With Windows 11, Microsoft has introduced a refreshed taskbar and Start menu. By default, the taskbar uses a centered layout and does not support moving it to the screen’s top, left, or right.
As with the case of previous versions, the Windows 11 taskbar does not take much area of the screen. However, if you are running Windows 11 on a relatively small screen, hiding the taskbar when it’s not in use can give you more space on your screen.
Users who do not want to see the taskbar can always configure it to auto-hide. In fact, if you are a keyboard addict, you do not need the taskbar. You can use the Alt + Tab to switch between apps and use the Windows + S or Windows logo key to open the search (which brings up the taskbar as well). The only time you probably need to bring up the taskbar is when you want to see the date and time!
When the taskbar auto-hide option is turned on, the taskbar disappears from the screen. To see the taskbar, you need to move the mouse pointer to the bottom of the screen (the default position of the taskbar on the screen) or press the Windows logo key to reveal the taskbar.
Here is how to enable the auto-hide taskbar in Windows 11.
Auto-hide Windows 11 taskbar
NOTE: If you are on a multiple display setup and configured Windows 11 to show taskbar on all displays, the taskbar will auto-hide on all screens when you turn on the auto-hide option.
Step 1: Perform a right-click on an empty spot on the taskbar and click Taskbar settings to open the Settings > Personalization > Taskbar page.
Step 2: Here, on the right side, click on Taskbar behaviors.
Step 3: Check the box next to Automatically hide the taskbar option to auto-hide the taskbar.
Uncheck the same option when you want to turn off the taskbar auto-hide feature.
Tip: If the taskbar fails to appear or disappear, restarting the Windows Explorer process via Task Manager will fix the issue. If this does not resolve the issue, reboot your PC.