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How to Make the Taskbar Transparent in Windows 11/10

Last Updated : 15 Apr, 2025
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Want to give your Windows 11 or Windows 10 desktop a sleek, modern look? Making the taskbar transparent is a cool way to freshen up your screen without much effort. It’s an easy tweak that lets your wallpaper shine through, adding a touch of style to your everyday setup. Well, Windows offers extensive customization for a more appealing interface. You can change color and icons, and create keyboard shortcuts.

In this blog, we’ll show you simple steps to turn your taskbar see-through no tech skills are needed! Whether you are on Windows 11 or 10, we have covered complete steps to make the Windows Taskbar transparent

What is a Transparent Taskbar and Its Advantages in Windows 11 & 10

A transparent taskbar in Windows 11 and Windows 10 is when the bar at the bottom where you see the Start button, pinned apps, and clock turns see-through. Normally, it’s a solid color like gray or black, but with this tweak, your desktop wallpaper peeks through. You can make it a little see-through (translucent) with Windows settings or completely transparent using apps like TranslucentTB. It’s a small change that makes your screen look different and cooler.

Advantages of Transparent Taskbar

  • Looks Cleaner: It gets rid of the solid block, making your desktop feel less crowded.
  • Shows Off Your Wallpaper: Your background picture stands out more, perfect if you’ve got a great design.
  • Less Distracting: A see-through taskbar can help you focus on your work or apps instead of the bar.
  • Feels Stylish: It gives your computer a modern, custom look that’s unique to you.

Top 4 Method to Create Transparency in Windows 10/11 Taskbar

In this article, we will see how to make the taskbar transparent using in-built settings, the Windows registry editor, Windows accessibility settings and Third-Party tools which will make your work easier.

1. Using Windows in-built Settings

Here are the simple steps on how to make the taskbar transparent in Windows 10 and 11.

For Windows 11

Step 1: Access to Windows Settings

Press Win + I to open Settings App or Go to the Start Menu and type "Settings" and click to open it. Alternatively you can press Win + X and click on "Settings"

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Windows 11 Settings

Step 2: Check for Personalization under Settings

Once you enter Settings, Navigate to Personalization, and click Colors.

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Windows 11 Settings

Step 3: Toggle on the "Transparency Effect"

Within colour options, you'll find "Transsparency Effects". Navigate to that option and click on the Toggle button "Transparency effects" to turn it on.

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Transparency effect

Step 4: Changes Saved as Per Preference

Your taskbar should now be semi-transparent and have a blurry background. You can turn it back off by navigating through the same steps.

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Windows 11 Transparency Mode

For Windows 10

Step 1: Access to Windows 10 Personalization Settings

Press Win + I to open Settings App or Go to the Start Menu and type "Settings" and click to open it. Alternatively you can press Win + X and click on "Settings"

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Windows 10 Settings

Step 2: Navigate to "Colors" under Personalization

Click on Settings and Navigate to Personalization, and click Colors.

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Windows 10 Personalization

Step 3: Toggle on the "Transparency Effect"

Navigate to "Transparency Effect" and click on the Toggle button to turn it on.

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Toggle on the Transparency Effect

Step 4: Changes Saved as Per Preference

You'll now notice that your Windows 10 computer has a transparent Taskbar option.

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Windows 10 Taskbar Transparency Mode

2. Using the Windows Registry Editor

Here are the simple steps to make the taskbar transparent using the Windows Registry Editor and tis can be applicable in both Windows 10 and 11.

Step 1: Open Registry Editor

Press Win+R, type "regedit", and click OK Or Press Win + S and search for "Registry Editor" then click on "Open"

How to Make the Taskbar Transparent in Windows 11?

Step 2: Navigate to Windows > Current Version > Explorer > Avanced

Once you open Registry Editor, navigate through the following path:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced
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Windows Registry Editor

Step 3: Set a new DWORD (data type) value

Make a right-click on right panel and select "New" > DWORD (32-bit) Value.

How-to-Make-the-Taskbar-Transparent-Using-the-Windows-Registry-Editor

Step 4: Rename the File and set the Value to 1

Rename "UseOLEDTaskbarTransparency " and then double-click UseOLEDTaskbarTransparency and set its value to 1.

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Step 5: Restart For Changes to Take Effect

Restart your computer to see the transparency.

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Taskbar has been changed to "Transparency Mode" using Registry Editor

3. Using the Third-Party Tool

If you face any difficulty while performing the above methods, then you may look for any trusted third-party software to make changes in your Windows 10/11 taskbar. Here's two of the most recommended tools that you can use in Windows 10 and 11:

  • TranslucentTB
  • TaskbarX

To provide you an overview, we've added simple steps to download and use athird-party tool, TranslucentTB for Windows 10 and 11:

Step 1: Access to Microsoft Store

Use keyboard shortcut and press Win + S on the search bar and type "Microsoft Store" and open it

How to Make the Taskbar Transparent in Windows 11?

Step 2: Search for Taskbar Customizer an hit Enter

On the Microsoft search bar type "Taskbar Customizer" or "TranslucentTB" and it Enter button. Once you find the application, click on "Get" to start the downloading process.

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Click on "Get" to start downloading

Step 3: Open the TranslucentTB application

Click on the system tray Icon then select TranslucentTB.

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TranslucentTB application

Step 5: Select and Apply Changes to the Taskbar

Click on "Desktop" then click on "Clear" To Make the Taskbar transparent & to turn off TranslucentTB click on "Normal"

How-to-Make-the-Taskbar-Transparent-Using-TranslucentTB-Application

4. Using the GPU Settings (NVIDIA)

Certain GPU's (like AMD or NVIDIA) offers customization to their users which also includes taskbar customization. Here's what you can do:

  • Open NVIDIA, go to control panel and navigate to Colour Settings
  • Alternatively, search for "Adjust Desktop Color Settings"
  • Try making changes with different colors and opacity
  • Save as per your choice, and exit.

Here are the simple steps to make the Taskbar Transparent Using the Accessibility Setting in Windows:

Conclusion

Customizing your taskbar is a simple yet effective way to personalize your Windows 10 and 11 experience. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily make the taskbar transparent in Windows 10 and 11 and enjoy a more visually appealing desktop.

Whether you prefer a subtle transparency or a fully see-through taskbar, Windows 11/10 taskbar transparency options give you the flexibility to create the look that best suits your style.


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