Taskbar showing in fullscreen? Here’s how to fix it

The taskbar is a crucial element of the Windows operating system, providing quick access to various applications and features. However, it can sometimes behave erratically, appearing over fullscreen applications, disrupting your immersive experience. If you’re encountering this issue, don’t worry; there are several effective methods to resolve it and restore your fullscreen experience.

Method 1: Enable Automatic Taskbar Hiding

Windows offers a built-in option to automatically hide the taskbar when entering fullscreen mode, eliminating the visual distraction. To enable this feature:

  1. Open the Settings app by pressing Windows key + I.

  2. Navigate to Personalization > Taskbar.

  3. Under “Taskbar behaviors,” toggle on the “Automatically hide the taskbar in desktop mode” option.

Method 2: Disable Taskbar Lock

If the taskbar is locked, it may override the automatic hiding behavior. To disable taskbar lock:

  1. Right-click on an empty area of the taskbar.

  2. Uncheck the “Lock all taskbars” option.

Method 3: Restart Windows Explorer

Restarting Windows Explorer can often resolve taskbar glitches. To do this:

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.

  2. Locate “Windows Explorer” in the Processes tab.

  3. Right-click on it and select “Restart.”

Method 4: Update Graphics Drivers

Outdated graphics drivers can lead to compatibility issues, including taskbar malfunctions. Ensure you have the latest graphics drivers installed:

  1. Open Device Manager.

  2. Expand “Display adapters.”

  3. Right-click on your graphics card and select “Update driver.”

  4. Choose “Search automatically for updated driver software.”

If the issue persists, consider reinstalling your graphics drivers.

Additional Tips:

  • Try switching to a different fullscreen mode, such as borderless windowed mode, to see if the taskbar disappears.

  • Check if any third-party applications or extensions might be interfering with taskbar behavior.

  • If the problem persists, consider creating a new user profile to rule out any profile-specific issues.

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