If your taskbar keeps hiding in Windows, turn off auto-hide: right-click the taskbar, select Taskbar settings, expand Taskbar behaviors, and uncheck Automatically hide the taskbar. The taskbar will stay on screen. Microsoft says the same settings page also lets you choose which buttons appear on the taskbar.
These steps follow Microsoft’s Customize the taskbar in Windows article for Windows 11 and Windows 10. Auto-hide frees up screen space, but many people prefer a taskbar that always stays visible.
How to Stop the Taskbar From Hiding in Windows 11
- Right-click an empty spot on the taskbar and select Taskbar settings. You can also get there from Settings > Personalization > Taskbar.
- Expand Taskbar behaviors.
- Uncheck Automatically hide the taskbar.
Result: The taskbar stays visible at the bottom of the screen. To hide it again, check the same box. Microsoft says a hidden taskbar comes back when you move the mouse to, or touch, the bottom edge of the screen.
How to Stop the Taskbar From Hiding in Windows 10
Microsoft says Windows 10 handles desktop and tablet modes separately:
- Right-click the taskbar and select Taskbar settings.
- Turn off Automatically hide the taskbar in desktop mode.
- If you use tablet mode, also turn off Automatically hide the taskbar in tablet mode.
Result: The taskbar stays on screen in the mode you changed. Microsoft also lists a Lock the taskbar switch in the same place to keep your layout from changing. That switch exists only in Windows 10; see whether you can lock or unlock the taskbar in Windows 11.
Taskbar Still Disappearing? Try These Fixes
- Toggle auto-hide off and on. Try checking the box, waiting a few seconds, and unchecking it again to reset the taskbar.
- Restart Windows Explorer. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager, select Windows Explorer on the Processes tab, and click Restart task. The screen and taskbar flash briefly as they reload. See how to open Task Manager.
- Check for app alerts. Apps with unread alerts can make a hidden taskbar pop up and stay. Open any flashing icon to clear it.
- Restart or update. Try restarting the PC or checking for Windows updates if the taskbar still misbehaves.
How to Make Taskbar Buttons Smaller (Windows 10)
Microsoft says Windows 10 has a Use small taskbar buttons switch in Taskbar settings to fit more apps. The same page has the badge switch covered in our guide to removing the numbers from taskbar icons in Windows 10. Badges don’t show on small buttons. Windows 10 also lets you unlock the taskbar and drag its border to change its height. If a text box labeled Address is taking up room on the bar, see how to remove the Address toolbar in Windows 10.
How to Remove an App Icon From the Taskbar
Microsoft says to right-click the pinned icon and select Unpin from taskbar. The app stays installed. To add it back, type its name in Search, right-click it, and choose Pin to taskbar. You can also drag icons to rearrange them.
Show or Hide Built-In Taskbar Buttons
Under Taskbar items in Windows 11 Taskbar settings, Microsoft says you can turn Widgets and Task view on or off, and choose how Search looks: a search box, an icon and label, an icon only, or hidden. Microsoft notes there’s no setting to move the Windows 11 taskbar to the top or side of the screen, only to align icons in the center or on the left.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I see a hidden taskbar?
Microsoft says to hover your mouse over, or touch, the bottom edge of the screen.
Can I keep the taskbar on all my monitors?
Yes. In Windows 11, Microsoft says to expand Taskbar behaviors and check Show my taskbar on all displays.
More Windows guides: how to personalize the Start menu in Windows and what Task View does in Windows.
Matthew Burleigh is the founder, head writer, and editor of Solve Your Tech, which he launched in 2012. He has written technology tutorials since 2008 and worked in IT since 2003, including small-business support, IT management, and consulting. He holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science from Arizona State University.
Matthew writes practical guides for Windows, iPhone and iPad, Microsoft Office, Outlook, Google apps, and Android. Solve Your Tech’s guides are tested on current devices or checked against official product documentation, with clear steps, sources, and update dates.
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