How to keep taskbar hidden while on still on top of other windows

Paul Abbott 45 Reputation points
2025-06-02T15:27:35.7866667+00:00

Until recently, I was able to keep my Windows 11 taskbar hidden and retrieve it by just moving the cursor over the bottom of the screen. Something has now changed, however, so that when the task bar is hidden, hovering the cursor there does not bring it up. Instead, I need to close whatever window I'm on first before the taskbar can be brought up. This is new behavior. I know I can lock the taskbar on so that it is always accessible, but I prefer to keep it hidden. How do I restore its previous setting? Thanks. P. S. I have no idea what a "child tag" is; I chose the one above only because I am not permitted to skip that step.

Windows for business | Windows Client for IT Pros | User experience | Other
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Answer accepted by question author
G225 - MVP 2009-2020 26,580 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
2025-06-03T07:11:10.1733333+00:00

It sounds like your Windows 11 taskbar behavior has changed unexpectedly. Typically, when the taskbar is set to auto-hide, it should reappear when you hover over the bottom of the screen, even if a window is open. Since you now have to close your active window first, there may be a setting or an update that altered this behavior.

Here are a few things to check:

Restart Explorer: Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc), find "Windows Explorer," right-click it, and select "Restart." This refreshes the taskbar and may resolve the issue.

Check Taskbar Settings: Go to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar, ensure "Automatically hide the taskbar" is enabled.

Check Multi-Monitor Settings (if applicable): If you use multiple monitors, Windows may be handling the taskbar differently. Review settings under Settings > System > Display.

Look for Recent Updates: Sometimes Windows updates adjust system behavior. Check Settings > Windows Update for any recent updates that might have changed the taskbar behavior.

Try Different Window Types: See if certain apps prevent the taskbar from appearing—some fullscreen applications may override it.

Use Windows Troubleshooter: Run the troubleshooter via Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other Troubleshooters > Windows Explorer.

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  1. G225 - MVP 2009-2020 26,580 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2025-08-07T03:23:19.4366667+00:00

    No very simple to disabled software. Probably the update have problem with software or old software or bad sector on hard drive or other.

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  2. G225 - MVP 2009-2020 26,580 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2025-08-06T16:59:53.0033333+00:00

    Disable all the software that starts with Windows. Uninstall your third-party antivirus if you have one.

    https://support.lenovo.com/ca/en/solutions/ht515454

    Restart!

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  3. Paul Abbott 45 Reputation points
    2025-06-03T09:55:07.83+00:00

    Sorry to say, GM, none of the recommendations resolved my issue.

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