How to Get the Taskbar to Show in Windows 10 & 11

Easy steps to restore the taskbar on your Windows computer

Written by Rain Kengly

Last Updated: July 13, 2026 Fact Checked

Using Windows 10

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Using Windows 11

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FAQs

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Did your taskbar disappear from your screen? With certain settings, your taskbar may be hidden or moved from its usual location at the bottom of the screen. Luckily, you can get your taskbar back in a few simple steps. Here's how to show the taskbar in Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Enabling the Taskbar: Quick Steps

Open the Start menu and click Settings.
Click Personalization.
Click Taskbar.
Toggle off Automatically hide the taskbar in desktop mode.

Section 1 of 3:

Show the Taskbar in Windows 10

If you can't find your taskbar or you can't click it, press the Windows key + i to quickly open the Settings menu.^{[1]
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You can find this listed in the menu.

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This will be in the left panel, towards the bottom.
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Toggle off
"Automatically hide the taskbar in desktop mode". If your taskbar is hidden, this will return the taskbar to the bottom of your screen.
- On tablet devices, toggle off "Automatically hide the taskbar in tablet mode" as well.
- If the taskbar hasn't returned to your screen, click the drop-down menu for Taskbar location on screen and select Bottom.
- If the taskbar moves around your screen, toggle on Lock the taskbar.

Section 2 of 3:

Show the Taskbar in Windows 11

If you can't find your taskbar or you can't click it, press the Windows key + i keys at the same time to quickly open the Settings menu. Alternatively, open the Start menu and click Settings (the gear icon).
You can find this in the left panel.^{[2]
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This is in the right panel, underneath Start.^{[3]
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You may need to scroll down to find this option. The section will expand.^{[4]
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Uncheck the box for "Automatically hide the taskbar". If your taskbar is hidden, this will return the taskbar to the bottom of your screen.^{[5]
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- When this option is checked, the taskbar will be hidden, but you can show it again by moving your cursor to the bottom of the screen. ^{[6]
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- You can also make the taskbar transparent or change its size.

Section 3 of 3:

Frequently Asked Questions

1
Where is my taskbar in Windows? Your taskbar is typically located at the bottom of your screen. On some computers, you can find it on the left side. If you can't see your taskbar, try moving your mouse to the bottom of the screen to see if it pops up. If it does, you can edit your settings on Windows 10 or Windows 11 to keep it visible at all times.
- If you don't see the taskbar even after moving your mouse, you may need to restart Windows Explorer. Do the following:
  - Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
  - Click the Processes tab. You may already be on this tab.
  - Find Windows Explorer.
  - Right-click Windows Explorer and click Restart.
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How do I make the taskbar go away? To hide the taskbar, you'll need to change the taskbar behavior in the settings. Do the following:
- Windows 10:
  - Right-click the taskbar and select Taskbar behaviors.
  - Check the box for Automatically hide the taskbar.
- Windows 11:
  - Right-click the taskbar and select Taskbar behaviors.
  - Click Taskbar behaviors.
  - Check the box for Automatically hide the taskbar.
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How do I get the taskbar to show using Cloak? To get the taskbar to show while using the Cloak or Cloakly app, make sure to turn off the "Stealth" setting. This can be found in the app's settings. If you can't click or access the app from the taskbar, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the task manager. Right-click the app, and then click End task. If you still can't access your taskbar, you'll need to edit your settings on Windows 10 or Windows 11.^{[7]
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