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 Windows 11 taskbar, a strip at the bottom of your screen, shows open apps and system icons. Hiding the taskbar automatically makes the taskbar vanish when unused, reappearing when your mouse touches the screen's edge. This feature helps maximize screen space.
The Windows 11 taskbar auto-hide setting increases available display space. This taskbar auto-hide feature proves useful for users with smaller monitors or those desiring a minimalist desktop. Windows 11 lets users change the taskbar auto-hide setting directly within the operating system's options, removing the need for extra software downloads.
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 the Windows 11 taskbar automatically hide itself using the Settings app. This setting makes the taskbar disappear when you aren’t using it, giving you more screen space. Simply open Settings, go to Personalization, and then Taskbar settings to turn this feature on.
- 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
You can automatically hide or show the Windows 11 taskbar using commands in the Command Prompt. This method is for those who prefer typing instructions instead of clicking through menus. You’ll need admin privileges to run the command that makes your taskbar hide on its own.
⚙️ 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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