Do you need a little more screen space or a cleaner look on your Windows 11 desktop? Hiding the taskbar is an easy way to achieve that. Here’s how you can do it: Open the taskbar settings by right-clicking on the taskbar, go to “Taskbar behaviors,” and toggle on the option to hide the taskbar automatically.
How to Hide Taskbar on Windows 11
Here’s a detailed guide to help you hide your taskbar on Windows 11. Follow these steps to make your taskbar disappear when not in use.
Step 1: Open Taskbar Settings
Right-click on the taskbar and select “Taskbar settings.”
By right-clicking on the taskbar, you’ll see a menu pop up. From there, finding the option “Taskbar settings” is straightforward and quick. This is your gateway to customizing what your taskbar looks and behaves like.
Step 2: Navigate to Taskbar Behaviors
Scroll down the settings menu until you find “Taskbar behaviors.”
The settings menu is filled with various options. Keep scrolling until you locate the “Taskbar behaviors” section. This is where all the magic happens.
Step 3: Toggle on “Automatically hide the taskbar”
Check the box next to “Automatically hide the taskbar.”
In the “Taskbar behaviors” section, look for the option labeled “Automatically hide the taskbar.” Simply check that box, and your taskbar will instantly vanish until you need it again.
Step 4: Apply and Close
Make sure your changes are applied and then close the settings window.
Once you’ve toggled the option, the changes should take effect immediately. There’s no need to hit any special “apply” button, but do make sure everything looks just right before closing the settings window.
After completing these steps, your taskbar will disappear when not in use. Simply move your mouse to the bottom of the screen to make it reappear.
Tips for Hiding Taskbar on Windows 11
- Quick Access: Remember, the taskbar will reappear anytime you move your mouse to the bottom of the screen.
- Personalization: You can customize more settings in the same menu, like taskbar alignment and icons.
- Shortcuts: Pin important programs to the taskbar before hiding it, so they’re still just a click away.
- Keyboard Shortcut: Use the Windows key on your keyboard to open the start menu when the taskbar is hidden.
- Visibility: If you find the taskbar keeps popping up, tweak the sensitivity settings in Taskbar behaviors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make the taskbar reappear?
Just move your mouse cursor to the bottom of the screen, and the taskbar will pop back up.
Can I hide the taskbar on my secondary monitor?
Right now, Windows 11 hides the taskbar on all monitors if the setting is enabled.
Will I miss notifications if the taskbar is hidden?
Nope! Notifications will still appear and can be accessed by moving your cursor to the taskbar area.
Can I customize which icons appear even when the taskbar is hidden?
Yes, go to Taskbar settings and adjust which icons you want visible in the taskbar corner.
Is there a keyboard shortcut to hide the taskbar?
There isn’t a direct shortcut to hide the taskbar, but you can quickly access settings using Windows + I.
Summary of Steps
- Right-click the taskbar and select “Taskbar settings.”
- Scroll to “Taskbar behaviors.”
- Toggle on “Automatically hide the taskbar.”
- Close the settings window.
Conclusion
Hiding the taskbar on Windows 11 is a simple and effective way to get more screen space and achieve a cleaner desktop look. Whether you’re trying to focus on work or just prefer a minimalist design, following these steps will help you get there in no time. Remember, you’re just a mouse movement away from bringing it back whenever you need it. Dive into the settings and explore other customization options to make your desktop truly yours! Implement these steps today and see the difference it makes in your daily computing experience.
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.