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How to Auto Hide and Minimize the Taskbar in Windows 11 OS

The taskbar in Windows 11 is a useful component that allows quick access to frequently used applications, widgets, search, notifications and more. However, the default taskbar takes up valuable screen real estate. Fortunately, Windows 11 provides options to auto hide and minimize the taskbar to reclaim space when needed.

Auto Hiding the Taskbar

Auto hiding the taskbar allows it to disappear when not in use, freeing up space for applications. Here are the steps to auto hide the taskbar in Windows 11:

  1. Right click on an empty area of the taskbar and select Taskbar Settings
  2. Under the Taskbar behaviors section, toggle Automatically hide the taskbar to the On position
  3. The taskbar will now automatically disappear when not in use. Hover your mouse at the bottom of the screen to temporarily show the taskbar.

Auto hiding is a great way to reclaim space when you don’t need access to the taskbar. The taskbar conveniently slides back into view when required.

Minimizing the Taskbar

In addition to auto hiding, you can also minimize the size of the taskbar and icons. This further reduces the footprint of the taskbar.

Reducing Taskbar Icon Size

To minimize the icon size on the taskbar:

  1. Right click an empty area of the taskbar and choose Taskbar Settings
  2. Under Taskbar behaviors, toggle Use small taskbar buttons to the On position
  3. The icons on the taskbar will now be smaller

Reducing Overall Taskbar Size

Minimizing just the icons doesn’t reduce the overall height of the taskbar itself. To minimize the size of the whole taskbar:

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog
  2. Type regedit and press Enter to open the Registry Editor
  3. Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced
  4. Right click in the right pane and choose New > DWORD (32-bit) Value
  5. Name it TaskbarSi
  6. Double click TaskbarSi and in the Value data field, enter 2
  7. Click OK and close the Registry Editor
  8. Sign out or restart your PC for the change to take effect

The taskbar will now be smaller in height. Repeat these steps and enter 1 to restore the default sizing.

Customizing Taskbar Location

Additionally, you can customize the location of the taskbar, such as positioning it vertically or along the top of your screen.

To change the taskbar location in Windows 11:

  1. Right click an empty area of the taskbar and select Taskbar Settings
  2. Under Taskbar behaviors, choose your preferred Taskbar location from the dropdown menu
  3. Select a location like Left, Top or Right to position the taskbar vertically or along the top

Changing the location can help give you more usable space for applications.

Conclusion

The Windows 11 taskbar takes up a large footprint by default. Auto hiding, minimizing icons and reducing the overall size are great ways to reclaim valuable desktop real estate when the taskbar is not needed. Additionally, tweaking the taskbar location allows better positioning that matches your workflow. Take advantage of these customization options for a cleaner looking desktop that better utilizes your available display area.

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