How to Hide Windows 11 Taskbar Automatically
You can automatically hide your Windows 11 taskbar in just a few clicks to reclaim more screen space.
The taskbar is that familiar strip at the bottom of your screen showing open apps, shortcuts, and essential system icons like the clock. Hiding it automatically makes it vanish when you’re not actively using it, reappearing only when your mouse pointer touches the screen’s edge.
This simple adjustment is a great way to boost your available display area, particularly if you’re working with a smaller monitor or just love a minimalist desktop. Windows 11 makes this easy to configure directly through its settings, no extra downloads needed.
Open Settings, navigate to Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviors, and check the box for “Automatically hide the taskbar.” The taskbar will disappear when not in use and reappear when you move your mouse to the bottom of the screen.
Why Hide the Taskbar?
Hiding the Taskbar automatically frees up valuable screen space. You’ll see more of your desktop and your open windows without the bar taking up room at the bottom.
How to Automatically Hide the Taskbar
You can make your Windows 11 Taskbar automatically hide itself when you’re not using it, giving you more screen space. To do this, open Settings, then go to Personalization, and finally click on Taskbar.
- Open Settings. Click the Start menu (the Windows icon at the bottom left) and then click the Settings gear icon. Or, press
Windows key + Ion your keyboard to open Settings quickly. - In Settings, click on Personalization on the left side menu.
- Next, click on Taskbar on the right side.
- Scroll down and click on Taskbar behaviors to open more options.
- Check the box next to Automatically hide the taskbar.
Here’s what it looks like:
What Happens When You Turn This On?
After you turn this on, the Taskbar will disappear when you’re not using it. To see the Taskbar again, just move your mouse cursor to the bottom of the screen, and it will pop back up.
Hide or Show the Taskbar Using Commands
If you prefer using commands, you can also automatically hide or show the Windows Taskbar using the Command Prompt. You’ll need administrator privileges to run the command, but it’s a quick way to change the Taskbar’s behaviour.
⚙️ Admin privileges required
To hide the Taskbar automatically, copy and paste this command:
powershell -command "&{$p='HKCU:\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\StuckRects3';$v=(Get-ItemProperty -Path $p).Settings;$v[8]=3;&Set-ItemProperty -Path $p -Name Settings -Value $v;&Stop-Process -f -ProcessName explorer}"To stop hiding the Taskbar automatically, copy and paste this command:
powershell -command "&{$p= 'HKCU:\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\StuckRects3' ;$v=(Get-ItemProperty -Path $p).Settings;$v[8]=2;&Set-ItemProperty -Path $p -Name Settings -Value $v;&Stop-Process -f -ProcessName explorer}"To open the Command Prompt inside Windows Terminal, press Windows key + X and choose Windows Terminal, then click the Command Prompt tab.
Summary
Automatically hiding the Taskbar is a simple trick that gives you more screen space, which is especially useful on smaller monitors. You can easily turn this feature on or off in the Settings app, or use the Command Prompt if you’re comfortable with it.How to set taskbar to automatically hide?
Right-click the taskbar and select Taskbar settings at the bottom of the list. Or select Start, Settings, Personalization, and Taskbar. Toggle on Automatically hide the taskbar in desktop mode.
How to make toolbar auto hide?
Go down to personalize. In the menu that comes up go down to taskbar. Left click on that. And at the bottom here you'll see taskbar behaviors you can left click on that.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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