Are you using Windows 11 and want to fiddle with the taskbar to change how it behaves? Do you want to make the taskbar invisible? Or is it already hidden, and you’d like it back at the bottom of the desktop? Luckily, both things can be done with just a few clicks or taps. Here’s how to hide or unhide the taskbar in Windows 11:
Meet the Windows 11 taskbar: visible or invisible?
After you install Windows 11 and sign in for the first time, you see the desktop, the default wallpaper (which looks great), the icons for Recycle Bin and Microsoft Edge, and the taskbar at the bottom of the screen.
The taskbar sits at the bottom of the Windows 11 desktop
Few people know that you can make the taskbar “invisible” in Windows 11 and automatically hide it to see only the desktop, your wallpaper, and the icons on it, similar to the screenshot below.
The Windows 11 desktop with the taskbar hidden
If this is what you want, read the next chapter of this guide. And, if you already have it hidden and want to see the taskbar at all times, read the last section of this article.
How to hide the taskbar in Windows 11
If you want to get rid of the taskbar at the bottom of Windows 11, right-click on it (or tap and hold) and choose Taskbar settings.
Right click and choose Taskbar settings
This opens the Settings window on the Taskbar page. You can also get to it by opening Settings yourself and going to Personalization > Taskbar. Then, on the right, click or tap on Taskbar behaviors to see the available taskbar options.
Expand Taskbar behaviors
Then, you get access to several settings which help you personalize the taskbar and its behavior. For example, if you want it to auto-hide, check the box next to“Automatically hide the taskbar.”
Select Automatically hide the taskbar
As soon as you do this, the taskbar disappears from the bottom of the screen.
TIP: Here’s how to move the Windows 11 Start Menu to the left and have the taskbar icons aligned to the left side of the screen instead of centered.
That’s it! You can close the Settings window and enjoy using Windows 11 without the taskbar visible at all times.
How to unhide the taskbar in Windows 11
If you can’t see the taskbar in Windows 11 and want it visible again, move the mouse cursor to the bottom of the screen, and it should show up by itself. If you’re using a touchscreen, you can see the taskbar by swiping upwards with your finger from the bottom of the screen. Then, right-click or tap and hold, and choose Taskbar settings.
Access the taskbar, right-click on it, and choose Taskbar settings
Alternatively, you can press Windows + I on your keyboard to open Settings and then go to Personalization > Taskbar. Next, on the right, click or tap Taskbar behaviors to expand it, and uncheck the “Automatically hide the taskbar” setting.
Deselect Automatically hide the taskbar
The Windows 11 taskbar is now visible at the bottom of the screen at all times. Close Settings, and you’re done.
How do you prefer your Windows 11 taskbar: visible or invisible?
I love the way the Windows 11 taskbar looks and how it works, despite its limitations. However, some want it visible at all times, while others prefer to hide it. Therefore, before closing this article, I’m curious to know whether you chose to hide or unhide the taskbar and your reasons for doing so. Comment using the options available below, and let’s discuss this topic.
