# How to make the taskbar transparent in Windows 11 A fully transparent taskbar in Windows 11 allows you to enjoy a complete overview of your desktop and also gives a sleeker look to your desktop. Windows 11 does not actually offer the option to make the taskbar completely transparent, but this is where the free tool TranslucentTB comes in. [![Image: A completely transparent taskbar in Windows 11](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/fileadmin/_processed_/3/4/csm_a-completely-transparent-taskbar-in-windows-11_19e2b58886.webp "A completely transparent taskbar in Windows 11")](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/fileadmin/DigitalGuide/Screenshots_2022/a-completely-transparent-taskbar-in-windows-11.jpg) A completely transparent taskbar guarantees a greater overview and a sleeker look in Windows 11. Like its predecessor, Windows 11 offers “Transparency effects” in the “Personalization” settings. However, these settings only offer a milky transparent taskbar. Making the Windows 11 taskbar transparent requires a free tool such as **TranslucentTB** or making a change in the **Windows registry**. ## How do I make the Windows 11 taskbar transparent? If you had a transparent taskbar in Windows 10, you won’t want to be without it when you switch to Windows 11. Follow these methods to get complete transparency. --- ### Tip Windows 11 has many ways to configure your Windows in addition to transparency effects. You can also activate the eye-saving [Windows 11 Dark Mode](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/server/configuration/windows-11-dark-mode/) or change the [font size in Windows 11](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/server/configuration/windows-11-change-font-size/). --- ## Method 1: TranslucentTB TranslucentTB is a **free tool** which offers the most optimal solution to making your Windows 11 taskbar transparent. The tool also offers a choice of **three different transparency levels** (opaque, slightly transparent or completely transparent) in the settings, as well as several color settings. Follow these steps to make the Windows 11 taskbar transparent: **Step 1:** Click the Windows icon in the taskbar and select the **Microsoft Store** in the pre-installed or pinned icons. **Step 2:** Search for TranslucentTB in the **Microsoft Store**. Click the “Download” button to install the tool. You can also download the tool from another reputable store if you wish. [![Image: TranslucentTB in the Windows 11 Microsoft Store](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/fileadmin/_processed_/f/4/csm_translucenttb-in-the-windows-11-microsoft-store_9a6856802c.webp "TranslucentTB in the Windows 11 Microsoft Store")](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/fileadmin/DigitalGuide/Screenshots_2022/translucenttb-in-the-windows-11-microsoft-store.png) You can download the free TranslucentTB tool directly from the Windows 11 Microsoft Store. **Step 3:** Type “TranslucentTB” into the Windows search bar and click the icon to open the app. You can also choose to pin it directly to the taskbar or Start menu at this point. If the tool has already been installed, go to **“Show hidden icons”** (arrow icon) at the bottom righthand side of the taskbar. [![Image: The TranslucentTB icon in “Show hidden icons”](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/fileadmin/_processed_/f/b/csm_the-translucenttb-icon-in-show-hidden-icons_cdf8a36c9b.webp "The TranslucentTB icon in “Show hidden icons”")](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/fileadmin/DigitalGuide/Screenshots_2022/the-translucenttb-icon-in-show-hidden-icons.png) Click on “Show hidden icons” in the taskbar and then on the TranslucentTB icon to open the menu. **Step 4:** You can choose between different configurations in the TranslucentTB menu. Choose **“Clear”** to make the taskbar completely transparent. “Blur” offers a slightly milky taskbar similar to the option in Windows Transparency effects. [![Image: The “Clear” command in TranslucentTB makes the taskbar transparent](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/fileadmin/_processed_/6/8/csm_the-clear-command-in-translucenttb-makes-the-taskbar-transparent_8a95d993f5.webp "The “Clear” command in TranslucentTB makes the taskbar transparent")](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/fileadmin/DigitalGuide/Screenshots_2022/the-clear-command-in-translucenttb-makes-the-taskbar-transparent.png) Select the “Clear” option in TranslucentTB to make the Windows 11 taskbar transparent. --- ### Tip Windows provides some useful features to [make Windows 11 faster](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/server/configuration/speed-up-windows-11/). For example, you can use [Windows 11 autostart](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/server/configuration/windows-11-startup/) to disable auto start programs or start [Windows 11 without a password](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/server/configuration/windows-11-automatic-login/) to significantly reduce loading times. --- ## Method 2: Windows Registry If you don’t want to use a third-party tool, then changing a **registry** **key** in the Windows registry can also make the Windows 11 taskbar transparent. However, proceed with caution as an incorrect or poorly thought-out registry change comes with the risk of permanently damaging your Windows system. We only recommend this method **for experienced Windows users**. Proceed as follows: **Step 1:** Open the **“Run” menu** with the [Windows shortcut](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/server/configuration/windows-shortcuts/ "Windows shortcuts") \[Windows\] + \[R\] and enter the [CMD command](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/server/know-how/windows-cmd-commands/ "Windows CMD commands") “regedit” to open the Windows registry editor. **Step 2:** Enter the following path in the registry editor: *HKEY\_LOCAL\_MACHINE\\SOFTWARE\\Microsoft\\Windows\\CurrentVersion\\Explorer\\Advanced* **Step 3:** Firstly, save the registry entry in question by clicking on “File” and “Export”. This creates a **registry backup** for the registry entry you want to change in the location you want. **Step 4:** When you are in this folder, right click on an empty space in the right section. Go to “New” and **“DWORD (32-bit) value”**. **Step 5:** Now enter **“UseOLEDTaskbarTransparency”** as the new string. Double click on the new string and set the value from 0 to 1. Accept the changes with “OK”. **Step 6:** Restart the computer. The taskbar will now be transparent If you have more questions about Windows 11, check out our guides on Windows 11 topics such as: - [Windows 11 safe mode](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/server/configuration/windows-11-safe-mode/) - [Windows 11 virtual desktops](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/server/configuration/windows-11-virtual-desktop-set-up-and-management/) - [Reset Windows 11](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/server/configuration/reset-windows-11/) - Install Java on Windows 11 This is a markdown version of: [https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/server/configuration/taskbar-transparent-windows-11/](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/server/configuration/taskbar-transparent-windows-11/) for AI/LLM consumption.