If you like to keep your desktop clean, minimalist, and modern, one of the best things you can do is make the taskbar transparent. For this, you have two options on Windows 11. First, there’s the built-in transparency effect, which gives your taskbar a semi-transparent, blurry background. Alternatively, you can go all out and make the taskbar 100% transparent. That way, the taskbar looks clean and the background pops out.
This tutorial shows you both methods. Follow the one you like to make the taskbar transparent on Windows 11.
Enable Taskbar Transparency on Windows 11
The built-in transparency option on Windows 11 makes the taskbar semi-transparent and blends it with the desktop wallpaper for a unique look. If you like a semi-transparent taskbar then follow the steps below:
Open Windows 11 Settings (you can press the Windows key + I). Once in Settings, navigate to the “Personalization” > “Colors” page. Turn on the “Transparency effects” toggle option.
With that, the Windows 11 taskbar is semi-transparent and anything behind the taskbar becomes blurry. Keep in mind that enabling this option adds transparency effect to other elements such as the title bars, Start menu, and apps.
Make Taskbar 100% Transparent
If you want a fully transparent Windows 11 taskbar—meaning one hundred percent transparency—you’ll need to use a free software called TranslucentTB. This is the same software I recommended for modifying Windows 10 taskbar transparency.
Visit the GitHub page and click on the “TranslucentTB.appinstaller” under Assets to download TranslucentTB. You can also get it from the Microsoft Store or use the winget install TranslucentTB command. For simplicity’s sake, I recommend installing it from GitHub.
Once downloaded, locate the downloaded file and double-click on it. Next, ensure the “Launch when ready” checkbox is selected and click on the “Install” button. This will install and open the TranslucentTB application automatically. If the application did not open, find it in the Start menu (you can press the Windows logo key to open Start) and open it.
On the main screen, click on the “Continue” button.
There it is, the Windows 11 taskbar is fully transparent. The taskbar stays transparent as long as the application is running in the background. You can find the TranslucentTB icon in the system tray (press the upward-arrow icon if you can’t find it).
Note: Unlike the first method, this will not effect other UI elements such as the Start menu and app title bars and windows.
Optional Settings to Configure:
This is a personal recommendation and completely optional. When using application fully maximized, a semi-transparent or acrylic taskbar is generally more visually pleasing. That way, application windows won’t appear floating in the air (like on macOS). If you like the floating look then you don’t have to do anything more and ignore the steps below. If not, follow the below steps.
First, find the TranslucentTB icon in the taskbar system tray. If you can’t find it, click on the upward-arrow icon. Next, right-click on the TranslucentTB icon and select “Maximized window” > “Enabled” option. Next, select the “Maximized window” and then select “Normal” or “Acrylic.”
Issues with TranslucentTB
While TranslucentTB is an excellent application, it can sometimes cause glitches that remove the taskbar transparency or make it flash randomly. In that case, quit the TranslucentTB application and reopen it. Additionally, restart the explorer process. Also, future Windows updates might stop TranslucentTB for working entirely. So, be aware of it.
That’s all there is to it. You can either use the built-in transparency option or a third-party app like TranslucentTB for transparent taskbar on Windows 11. Choose the method that best suits the look you’re aiming for.
