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Applies to all editions of Windows Vista.

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Find the taskbar

The taskbar is usually located at the bottom of your screen. If it's not visible, there are several possible reasons why:

  • The taskbar is unlocked and has been resized so that it's hard to see.

  • Auto-hide is turned on. If this is the case, you'll only see the taskbar when you point to it.

  • If you're using multiple monitors, the taskbar will only appear on one monitor.

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To resize the taskbar so you can see it again

  • Point to the area where your taskbar should be. When the pointer changes into a vertical double-headed arrow Picture of a vertical arrow indicating the taskbar height is ready to be resized, drag the border upward.

To find the taskbar if auto-hide is on

  • Point to where you last saw the taskbar. If you can't remember where you last saw it, try pointing to the bottom of the screen first, and then to the side or top of the screen, if necessary. You might need to move the pointer almost off the screen to find the taskbar.

To turn off auto-hide

  1. Open Taskbar and Start Menu Properties by clicking the Start button Picture of the Start button, clicking Control Panel, clicking Appearance and Personalization, and then clicking Taskbar and Start Menu.

  2. Clear the Auto-hide the taskbar check box, then click OK.

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