Minimising the taskbar in Windows 11 is Canberra handy if you’re looking to squeeze more space out of your screen or just want a cleaner look. It’s pretty straightforward — a few clicks and your taskbar disappears when you’re not using it, then pops back up as soon as you move your mouse to the bottom. But sometimes, the settings can be a bit hidden or confusing, especially after a big update or if Windows tweaks the layout. So, if you’re over the clutter, here’s a simple way to get that taskbar to hide automatically.
How to Minimise Taskbar Windows 11
Access the Settings menu
First up, hit the Start button or press Windows + X, then click on Settings. You can also just use the search bar and type “Settings” — quick as. Getting into Settings is step one because that’s where all the magic happens.
Navigate to Personalisation
In the Settings window, look for Personalisation. It’s usually near the top of the sidebar on the left. Click on that, because here you can change how Windows looks and behaves, including the taskbar. Basically, the control room for all visual tweaks.
Open Taskbar settings
Inside Personalisation, scroll down until you find Taskbar. Clicking here opens a bunch of options — more than you might reckon, including icon size, pinning, and behaviour tweaks. The main one you want is the auto-hide toggle, because that’s what decides whether the taskbar stays out of sight when you’re not using it.
Activate the auto-hide option
Look for Automatically hide the taskbar in desktop mode. That’s the switch you want. Flick it to On. After that, your taskbar will hide itself once you move your mouse away, like a fancy menu. Sometimes, it can be a bit temperamental if you’ve got multiple monitors, but for most setups, it just works. If it’s acting up initially, a reboot or a quick sign out/sign in should sort it. Weird but true.
Finish up and give it a burl
Close the Settings window, then move your mouse to the bottom of the screen to see if the taskbar disappears. If it doesn’t hide right away, try moving your mouse away for a sec or two, or clicking outside the window. Once it’s set, it’s a tidy little upgrade — more space for your apps, less clutter, and a prettier desktop. And yeah, the taskbar comes back when you hover again, so it’s no drama.
Because of course, Windows has to make things a bit fiddly sometimes. Sometimes, this setting sticks, other times it needs a restart. Just depends on your machine and updates. But once it’s sorted, it’s pretty smooth sailing until you decide to turn it off again.
Tips for Minimisng Taskbar Windows 11
- Use the keyboard shortcut Windows + T to quickly jump to your taskbar icons.
- Adjust taskbar transparency if hiding feels too stark.
- Pin your most-used apps so they’re easy to click even when the taskbar’s hiding.
- Try third-party tools like Winhance if you want a bit more control.
- Keep Windows up to date — sometimes new versions add or tweak these options, so don’t miss out.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make the taskbar smaller in Windows 11?
In the Taskbar settings, you can change the icon size — toggling smaller icons helps shrink it visually. It might make your taskbar less obtrusive even if it’s not hidden.
Can I hide the taskbar in tablet mode?
Sure can, just enable the same auto-hide option in tablet mode. Windows usually adjusts this automatically when you switch modes, but it’s worth checking the taskbar settings if it’s not hiding as expected.
How do I bring the taskbar back after hiding it?
Just move your mouse to the bottom of the screen. If auto-hide’s on, the taskbar will pop right back. Sometimes, if it’s not appearing, a quick restart or toggling the setting again does the trick.
Will hiding the taskbar mess with my pinned apps?
Nah, your pinned apps stay put. They’re still there, just hidden until you hover over the area. Basically, just a visual toggle, not deleting anything.
Why can’t I find the taskbar settings?
If the menu looks totally different or options are missing, make sure your Windows 11 is up to date. Sometimes, settings menus shift around after updates, and older versions might miss out on certain tweaks.
Summary
- Open Settings via Start menu or search.
- Navigate to Personalisation > Taskbar.
- Switch on Automatically hide the taskbar in desktop mode.
- Close Settings and give it a bash!
Wrap-up
This isn’t exactly rocket science, but it’s a handy way to tidy up your workspace with minimal fuss. Once sorted, it’s a quick way to declutter and free up more room for your windows and apps. Sometimes Windows can be a bit stubborn about these toggles, but a restart or quick toggle usually sorts it. Hope this helps some Aussie out — it’s worked a charm for me, anyway.