How to Keep the Taskbar Hidden in Fullscreen Mode on Windows 10/11

How to Keep the Taskbar Hidden in Fullscreen Mode on Windows 10/11

The taskbar is a useful feature in Windows that provides quick access to your apps, notifications, and system tools. However, when watching videos, playing games, or working in fullscreen mode, the taskbar can sometimes remain visible, obstructing your view and disrupting your experience. In this guide, we’ll explore how to hide the taskbar in fullscreen mode on Windows 10 and Windows 11 with step-by-step instructions and detailed images.

Why the Taskbar Stays Visible in Fullscreen Mode

The taskbar usually hides itself when you switch to fullscreen mode. However, there are cases where it might stay visible due to:

• System Glitches: Minor bugs in Windows can occasionally cause the taskbar to remain on top.
• App Settings: Certain apps may have settings that prevent the taskbar from hiding properly.
• Taskbar Settings: Incorrect taskbar settings, like auto-hide being disabled, can cause this issue.
• Notifications: Ongoing notifications or system alerts can keep the taskbar visible.

To address these issues, follow the steps below to ensure your taskbar stays hidden when you go fullscreen.

Step-by-Step Guide to Hide Taskbar in Fullscreen in Windows 10/11

1. Enable Auto-Hide Taskbar

Enabling the auto-hide feature is one of the simplest solutions to ensure the taskbar hides automatically when not in use.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Open Taskbar Settings:
   • Right-click on the taskbar and select “Taskbar settings.”
2. Enable Auto-Hide:
   • In the taskbar settings window, toggle on “Automatically hide the taskbar in desktop mode.”
   • If you’re using a tablet or touchscreen device, also toggle on “Automatically hide the taskbar in tablet mode.”
3. Check Fullscreen Mode:
   • Switch to fullscreen mode in your desired app or browser to see if the taskbar hides automatically.

2. Restart Windows Explorer

Sometimes, a simple restart of Windows Explorer can resolve taskbar display issues.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Open Task Manager:
   • Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Find Windows Explorer:
   • Under the “Processes” tab, scroll down to find “Windows Explorer.”
3. Restart Windows Explorer:
   • Right-click on “Windows Explorer” and select “Restart.”
4. Verify Fullscreen Mode:
   • After restarting, check if the taskbar remains hidden in fullscreen mode.

3. Check App-Specific Settings

Certain apps and games have their own settings that can influence whether the taskbar hides in fullscreen mode. For instance, media players or browsers might have an option that overrides system settings.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Check App Preferences:
   • Open the settings menu of the app you’re using.
2. Look for Fullscreen or Display Options:
   • Ensure that the app is set to use true fullscreen mode and not windowed mode.
3. Adjust Settings if Necessary:
   • Modify any relevant settings to enable fullscreen display.

4. Update Windows and Graphics Drivers

Outdated system software or drivers can cause the taskbar to misbehave. Ensure your Windows operating system and graphics drivers are up-to-date.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Update Windows:
   • Go to “Settings” > “Update & Security” > “Windows Update.”
   • Click on “Check for updates” and install any available updates.
2. Update Graphics Drivers:
   • Open Device Manager by right-clicking the Start button and selecting “Device Manager.”
   • Expand the “Display adapters” section, right-click your graphics driver, and select “Update driver.”
   • Follow the on-screen instructions to update your driver.
3. Restart Your Computer:
   • After updating, restart your computer and check if the issue is resolved.

5. Disable Taskbar Lock

Locking the taskbar can sometimes prevent it from hiding in fullscreen mode. Disabling this option might help.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Open Taskbar Settings:
   • Right-click on the taskbar and select “Taskbar settings.”
2. Disable Taskbar Lock:
   • In the settings window, find the option labeled “Lock the taskbar” and toggle it off.
3. Test Fullscreen Mode:
   • Enter fullscreen mode in your application to see if the taskbar stays hidden.

Conclusion

Keeping the taskbar hidden in fullscreen mode can enhance your experience, whether you’re watching a movie, playing a game, or working on a project. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you should be able to troubleshoot and resolve any taskbar visibility issues in fullscreen mode on Windows 10 and Windows 11.

If the taskbar still remains visible despite these efforts, consider restarting your computer or exploring more advanced troubleshooting steps, such as modifying system registry settings. However, the methods provided here are generally sufficient for most users to resolve the issue and enjoy a cleaner, distraction-free fullscreen experience.