How to enable Taskbar auto-hide on Windows 11

Windows 11 with hidden taskbar.

On Windows 11, the Taskbar is perhaps one of those features we use on a daily basis as it allows us to launch and manage running applications quickly. However, some users may feel it takes away part of the screen, so the operating system includes an option to hide it automatically, but it's not enabled by default.

In this how-to guide, I'll explain the easy steps to manage the option to show or hide the Taskbar.

How to enable Taskbar auto-hide on Windows 11

To allow Windows 11 to hide the Taskbar automatically, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Personalization.
3. Click the Taskbar page on the right side.

Quick note: You can always right-click the Taskbar and select the "Taskbar settings" option to access the settings page.

(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)

4. Click the Taskbar behavior setting.
5. Check the "Automatically hide the Taskbar" option.

(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)

Once you complete the steps, the Taskbar will hide automatically when you move the mouse away from the element, giving you a little more real state to work with other applications.

How to disable Taskbar auto-hide on Windows 11

To disable the option to automatically hide the Taskbar, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Personalization.
3. Click the Taskbar page on the right side.

(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)

4. Click the Taskbar behavior setting.
5. Clear the "Automatically hide the Taskbar" option.

(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)

After you complete the steps, the Taskbar will always show in the desktop as intended by default.

More resources

Find in-depth guides, troubleshooting tips, and the latest updates on Windows 11 and 10 here:

• Windows 10 on Windows Central — All you need to know
• Windows 11 on Windows Central — All you need to know