taskbar disappearing when changing tabs

Question

when i change to another tab while using a full screen app the taskbar keeps disappearing and show the app instead

Answer 1

Hello Thành Lâm Nguyễn,

I understand how frustrating this is, especially when the taskbar behavior interrupts your workflow while switching between apps.

Have you already tried the Q&A Assist suggestions? In addition, could you please confirm the following:

1. Does this happen with all full‑screen apps, or only with a specific one (for example: browser full screen, video player, or a game)?
2. Are you using true full‑screen mode (usually F11) or just a maximized window?
3. Has this behavior started recently (for example, after a Windows update)?

In the meantime, please try to reset Windows Explorer

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager
2. Find “Windows Explorer”
3. Right‑click it and select “Restart”

This refreshes the taskbar and window‑management layer.

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Answer 2

Open the Settings App.

Go to System - Recovery.

Click the 'Reinstall Now' button in the 'Fix problems with Windows Updates' section, then wait for that process to complete, this process should fix any corruption in Windows and will not affect your files, settings or installed apps.

Answer 3

The behavior described is expected when a full-screen app or another window is covering the taskbar or set to stay on top. In that case, switching tabs or apps can cause the full-screen window to obscure the taskbar so it appears to “disappear.”

To keep the taskbar visible and usable when switching:

1. Ensure the taskbar is configured to stay on top of other windows:
   • Press ALT+TAB to switch away from the full-screen app.
   • Open the taskbar settings (right-click the taskbar → Taskbar settings or use the shortcut [Taskbar](ms-settings:taskbar)).
   • Adjust taskbar behaviors such as locking and auto-hide so the taskbar remains accessible.
2. If another program or bar is covering the taskbar:
   • Some app bars or custom applications docked near the taskbar can obscure jump lists and preview panes. Installing the relevant Windows updates or hotfixes for the version in use resolves known issues where app bars unintentionally cover taskbar items.
3. If the taskbar is hidden by a full-screen app and cannot be used to switch programs:
   • Use ALT+TAB to switch to another program.
   • Then use the Start menu or other windowed apps to access the taskbar again.

These steps ensure the taskbar remains accessible instead of being hidden behind full-screen or always-on-top windows.

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References:

• Customize the Taskbar in Windows
• Clicking Icon on Taskbar Does Not Switch to Program
• An app bar may unintentionally obscure items on the Windows task bar in Windows