The Missing Tablet Taskbar
Windows 10 is designed to adapt to 2-in-1 devices, automatically switching to a touch-friendly “Tablet Mode” when you detach or fold back the keyboard. In this mode, the Start menu becomes a full-screen grid of tiles, and applications launch in full screen. To maximize the space available for these touch-optimized apps, Windows 10 includes an option to automatically hide the taskbar while in Tablet Mode.
When enabled, the taskbar disappears entirely, requiring you to swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen to view your open apps, the time, or the battery indicator. For many users, this swipe gesture is finicky and frustrating. If you prefer to have immediate, visual access to your running apps, the system tray, and the back button even while using your device as a tablet, you should lock the taskbar in place.
How to Disable Auto-Hiding in Tablet Mode
You can force the taskbar to remain permanently visible through the Taskbar settings.
- Right-click (or long-press, if using touch) on any empty space on your Windows 10 taskbar.
- Select Taskbar settings from the menu that appears. (Alternatively, open Settings > Personalization > Taskbar).
- Look for the second toggle switch in the list, labelled Automatically hide the taskbar in tablet mode.
- Toggle the switch to the Off position.
From now on, whenever you detach your keyboard and Windows enters Tablet Mode, the taskbar will remain solidly anchored at the bottom of your screen. It will look slightly different (icons are spaced further apart for easier tapping), but it will never vanish, eliminating the need to constantly swipe up from the bezel.