By default, when you maximize a Chrome or Edge browser window, the taskbar is visible. However, in some instances, when you maximize the browser, it covers the taskbar. A hidden taskbar hinders your ability to interact with other applications, notifications, and system tray.
The bug affects both the Chrome and Edge browsers and, more frequently, on systems with a dual-monitor setup with different hardware configurations. Here’s how you can stop your browser from hiding the taskbar in the maximize mode on Windows.
1. Common Troubleshooting Steps to Try
Here are a few common troubleshooting steps you’re able to try to resolve the taskbar hiding in the maximize mode problem in Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge.
If the issue persists, here are a few additional troubleshooting steps you can try.
2. Lock and Unlock the Screen With Win + L
Often, this issue can be fixed by performing a quick screen lock and unlock. PressWin + Lon your keyboard to lock the screen. Alternatively, if the shortcut is not working, clickStartand select yourProfilepicture. Select theLockoption to lock your screen. Once locked, sign-in to your account to see if the problem is resolved.
If the issue persists, it may not be just a temporary glitch, and you may need to look at other reasons that may be causing the taskbar to disappear.
3. Restart the Windows Explorer Process
Restarting the Windows Explorer process can help you fix issues with the graphical user interface, including the taskbar. When you end the process, it will restart the file management component and reset the taskbar.
To restart Windows Explorer:
You may momentarily see a blank screen as the Windows Explorer process restarts. After the restart, the taskbar should stay visible even when the Chrome or Edge browser is maximized.
4. Check and Disable the “Auto-Hide Taskbar” Behavior
you may configure and set the taskbar to automatically hide in both desktop and tablet mode. When disabled, the taskbar will hide when you stop interacting with it or launch an app, such as a browser. So, check your taskbar setting and disable the auto-hide behavior if enabled.
To disable the taskbar auto-hide behavior:
This will squeeze the browser window, show the taskbar at the bottom, and remain so without further issues.
5. Check Your Display Settings for Scaling
If you are running a multi-monitor setup, make sure the Display DPI scaling for your primary and secondary monitor matches. By default, Windows may set different DPI scaling for different monitors depending on the display size and resolution.
You canchange the display DPI scaling from the Settings app. In the Scale & Layout section, you may notice one display is set to 125% and another is set to 100%. To fix the problem, you’ll need to configure both displays to use a matching DPI scaling (100%).
6. Re-Register the Windows Apps for All Accounts
A malfunctioning taskbar can disappear when an app is maximized. Re-registering the built-in Windows apps using Microsoft PowerShell can help you fix issues with the taskbar.
To re-register Windows apps for all user accounts:
Once done, you’re able to use the browser in maximize mode with the taskbar visible.
7. Check and Install Any Pending Windows Updates
Latest Windows updates bring bug fixes and performance improvements. Since the Chrome and Edge browsers update automatically, check your computer for any pending Windows update and install it to see if that resolves the error.
To check and install Windows updates:
After the update is installed, restart your computer to apply the changes and check for any improvements.
That said, if no new updates are available, check if a recently installed update is causing the problem. Occasionally, bugs in new updates can cause issues with some computers and need to be uninstalled to resolve the issue.
You canmanually uninstall Windows 11 updatesfrom theSettingsapp. Once uninstalled, reboot your computer and check for any improvements. If you determine a recent update to have triggered the problem, considerpausing automatic Windows 11 updates. You can pause updates for up to 5 weeks and wait for a patch to fix the latest issue.
Alternatively,use a system restoreto undo the recent changes made by an update or app to your computer to see if that helps resolve the problem.
Showing the Taskbar When Chrome or Edge Is in Maximized Mode
The Windows taskbar not showing when Chrome or Edge is maximized is a tricky problem. To resolve the issue, try to change the taskbar behavior to turn off auto-hide, restart the Windows Explorer process, and even locking and unlocking the device.
