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Windows 7

Automatically Hide the Windows 7 Taskbar

SUMMARY: Hide Windows 7's Taskbar from the screen when not in use.

Windows 7's Taskbar is larger than in previous versions of Windows, and if screen real-estate is at a premium, as is the case with some netbooks, you may want to hide it when not in use to provide more room for open applications. Note when doing so you can switch between windows in other ways such as clicking on windows, using Ctrl + Tab, or Win + Tab.

1. Right-click an empty area of the taskbar and choose "Properties".

2. The "Taskbar and Start Menu Properties" dialog box appears. Make sure the "Taskbar" tab is selected. Then underneath "Taskbar appearance", check "Auto-hide the taskbar".

3. Click "OK" on the dialog boxes to close them.

Now when you move your mouse pointer away from the Taskbar, you'll see it slide out of view. To bring it back, just move your mouse pointer to the screen edge where the Taskbar is located (default - bottom) and it should slide back into view.

This tip was written for Windows 7 RC. Screenshots and information are subject to change between this and the official release of Windows 7.