Disable Taskbar

Trevor Callagha · Dec 3, 2025

Hi All,
Is it possible to disable the task bar/start menu in Windows 11 Professional,
I am using a customer App that doesn't need to have Windows access, it runs on top of Windows.
I can provide access to the desktop via a password protected page/option in my software.

Can i hide or disable the task bar and re-enable it when needed via password or shortcut control

Spunk · Dec 3, 2025

right click the Taskbar and select Taskbar Settings.
Click Taskbar Behaviors, put a check in the box Automatically Hide the Taskbar.

Brink · Dec 3, 2025

Hello Trevor,

Would setting up a kiosk using only that app work for you?

Set up a Kiosk in Windows 11

This tutorial will show you how to set up a single app kiosk in Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions. A single-app kiosk uses the Assigned Access feature to run a single app above the lock screen. When the kiosk account signs in, the app is launched automatically. The person using...

www.elevenforum.com

Trevor Callagha · Dec 3, 2025

Thanks for the replies,
I forgot to mention that the program is based on a touchscreen input, and when you press and hold on the bottom of the screen then lift upwards the task bar shows up over the program.
I will look into the kiosk option, sounds like that may work, but can i still get access to windows via my program, i currently have a button to run - C:\Wndows\Explorer.exe if needed.

dacrone · Dec 3, 2025

this Win_Keys.ahk (compiled to exe) will run in tray and block Left and Right Windows keys. the Hide Taskbar exe will lock taskbar as hidden via CTRL+ESC (which overrides the other start menu keyboard shortcut). it is from

How to Hide Taskbar in Windows 11 with a Hotkey

Hide Taskbar is freeware that lets you hide only the taskbar and not the Start Button, with click of a hotkey shortcut. Simply download and run the app.

www.thewindowsclub.com

ahk code inside exe:

Code:

#Persistent
#Requires AutoHotKey 1+

; Block Left Windows key
LWin::Return

; Block Right Windows key
RWin::Return

EDIT: you posted it is a touch screen as i was posting. if you need to invoke the Hide Keyboard via touch (without keyboard), you can do so (also attached):

Code:

Send, {Ctrl down}{Esc}{Ctrl up}

glasskuter · Dec 3, 2025

I was thinking kiosk too but Brink beat me to it.
As far as permanently hiding the taskbar option in settings, that won't do it if whomever has access to the monitor has mouse/keyboard/touchpad/or touchscreen access. The taskbar will pop up if that is the case.

Brink · Dec 3, 2025

Trevor Callagha said:
Thanks for the replies,
I will look into the kiosk option, sounds like that may work, but can i still get access to windows via my program, i currently have a button to run - C:\Wndows\Explorer.exe if needed.

You would have to exit the Kiosk first unless the app allowed access.

dacrone · Dec 3, 2025

glasskuter said:
I was thinking kiosk too but Brink beat me to it.
As far as permanently hiding the taskbar option in settings, that won't do it if whomever has access to the monitor has mouse/keyboard/touchpad/or touchscreen access. The taskbar will pop up if that is the case.

you could use what i posted and alter the key combo to something ridiculous that nobody would guess... and if it needs to be that locked down, i would disable task manager too

hdmi · Dec 6, 2025

Disable Taskbar

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