What To Know
- Choose the icons you want to appear on the taskbar by clicking on “System icons” and selecting or deselecting the icons you want.
- When using a touchscreen keyboard, you can simply tap on the “Show taskbar” button to reveal the taskbar whenever you need it.
- While hiding the taskbar can be a great way to maximize your screen space, it’s just one step in unlocking a new level of productivity on your Surface Pro.
The Surface Pro, with its sleek design and powerful capabilities, is a favorite among professionals and creatives. But sometimes, that sleek design can be a little too sleek, leaving you with a limited screen space. This is especially true when the taskbar, a crucial but often space-consuming element, is taking up valuable real estate.
If you’re looking for ways to maximize your screen space and achieve a truly immersive experience on your Surface Pro, then you’ve come to the right place. This guide will walk you through various methods on how to hide taskbar on Surface Pro, giving you the ultimate control over your screen real estate.
The Classic Approach: Using the Taskbar Settings
Let’s start with the most straightforward method:
1. Right-click on the taskbar.
2. Select Taskbar settings.
3. Under Taskbar alignment, choose **Bottom**. (This ensures the taskbar is visible when you need it.)
4. Toggle off the “Show taskbar on all displays” option. This will make the taskbar visible only on the primary display of your Surface Pro.
The Quick and Easy: Using the Keyboard Shortcut
For those who prefer a faster solution, there’s a handy keyboard shortcut:
1. Press the Windows key ++ H simultaneously.
2. This will hide the taskbar instantly.
To bring it back, simply press Windows key ++ H again.
The Advanced Option: Using Taskbar Customization
If you want to go beyond the basic settings, you can dive deeper into taskbar customization:
1. Right-click on the taskbar.
2. Select Taskbar settings.
3. Under Taskbar alignment, you can choose to **position the taskbar** at the top, left, or right of your screen.
4. Customize the taskbar size by dragging the top or bottom edge of the taskbar.
5. Choose the icons you want to appear on the taskbar by clicking on “System icons” and selecting or deselecting the icons you want.
The Power of Auto-Hide: Maximizing Screen Space
The “Auto-hide” feature is your secret weapon for maximizing screen space without sacrificing the functionality of the taskbar.
1. Right-click on the taskbar.
2. Select Taskbar settings.
3. Enable the “Automatically hide the taskbar in desktop mode” option.
This will make the taskbar disappear when you’re not using it, giving you a full-screen view of your applications. When you hover your mouse over the bottom edge of the screen, the taskbar will magically reappear.
The Dynamic Approach: Using Third-Party Apps
For those who crave more control and flexibility, there are third-party apps that can help you customize your taskbar experience even further.
Some popular options include:
- TaskbarX: This app lets you create custom taskbar layouts, hide the taskbar completely, and even control the taskbar’s transparency.
- WindowTop: This app helps you manage your windows and taskbar with ease, including hiding and showing the taskbar on demand.
The Ultimate Solution: Using a Touchscreen Keyboard
If you’re using your Surface Pro primarily as a tablet, you can opt for a touchscreen keyboard. This will eliminate the need for a physical keyboard and free up even more screen space.
When using a touchscreen keyboard, you can simply tap on the “Show taskbar” button to reveal the taskbar whenever you need it.
Beyond the Taskbar: Unveiling a New Level of Productivity
While hiding the taskbar can be a great way to maximize your screen space, it’s just one step in unlocking a new level of productivity on your Surface Pro. Consider these additional tips:
- Use a Surface Pen: The Surface Pen can be a powerful tool for navigating your Surface Pro and interacting with apps.
- Explore the Surface Hub: The Surface Hub is a centralized platform for collaboration and communication, providing a seamless experience for teams.
- Embrace the Power of Cloud Storage: Cloud storage services like OneDrive and Dropbox can help you access your files from anywhere, freeing up valuable storage space on your device.
Embracing the Flexibility: A Final Thought
Ultimately, the best way to hide the taskbar on your Surface Pro is the one that best fits your workflow and preferences. Experiment with the different methods and find the solution that allows you to work efficiently and comfortably.
Quick Answers to Your FAQs
1. Can I hide the taskbar permanently?
While you can’t permanently hide the taskbar, you can use the auto-hide feature to make it disappear when you’re not using it.
2. Will hiding the taskbar affect my Surface Pro‘s performance?
Hiding the taskbar will not have any significant impact on your Surface Pro‘s performance.
3. Is it possible to customize the taskbar’s appearance?
Yes, you can customize the taskbar’s size, position, and the icons that appear on it.
4. Can I hide the taskbar in tablet mode?
The taskbar is automatically hidden in tablet mode.
5. What are some other useful features of the taskbar?
The taskbar includes quick access to your applications, system icons, and the search bar. You can also use it to create virtual desktops and manage your open windows.
