How to fix Taskbar not hiding in fullscreen?

What causes How to fix Taskbar not hiding in fullscreen?

Application running in the background demanding attention
Hidden application icons requiring user interaction
Pending messages or update warnings from applications
Tablet mode not functioning properly

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Hi, I encountered a problem with taskbar recently. Every time I go to YouTube or other video streaming site and try to watch something in fullscreen, the taskbar does not hide and stays visible. This is annoying as it covers the video at the bottom. Is there anything I can do to fix taskbar not hiding in fullscreen? Much appreciated.

Windows taskbar is an important system component: it allows users to start certain programs, search for files, view time and internet connection status, change language settings, etc. While most users prefer the feature to be visible most of the time, some might prefer it hidden when it is not used (i.e., it can be hidden when the cursor is not hovering over it), so it makes the desktop look tidier. Additionally, tablet mode is something that should hide the taskbar automatically.

Unfortunately, several users on IT forums complained, claiming that the taskbar won't hide in fullscreen when they are trying to view videos on YouTube, Twitch, and similar streaming websites. This might be particularly annoying as it does interfere with normal video viewing or even performing tasks in tablet mode.

In most of the cases, users reported that a simple computer restart helped them with Windows 10 taskbar not hiding when in fullscreen.[ref en-1] However, multiple users said that reboot did not help to get rid of the issue. Therefore, our team compiled a set of solutions that should help you fix taskbar not hiding in fullscreen.

Before you proceed with the following fixes, we suggest you check the obvious: in some cases, the application that runs in the background might demand your attention. You will find the application icon hidden and you can uncover it by clicking "Show hidden icons." Such apps like Facebook, anti-malware software, and similar might have a new message or an update warning pending, so you need to click on the icon in order for it to stop. If that is the case, the taskbar not hiding in fullscreen issue should be fixed.

If you do not have any icons flashing, please proceed with the following fixes.

Fix 1. Restart Windows Explorer

This simple method helped a lot of users to fix taskbar that won't hide in fullscreen. Please perform the following steps:

On the keyboard, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc simultaneously
In the Task Manager, locate Windows Explorer app
Right click on it and select Restart
See if the problem is fixed
Taskbar not hiding in fullscreen restart explorer

Fix 2. Make sure that the auto-hide setting is on

If your taskbar was set to auto-hide, and it stopped doing so after Windows updates[ref en-2] or similar system changes, it can be that the feature was reset. Therefore, you should check taskbar settings in the following way:

Right-click on the Start button and select Settings
Go to Personalization > Taskbar
On the right pane, make sure the switch by Automatically hide the taskbar in desktop mode is set to On
Taskbar not hiding in fullscreen check taskbar auto hide setting

Fix 3. Disable notifications from all apps and senders

If there is a particular app that is causing the taskbar not to hide in fullscreen because of its notifications, you can disable the feature altogether:

Right-click on the Start button and select System
Go to Notifications & actions
Locate Get notifications from apps and other senders and turn the switch to Off

Alternatively, if you are away of which app is causing you troubles, you can simply disable notifications from that specific app by scrolling down below.

Taskbar not hiding in fullscreen switch off app notifications

Fix 4. Edit Local Group Policy

Editing Local Group Policy[ref en-3] could help you fix taskbar not hiding the issue, however, be aware that you will have to go back and re-enable the setting if you want the notifications back:

In Cortana's search bar, type in gpedit.msc and hit Enter
Go to User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Start Menu and Taskbar
Taskbar not hiding in fullscreen edit group policy
In here, you can configure various policies; we recommend looking at Turn of automatic promotion of notification icons to the taskbar, Turn off all balloon notifications, Turn off feature advertisement balloon notifications and Lock all taskbar settings
You can also click on Notification tab under the Start Menu and Taskbar in the left pane and configure several settings there
To disable the policy, double click on the setting you want to configure, click Disabled, then Apply and OK
Taskbar not hiding in fullscreen edit group policy disable setting

Finally, if you have any computer problems and wish to fix them automatically, we suggest you download and install [d1] PC repair software.

Bottom line

To fix the taskbar not hiding in fullscreen, you can try restarting your computer, checking for hidden application icons, and ensuring that no background applications are demanding your attention. If these solutions do not resolve the issue, consider exploring additional troubleshooting steps.

Frequently asked questions

Why is my taskbar not hiding in fullscreen mode on Windows 10?

This issue can occur due to a misconfiguration in the taskbar settings or if an application is preventing it from hiding. Try restarting the app or checking for any notifications that might be keeping the taskbar visible.

What should I do if the taskbar still won't hide in fullscreen on Windows 11?

Ensure that the 'Automatically hide the taskbar in desktop mode' option is enabled in taskbar settings. If the problem persists, check for any background applications that may be causing the taskbar to remain visible.

How can I troubleshoot the taskbar not hiding issue in fullscreen applications on Windows?

Start by restarting your computer, as this can resolve temporary glitches. Additionally, try updating your graphics drivers and ensuring that your Windows version is up to date.

Did this fix work for you?

Written & verified by

Sarah Chen

Cybersecurity Analyst

Cybersecurity Threat detection Security hardening Data protection Vulnerability assessment

Sarah Chen is a cybersecurity analyst focused on protecting Windows systems from emerging threats and preventing data breaches. She covers security hardening, vulnerability assessments, and post-infection cleanup for home and small business users. Sarah translates complex security concepts into practical hardening steps — firewall configuration, exploit mitigations, secure boot settings, and defence-in-depth practices that meaningfully reduce attack surface. She stays current with the threat landscape and contributes security advisories to the uGetFix news section when new vulnerabilities affect Windows users.

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