To hide the taskbar in Windows 10, right-click an empty spot on the taskbar and select Taskbar settings. Turn on Automatically hide the taskbar in desktop mode. The taskbar slides out of view and comes back when you move the mouse to the bottom of the screen.
Applies to: Windows 10. Checked against Microsoft Support on September 24, 2026.
Turn on auto-hide
- Right-click an empty spot on the taskbar and select Taskbar settings. You can also go to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar.
- Turn on Automatically hide the taskbar in desktop mode.
- On a tablet or 2-in-1, also turn on Automatically hide the taskbar in tablet mode.
- With a mouse: move the pointer to the edge where the taskbar is, usually the bottom.
- With the keyboard: press Windows + T or Ctrl + Esc.
- On a touch screen: swipe in from that edge.
To stop hiding it, turn Automatically hide the taskbar in desktop mode off again.
Hide the taskbar during full-screen videos
The taskbar hides on its own when a video is full screen. In most players, press F or double-click the video. In a browser, press F11 for full screen.
If the taskbar stays on top of a full-screen video:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- On the Processes tab, right-click Windows Explorer and select Restart.
The taskbar disappears for a second and comes back. Try full screen again.
Turn on auto-hide with a command
Auto-hide is stored as one byte in the registry, so you can switch it from PowerShell, which is handy in a script. Right-click Start, select Windows PowerShell, and run:
&{$p='HKCU:SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\StuckRects3';$v=(Get-ItemProperty -Path $p).Settings;$v[8]=3;Set-ItemProperty -Path $p -Name Settings -Value $v;Stop-Process -Force -ProcessName explorer}File Explorer restarts and the taskbar hides. To turn auto-hide off again, run the same command with $v[8]=2 instead of $v[8]=3. Save any open File Explorer work first, since its windows close when it restarts.
If the taskbar won’t auto-hide
An app that needs your attention keeps the taskbar visible, often with a flashing or orange icon.
- Check the taskbar icons for a flashing app and open it.
- Check notifications in the notification area at the right end of the taskbar and deal with any pending ones.
- Restart Windows Explorer in Task Manager, as shown above.
- Turn auto-hide off and on again in Taskbar settings.
- Move the pointer away from the taskbar edge. The taskbar stays visible while the pointer rests on it. With two monitors, the pointer can easily sit on that edge when you move between screens.
- If the auto-hide switch is greyed out and you see Some of these settings are managed by your organization, your workplace or school controls it. Ask your IT team.
Other ways to get more screen space
- Move the taskbar to the left, right, or top under Taskbar location on screen in Taskbar settings.
- Use small taskbar buttons by turning on Use small taskbar buttons.
- Use full screen (F11) in your browser for reading and videos.
Frequently asked questions
Where did my taskbar go?
It might be set to auto-hide, moved to another edge, or stuck after a glitch. See how to get the taskbar back on Windows 10.
Can I hide the taskbar on only one monitor?
No. Auto-hide applies to every screen. You can turn off Show taskbar on all displays in Taskbar settings so it only appears on your main screen.
Does hiding the taskbar close my apps?
No. Your apps keep running. You just see the taskbar only when you need it.
Is there a keyboard shortcut to turn auto-hide on or off?
No. Windows 10 doesn’t have a built-in shortcut for the setting itself. You have to change it in Taskbar settings. You can still show a hidden taskbar with Windows + T.
Can I hide the taskbar so it never appears?
Not with Windows 10’s own settings. Auto-hide always brings the taskbar back when you point at its edge, so you can still reach Start and your open apps.
Will the setting stay on after I restart?
Yes. Windows keeps the auto-hide setting until you turn it off.
To move the taskbar to another edge of the screen, see how to move the taskbar in Windows 10.
To make a single app fill the screen, see how to go full screen on Windows 10.
To clean up the taskbar, see how to remove a toolbar from the Windows 10 taskbar.
Microsoft’s guide is Customize the taskbar in Windows. More help is on our Windows Help & Guides page.
Related: How to center the screen on Windows 10.
Related: open Action Center in Windows 10.
Related: how to show the desktop in Windows 10.
Related: how to multitask on Windows 10.
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.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.