How To Fix the Windows 10 Taskbar Not Hiding in Full Screen

Whether you’re into first-person shooters, role-playing games, or strategies, you couldn’t be more excited about your next session. However, there’s a major problem once you start your game – the Windows 10 taskbar doesn’t disappear when you’re in full screen. This spoils all the fun, so what can you do about this issue?

This article will provide an answer. Read on, and we’ll show you how to prevent your Windows 10 taskbar from showing up in full screen.

How to Fix Windows 10 Taskbar Not Hiding in Full Screen

Fixing some PC issues requires you to be a full-blown coding expert. Fortunately, a taskbar that won’t go down in full screen is merely an annoyance. Think of it like a program that’s not responding – all it takes is a few clicks to deal with the problem.

Here are a few ways to address your taskbar issue.

Turn On the Auto Hide Feature

Windows 10 is an intuitive platform, but it can’t do all your work for you. Regarding your taskbar, this means that some of the settings may need to be adjusted manually. You may have initially had your auto-hide feature turned on, but an updated or two might have reverted the configuration.

No worries – activating the function is a breeze.

1. Go to your Start Menu and open “Settings” by clicking the gear symbol. Alternatively, tap the “Windows key + I” combination.
   
2. Choose the “Personalization” option.
   
3. Navigate to “Taskbar.”
   
4. Click the prompt that lets you automatically hide your taskbar when your screen is in so-called desktop mode. You should make sure that the toggle for automatically hiding the taskbar in tablet mode is active.
   
5. Restart your game (or any other program that works in full screen) and see if the taskbar has disappeared.

Deactivate the Taskbar Lock Option

How many times have you made an unwanted click or two? If this happens often, you might have inadvertently activated the taskbar lock feature. It means your taskbar remains on screen, even if you run a game that usually works in full-screen mode.

Thankfully, disabling the lock mode is even easier than enabling the auto-hide feature.

1. Move your cursor to an empty part of your taskbar (the one where there are no programs you can open with your clicks).
   
2. Click the “Lock the taskbar” option if it’s checked.
   

Another way to do this is to access your display settings directly from your screen.

1. Right-click a blank part of your screen.
   
2. Head to “Display Settings.”
   
3. Find “Taskbar Settings” in the list and disable the taskbar lock feature. It should be the first option on this screen.
   

Reset Your Windows Explorer

Windows (File) Explorer problems are rare. But when they arise, they can wreak havoc on your PC, rendering many functions partially disabled or unusable. The taskbar can also be affected, which is why it may remain visible once your game is in full screen.

Thankfully, you shouldn’t have difficulty resetting your File Explorer.

1. Bring up your task manager. The fastest way to do so is to utilize the “Ctrl + Shift + Esc” key combination. If that doesn’t work, hit and hold “Ctrl + Alt + Delete.” Choose “Task Manager” from the list.
   
2. Find “Windows Explorer” in your Task Manager window. It should be in the upper part of the list.
   
3. Right-click “Windows Explorer” and choose “Restart.”
   
4. Wait for the system to reset your Windows Explorer, during which time your screen may flash a few times. Some icons might also disappear and re-emerge, which is perfectly normal.
5. Test if your taskbar still appears in full-screen mode.

You can do the same thing with other apps. For example, if the taskbar shows up while watching a movie in your media player or Microsoft Edge YouTube videos in full screen, simply repair the app in question.

Install Updates

Updates can be troublesome, but they’re critical from a security standpoint. Also, think about it – it only takes a few seconds to deal with taskbar problems caused by updates. Deciding not to update your PC can not only mess up your taskbar but also other parts of your system. Before you know it, your device becomes susceptible to all sorts of cyber threats, leading to information leaks.

So, stay on the safe side. Take the following steps to apply any available updates.

1. Launch your “Settings” and go to the “Updates and Security” window.
   
2. Click “Windows Updates.”
   
3. Tap the button that allows you to check or scan the internet for updates.
   
4. Let your system download and install the updates. If you have a metered connection, you’ll have to click “Download” yourself.
   
5. Test the solution by playing a video game in full screen.

Deactivate Windows Visual Effects

Windows 10 visual effects can polish your desktop experience. They breathe new life into your screen by optimizing animations and other essential elements.

The only downside is that they can trigger various taskbar problems, including those that keep your taskbar visible at all times. Desperate times call for desperate measures, so consider deactivating your visual effects.

1. Open “Settings” and click “System.”
   
2. Navigate to the left part of the menu and choose “About,” which is the last option on the list.
   
3. Head to “Related Settings” and click the prompt that opens “Advanced system settings.”
   
4. From your new window, explore “Performance” and tap “Settings.”
   
5. Find “Visual Effects” and select the configuration that allows for the best performance rather than the best appearance.
   
6. Press the “Apply” button and select “OK.”
   
7. Leave the “Settings” screen and restart your computer.

Disable High-DPI Chrome Settings

A locked taskbar isn’t annoying only when gaming. It can also be a major nuisance when surfing the web in Google Chrome. If the above solutions don’t do the trick, you may need to disable Chrome’s high-DPI environment.

1. Find Google Chrome on your desktop or taskbar.
   
2. Right-click the icon and choose “Properties.”
   
3. Tap the “Compatibility” screen.
   
4. Find the setting that lets you override high DPI.
   
5. Check the box that activates the override.
   
6. Strike the “Apply” and “OK” buttons and test Google Chrome.
   

Changing Group Policy Settings

If, for whatever reason, you can’t access your Settings, don’t panic. There’s still a way to tweak your taskbar by utilizing the Group Policy feature. This tray is where you can make all sorts of modifications to your entire system.

Here’s how to reach it and prevent your taskbar from showing up in full screen.

1. Strike your “Start” button.
   
2. Type in the following line in your search box: gpedit.msc.
   
3. Press the “Enter” key to access your Group Policy.
   
4. Choose “User Configuration” and tap “Administrative Templates.”
   
5. Press the folder that contains your taskbar and Start Menu options.
   
6. Find and disable the “Lock the Taskbar” feature.
   

Smooth Sailing Through Your Unobtrusive Interface

Few things are as annoying as a taskbar that remains visible in full screen. It’s jarring and takes away from your viewing experience. Luckily, there are numerous ways to overcome the obstacle and restore your interface to its former glory. Persistence is key – keep troubleshooting until you find the right solution.

Which is the easiest way to remove your taskbar in full-screen mode? In which cases do you prefer a locked taskbar and in which ones don’t you want to see it? How else do you customize your taskbar to achieve the ultimate desktop experience? Let us know in the comments section below.