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How do I Auto-Hide the Taskbar Using the Registry

If you are interested in modifying the look of your Windows desktop one way to accomplish this is to auto- hide the taskbar. The auto- hide option is a common way to modify your desktop by giving you some extra space. The way the auto- hide the taskbar option works is that when you are not using the taskbar it disappears, however when you require it, you just simply place your mouse cursor at the bottom of the screen (where your taskbar would normally be) and it will appear. There are two main ways to auto hide the taskbar, one is by using the registry and the other way is to make changes to your taskbar settings.

One way to activate the auto- hide your taskbar option is via the registry (See: Windows Registry Tips). However, it should be noted that this method is technical in nature and does require some code and registry knowledge.

1. Click on Start and then select Run. In the Run field input regedit
   
   
2. Your registry files and folders should be viewable, the registry key you will want to search for is HKCU\Software \Microsoft\Windows \CurrentVersion \Explorer\ StuckRects2
   
   
3. Once you have located this registry key, you will want to locate a value called Settings. This value is a REG_Binary type. Within this value, you should find the settings for the taskbar, as well as other settings including icon size and icon placement.
   
   
4. Because this value is written only when your computer log offs, it can be difficult to catch the value. You will first have to fiddle around with the environment and then export the data.
   
   
5. Once you have located and exported the data, test to see if the taskbar works properly.
   

If you are a computer novice or not in the mood to search through your registry, then you can easily change the settings to auto- hide your taskbar using th e simple GUI method listed below.

Auto- Hide Your Taskbar via the Taskbar Settings

This method is quite simple and only takes a couple of minutes to complete.

• Step 1. Navigate your mouse pointer onto any area of the taskbar- preferably an empty area and right click the mouse.


• Step 2. Select Properties from the context menu. Once Properties is selected a new window should open up. This new window should be opened under the tab of taskbar properties.


• Step 3. In the task bar properties tab, you should several available options, all with a box to the right of the option that can either be checked or left blank. Two options that we will work with are Auto-hide the Taskbar and Keep the Taskbar on Top of Other Windows. Select both of these options placing a check in each box.


• Step 4. Once both options have been selected, you can click OK and exit. The auto-hide option should be activated.