How to Hide Taskbar on Second Monitor in Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

By / September 21, 2025

If you use multiple monitors with your Windows 11 PC, you might have noticed that the taskbar appears on both screens by default. While this is handy for quick access, some users prefer a cleaner, distraction-free workspace on their second display — especially when using it for watching movies, gaming, or presentations.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through step-by-step methods to hide or customize the taskbar on your second monitor in Windows 11.

Why Hide the Taskbar on a Second Monitor?

Here are some common reasons why you might want to turn it off:

  • Minimalist look — Keeps your second screen clutter-free.

  • Better immersion — Useful when gaming or watching movies.

  • Focus boost — Removes unnecessary distractions.

  • Presentation mode — Makes your secondary display look professional.

Method 1: Hide Taskbar on Second Monitor via Settings

Windows 11 has built-in options to customize the taskbar across multiple monitors.

Steps:

  1. Right-click on an empty space on the taskbar.

  2. Select Taskbar settings.

  3. Scroll down and click Taskbar behaviors.

  4. Under Multiple displays, you’ll see:

    • ✅ Show my taskbar on all displays.

  5. Uncheck this option to hide the taskbar from your second (or third) monitor.

👉 This will leave the taskbar only on your primary display.

Method 2: Show Taskbar Only Where Apps Are Open

If you don’t want to hide the taskbar completely but prefer a smarter setup, Windows 11 lets you show the taskbar only on the monitor where a window is open.

Steps:

  1. Go to Taskbar settings → Taskbar behaviors (as explained above).

  2. Under Multiple displays, check Show my taskbar on all displays.

  3. Then select from the drop-down:

    • Taskbar where window is open.

Now, the taskbar will only appear on the screen where the active app is running.

Method 3: Auto-Hide the Taskbar

If you still want quick access to the taskbar but prefer it hidden when not in use, enable auto-hide.

Steps:

  1. Open Taskbar settings.

  2. Expand Taskbar behaviors.

  3. Check Automatically hide the taskbar.

This works on both monitors — the taskbar will disappear until you move your mouse to the bottom of the screen.

Method 4: Use Registry Editor (Advanced Users)

If Settings doesn’t give you enough flexibility, you can tweak the Windows Registry to control multi-monitor taskbars.

⚠️ Warning: Editing the registry incorrectly may cause system issues. Always back it up before making changes.

Steps:

  1. Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter.

  2. Navigate to:

    HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced

  3. Find the key: MMTaskbarEnabled.

    • Set value to 0 → Hides taskbar on second monitor.

    • Set value to 1 → Enables taskbar on all monitors.

  4. Restart Windows Explorer or reboot your PC to apply changes.

Method 5: Use Third-Party Tools

If you need more customization than Windows 11 allows, third-party apps can help. Popular options include:

  • DisplayFusion — Advanced multi-monitor management.

  • Actual Multiple Monitors — Taskbar control, hotkeys, and extra features.

These tools let you fully customize or disable taskbars per monitor.

Tips for Multi-Monitor Users

  • Set a primary display (where the taskbar always appears) → Right-click desktop → Display settings → Choose display → Check Make this my main display.

  • Use keyboard shortcuts (Win + Shift + Left/Right Arrow) to move apps between monitors easily.

  • For gaming setups, hide the second taskbar for better frame rate focus.

Conclusion

Hiding or customizing the taskbar on a second monitor in Windows 11 is easy with multiple approaches:

  • Use Taskbar settings for a simple toggle.

  • Enable taskbar only where apps are open for a smart layout.

  • Turn on auto-hide for a minimalist look.

  • Use Registry tweaks or third-party tools for advanced customization.

By tailoring your taskbar settings, you can make your dual-monitor or triple-monitor setup more organized, distraction-free, and productivity-friendly.

FAQs

1. Can I remove the taskbar only from the second monitor in Windows 11?
Yes, uncheck Show my taskbar on all displays in Taskbar settings.

2. Will hiding the second taskbar affect my primary monitor?
No, your main display will always keep the taskbar.

3. How do I show the taskbar only when apps are open on a monitor?
Enable Show taskbar on all displays, then set Taskbar where window is open.

4. Can I hide the taskbar using a shortcut?
Not directly, but you can enable auto-hide to make it disappear until you hover.

5. Do third-party apps provide more control?
Yes, tools like DisplayFusion and Actual Multiple Monitors let you hide, resize, or fully customize taskbars.

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