Troubleshooting Windows 11 Taskbar Not Hiding in Fullscreen Mode

If you’re experiencing issues with your Windows 11 taskbar remaining visible even when applications or videos are in fullscreen mode, you’re not alone. This can be disruptive to your workflow or entertainment experience. Follow this step-by-step guide to resolve the problem.

Understand the Issue

Normally, when you enter fullscreen mode (for example in a web browser, media player, or game), Windows 11 automatically hides the taskbar to maximize screen real estate. If it stays visible, it may be due to system settings, a background notification, or a graphic driver glitch.

Preliminary Checks

• Ensure no notifications or Toast messages are pending.
• Verify that you’re actually in fullscreen mode (try pressing F11 in a browser).
• Close any third-party toolbars or system overlays (screen recorders, chat widgets).

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting

1. Restart Windows Explorer

Restarting the Windows Explorer process often resets the taskbar behavior.

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Under the “Processes” tab, find Windows Explorer.
3. Right-click it and select Restart.
4. Check if fullscreen hiding is restored.

2. Check Taskbar Settings

Make sure auto-hide is enabled correctly.

1. Right-click on the taskbar and choose Taskbar settings.
2. Scroll down to “Taskbar behaviors.”
3. Ensure “Automatically hide the taskbar” is checked.
4. Test fullscreen mode again.

3. Disable Peek

Peek can cause the taskbar to pop up unintentionally.

1. Open Settings (Win + I) > System > Multitasking.
2. Toggle off Show desktop when hovering over the Show desktop button at the end of the taskbar.

4. Check App Notifications

Active notifications can force the taskbar to stay visible.

1. Open Settings > System > Notifications.
2. Temporarily turn off notifications or clear pending ones.
3. Re-enter fullscreen mode.

5. Update Graphics Drivers

Outdated or corrupt GPU drivers can interfere with fullscreen rendering.

1. Right-click Start and choose Device Manager.
2. Expand Display adapters, right-click your GPU, and select Update driver.
3. Choose “Search automatically for drivers.”
4. Reboot your PC if any updates are applied.

6. Install Windows Updates

Microsoft frequently issues fixes for UI bugs.

1. Open Settings > Windows Update.
2. Click Check for updates and install any available patches.
3. Restart your computer.

7. Use Tablet Mode (Optional)

Switching to Tablet Mode can sometimes correct taskbar behavior.

1. Open Settings > System > Tablet.
2. Enable Tablet mode, then toggle it off again.

8. Test in a Clean Boot

Boot with only essential services to rule out software conflicts.

1. Press Win + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
2. In the Services tab, check “Hide all Microsoft services,” then click Disable all.
3. Go to the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager. Disable all startup items.
4. Reboot and test fullscreen mode. Re-enable services one by one to identify the culprit.

Conclusion

By following these steps—restarting Explorer, adjusting settings, updating drivers, and performing a clean boot—you should be able to restore the auto-hide behavior of your Windows 11 taskbar in fullscreen mode. If the issue persists, consider resetting Windows or seeking help from Microsoft Support.