How to fix the error that does not hide the taskbar in Windows

The Windows Taskbar is an essential component of the Microsoft operating system environment. This tool allows quick access to programs, notifications and other basic functions, but some users prefer to remove it from the desktop and partially hide it to make better use of the rest of the screen. However, doing this setting may not automatically hide it.

In Windows 10 and Windows 11, it is possible to make the ribbon disappear when we don’t need it. Something that is useful in many cases, but it does not always work in the best way and it is necessary to make an additional adjustment in order for the computer to behave the way we want.

The taskbar is a graphical element located at the bottom of the screen that displays active applications, the Start button, the search bar, installed programs, notifications, and the clock. Hiding it allows you to have a clearer desktop, and showing it again when you move your mouse over the bottom of the screen.

To hide the taskbar, you must do the following:

1. Access Settings by pressing Windows + I.
2. Go to Personalization > Taskbar.
3. Turn on the option to automatically hide the taskbar in desktop mode.

Although it is a useful feature, it can fail and not be as hidden as it should be. If this happens, these are the recommendations to resolve the error using the tools available on the computer:

• Restart Windows Explorer:

One of the most effective solutions is to restart Windows Explorer, which is responsible for managing the taskbar and other system functions.. Sometimes temporary issues with Explorer can prevent the taskbar from hiding properly. To do this, here is the process:

1. Open Task Manager using Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
2. Under the Processes tab, find Windows Explorer.
3. Right click on it and select Restart. If you don’t see this option, select End task, go to File > Run new task, type explorer.exe, and press Enter.

• Check auto-hide settings:

Make sure the Auto-hide taskbar option is enabled:

1. Right-click on any empty area in the taskbar.
2. Select Taskbar settings.
3. Under Taskbar Behavior, make sure that Automatically hide the taskbar in desktop mode is enabled.
4. If it is already enabled, disable it and enable it again.

• Conflict between installed applications:

Conflicts can arise between installed applications, preventing the taskbar from hiding. This may be due to programs that require attention or important notifications. To manage icons and notifications, do the following:

1. Go to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar.
2. Under Notification area, click Select icons to appear on the taskbar.
3. Turn on Always show all icons in notification area.

• Turn off app notifications

Notifications can keep your taskbar visible. To disable it:

1. Go to Settings > System > Notifications & actions.
2. Turn off getting notifications from apps and other senders, or manage notifications individually.

• Restore to a previous version of the system:

If the problem persists, restoring Windows to a previous point may be the solution. Although this is a more complex process and other settings may be affected:

1. Go to Control Panel and select System > Advanced system settings.
2. Under System Protection, click System Restore.
3. Choose a previous restore point and follow the instructions.