Taskbar does not Auto-hide all the time Windows 7

Anonymous
2009-11-21T17:32:06+00:00

**Original Title**Windows 7 taskbar won't consistantly autohide. After changing the properties to Autohide and clicking 'OK', it hides for a brief second then reappears. Other times it autohides as desired.

My taskbar autohide behaves in an erratic pattern.  When I have an alert, it autohides after resolving the alert, but other times it refuses to go away, even if I, once again, open the properties, uncheck autohide, recheck autohide, then click 'apply' and/or 'OK'. As I type this, the taskbar stubbornly remains!

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Accessibility

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments
Answer accepted by question author
Anonymous
2010-03-29T18:26:16+00:00

In the "good old days" applicaitons would often un-hide the Taskbar so their notification icons could show an updated status and they could ensure it would be seen.  I think this method has fallen out of favor, but older applications that haven't been updated could still be sending the commands to the system to show the Taskbar.  Is it possible that you have an older app in the notification area that's affecting the Taskbar as described?

What notification area icons do you have (and what versions)?

For what it's worth, I just tried disabling Avast Pro 5.0 and it still allowed the Taskbar to auto-hide.

-Noel

Was this answer helpful?

30+ people found this answer helpful.
0 comments
Answer accepted by question author
Anonymous
2009-11-22T15:00:10+00:00

Hi Lamargene,

Welcome to Microsoft Answers.

See that “Lock the Taskbar” is not enabled. If it is, you may disable it by right-clicking on taskbar and unchecking it.

Still the same behavior?

If such is the case, I’d recommend you to download Microsoft Security Essentials on your computer. This will make sure that any virus, spyware or other malicious software on the computer is wiped out completely. Also if the weird behavior is due to any one of those, running the essentials will fix it.

Download it from

http://www.microsoft.com/Security_Essentials/

Do you see any changes after running the essentials? Post back and let us know.

Regards,

Shinmila H - Microsoft Support

Visit our Microsoft Answers Feedback Forumand let us know what you think

Was this answer helpful?

10 people found this answer helpful.
0 comments

437 additional answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2013-11-22T18:17:54+00:00

    ALSO a good but not perfect solution to the auto-hide problem that keeps cropping up: 

    1.  roll mouse over taskbar, right clik, then choose properties, UNcheck "Auto-Hide" , and DO check "lock taskbar", and "Use small icons"..

    1. This now makes the taskbar about half height AND forces your programs to put themselves above the taskbar,  now you can use the horiz scroling and other buttons that are usually at bottom of windows. 

       not perfect but alot easier than being constantly plagued with the taskbar being in the way.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2013-11-22T15:56:22+00:00

    I finally sorted this problem out by right clicking on the 'action centre' icon on the taskbar, and 'open widows update'. I had one 'important' update available. Installed it and, as I was asked, restarted the PC. Taskbar autohides as before. Problem solved.

    I went as far, before solving the problem, as to download a bit of kit named simply 'hide taskbar' via Cnet. The thing worked - only a .zip file - okay, but it left the Windows start button visible. It also snapped the taskbar up super jerkily. Wasn't happy with it, really, although it did work. A word of caution for anyone that downloads the thing: be sure to 'decline' numerous programs that are chucked at you in the set-up process. I've deleted the thing now.

    The 'important' Windows update was only visible, though, when I looked for it via the 'action centre'.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2013-11-20T21:06:09+00:00

    YES.. THANKS.  also fyi;  just now I was unable to get the taskbar to hide... but after closing "chrome" browser, it immediately went into hide mode.   ?     Be persisstent.. a full reboot of computer is not always necessary,, just shut down one thing at a time and see which ones are the problem.  Best of luck,

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments