How to Fix Windows Taskbar Showing in Fullscreen

You’re watching a video, or maybe you’re playing a game. It’s in fullscreen mode, the action is intense, and then—bam!—the Windows taskbar pops up, ruining the vibe. Annoying, right? Fear not. We’re here to fix that pesky taskbar that just won’t disappear when it’s supposed to.

Let’s dive into some simple, fun, and effective ways to boot that taskbar back into hiding.

Why Is the Taskbar Showing in Fullscreen?

Usually, when an app goes fullscreen, Windows hides the taskbar. But sometimes, for reasons only the computer gremlins know, it decides not to. Here’s why it might be happening:

• The app isn’t coded properly for fullscreen
• A notification is trying to grab your attention
• Windows Explorer is acting up
• Auto-hide isn’t working as it should

But whatever the reason, we’ve got a fix for you!

Method 1: Restart Windows Explorer

This is basically the “have you tried turning it off and on again” solution of Windows. And it works more often than you’d think.

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Scroll down until you find Windows Explorer.
3. Right-click on it and select Restart.

Poof! Your screen might flicker, then return to normal. Go fullscreen again and check if the taskbar has vanished (like it’s supposed to!).

Method 2: Enable Auto-Hide

Sometimes the taskbar just needs a little encouragement to hide. This is where auto-hide comes in.

1. Right-click on the taskbar.
2. Click Taskbar settings.
3. Find the toggle that says “Automatically hide the taskbar in desktop mode” and turn it on.

Now try going fullscreen again. The taskbar should slide out of view when not in use. Magic!

Method 3: Check for Notifications

Sometimes, the taskbar refuses to hide because an app is flashing, trying to get your attention.

These are the usual suspects:

• Messaging apps (like Teams or Skype)
• System alerts
• Background services

To fix this:

1. Click any icon on the taskbar that has a dot or is highlighted.
2. Address the notification or close the app.

Once the taskbar has nothing to flash about, it usually gets back in line and hides again.

Method 4: Use F11 for True Fullscreen

This trick applies mainly to web browsers like Chrome, Firefox, or Edge.

Just hit the F11 key.

This enables full-blown fullscreen mode—no borders, no taskbar, nothing but the content you want. Press F11 again to exit this mode. Simple, right?

Method 5: Update Graphics Drivers

A glitchy display driver can stop fullscreen from working properly. Time for an update!

1. Right-click the Start Menu and choose Device Manager.
2. Expand the Display adapters section.
3. Right-click your graphics card and select Update driver.
4. Choose Search automatically for drivers.

Restart your system afterward and give fullscreen another go. Taskbar? Gone (fingers crossed).

Method 6: Disable Visual Effects

Sometimes too much fancy eye candy causes problems. Let’s dial it down a notch.

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type sysdm.cpl and press Enter.
3. Go to the Advanced tab and click Settings under Performance.
4. Select Adjust for best performance, or uncheck “Animate windows when minimizing and maximizing.”

This can sharpen overall performance, and sometimes coax that taskbar to behave properly.

Method 7: Switch to Another App Temporarily

This one’s a bit weird, but it works!

1. When fullscreen, press Alt + Tab to switch to another app.
2. Wait a second, then switch back to your fullscreen app.

Sometimes this “wakes up” fullscreen mode and gently ushers the taskbar offstage.

Method 8: Check for App-Specific Settings

If the issue only happens in one game or app, check its own settings. Look for:

• Display Mode — make sure it’s set to Fullscreen, not Windowed or Borderless Windowed
• Resolution — matches your monitor’s native resolution

Some apps let you tweak how they handle fullscreen. Don’t ignore those internal menus!

Bonus Tips

• Turn off “Show taskbar on all displays” if you use multiple monitors.
• Turn off Focus Assist from the Action Center—sometimes it messes with fullscreen behavior.
• Use a third-party tool like DisplayFusion to manage fullscreen displays better.

Still Not Working?

If none of the methods worked, try a computer restart. It’s cliché advice—but very real. Restarting fixes 90% of Windows woes. If it’s still showing after that, consider running a System File Check:

1. Search for CMD in Start Menu.
2. Right-click Command Prompt and choose Run as administrator.
3. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.

This scans your system files for corruption and tries to fix them. It takes a few minutes but could be the hero you didn’t know you needed.

Time For a Happy Fullscreen!

Fullscreen mode is supposed to be seamless and immersive. Don’t let that taskbar ruin the fun! With just a few clicks, taps, or restarts, you can send it packing.

Try these fixes, one by one, and you’ll likely solve the issue without calling tech support or launching your laptop across the room.

Tech doesn’t have to be stressful—and your screen doesn’t have to be shared with the taskbar any longer. Enjoy the view!