Windows 11.

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Open Taskbar Settings

The easiest way to hide the taskbar is through Windows Taskbar settings.

Right-click an empty area of the taskbar and select “Taskbar settings.” You can also open Settings and go to Personalization > Taskbar.

Right-click the taskbar
Select Taskbar settings
Open the Personalization settings if necessary
Find the Taskbar section

Turn On Automatic Taskbar Hiding

In Windows 11, scroll down and expand “Taskbar behaviors.” You will find an option called “Automatically hide the taskbar.”

Select this option to make the taskbar disappear when you are not using it.

Open Taskbar behaviors
Find Automatically hide the taskbar
Select the option
Close the Settings window

Hide the Taskbar on Windows 10

Windows 10 provides a similar option for automatically hiding the taskbar.

Open Taskbar settings and enable “Automatically hide the taskbar in desktop mode.” If you use a tablet or 2-in-1 device, you can also enable the tablet-mode hiding option where available.

Right-click the taskbar
Select Taskbar settings
Turn on automatic hiding in desktop mode
Enable tablet-mode hiding if needed

Show the Taskbar Again

When the taskbar is hidden, you can bring it back whenever you need it.

Move your mouse pointer to the bottom edge of the screen. On supported touch devices, you can also touch or swipe from the bottom edge.

Move the mouse to the bottom of the screen
Wait for the taskbar to appear
Move the pointer away when finished
The taskbar will automatically hide again

Use Full-Screen Mode for More Space

If your goal is to remove the taskbar while using a particular application, full-screen mode can provide an even cleaner workspace.

Many browsers, media players, games, and other applications have their own full-screen options.

Open the application
Look for its full-screen option
Use the application’s full-screen shortcut when available
Exit full-screen mode when finished

Reduce Taskbar Clutter

If you do not want to hide the entire taskbar, Windows also allows you to reduce the number of icons displayed on it.

You can manage taskbar items, search, widgets, and system tray icons through Taskbar settings.

Hide unnecessary taskbar icons
Remove unused pinned applications
Adjust search display options
Manage system tray icons

Troubleshoot When Auto-Hide Does Not Work

Sometimes the taskbar may remain visible even after automatic hiding has been enabled. A notification or application requiring your attention can sometimes prevent it from staying hidden.

Try restarting Windows Explorer if the problem continues.

Confirm automatic hiding is enabled
Check for notifications
Close applications requiring attention
Restart Windows Explorer if necessary

Remember That Windows Does Not Completely Remove the Taskbar

The built-in Windows feature hides the taskbar rather than permanently removing it. When you move the pointer to the appropriate edge of the screen, it becomes visible again.

This allows you to keep access to Start, applications, notifications, and other taskbar functions.