Right-click an empty spot on the taskbar and select Taskbar settings. Expand Taskbar behaviors, then check Automatically hide the taskbar. The taskbar slides away and comes back when you move the pointer to the bottom of the screen.
Applies to: Windows 11. Checked against Microsoft Support on September 29, 2026.
Turn on auto-hide
- Right-click an empty spot on the taskbar and select Taskbar settings. Or go to Start > Settings > Personalization > Taskbar.
- Scroll down and expand Taskbar behaviors.
- Check Automatically hide the taskbar.
- Mouse: move the pointer to the bottom edge of the screen.
- Touch: swipe up from the bottom of the screen.
- Keyboard: press the Windows logo key to open Start, or Windows logo key + T to jump to the taskbar.
Show the taskbar all the time again
Repeat the steps and uncheck Automatically hide the taskbar.
If the taskbar won’t hide
- An app may be asking for attention. Look for a flashing app button and open it.
- Make sure the pointer isn’t resting at the bottom of the screen.
- Restart Windows Explorer: right-click Start, select Task Manager, find Windows Explorer, and select Restart task.
Frequently asked questions
Can I move the taskbar instead?
Only the icons can move, to the left or center. See how to move the taskbar in Windows 11.
Does auto-hide work on every screen?
Yes. It applies to the taskbar on each screen. For more about two screens, see how to set up multiple monitors in Windows 11.
To hide the taskbar only while you watch or read something, see how to go full screen in Windows 11.
To change what shows on the taskbar, see how to customize the taskbar in Windows 11.
If you’d rather keep the taskbar visible but less solid, see how to make the taskbar transparent in Windows 11.
If you only want to remove the search box, see how to get rid of the search bar in Windows 11.
If you’d rather keep the taskbar visible but shorter, see how to make the taskbar smaller in Windows 11.
Microsoft’s reference is Customize the taskbar in Windows. More help is on our Windows Help & Guides page.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
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