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SPECIFICTION
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SmartTaskbar

github.com

Free plan Windows
Visit github.com
Spec score 7.9 #9 of 34 in Taskbar Customization Software

What it is

SmartTaskbar is a free Windows utility that changes whether the taskbar is shown or hidden. In Auto Mode, it hides the taskbar when the focused window intersects it. Double-clicking the tray icon switches between Show and Auto-Hide, while the taskbar status stays unchanged when the pointer is over the taskbar. Auto Mode follows Windows Auto-Hide behavior, so closing Start or Search may hide the taskbar before SmartTaskbar brings it back. Some applications with special maximization logic may not make the taskbar appear when the pointer moves to its position; the project suggests WIN+T as a workaround. Release notes say the hook can sometimes fail and advise restarting Explorer and SmartTaskbar or rebooting. Auto Mode may not work on Windows 10 versions released in 2019 or earlier, for which the notes suggest the Win10_1809 installer. The privacy statement says the app collects no user data, uses no telemetry, and stores settings offline locally, though it accesses the Registry to monitor and set taskbar settings. The project lists an MIT license and links to a Microsoft Store version described as less functional and stable.

Spec sheet

Purpose
SmartTaskbar is a lightweight utility that automatically switches the display state of the Windows taskbar.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Privacy
The privacy statement says the app collects no user data, uses no telemetry, and stores settings offline locally.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
License
The repository lists an MIT license.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Auto Mode
In Auto Mode, it hides the taskbar when the focused window intersects it.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Auto-Hide behavior
Auto Mode is based on Windows Auto-Hide behavior, so closing Start or Search may hide the taskbar before SmartTaskbar displays it again.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Build
The project README lists Visual Studio 2022 as the build environment.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Build requirement
The README lists Visual Studio 2022 as the build environment.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Compatibility
Some applications with special maximization logic may not bring up the taskbar when the pointer moves to its position; the README suggests Win+T as a workaround.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Compatibility limit
Some applications using special maximization logic may not make the taskbar pop up when the mouse moves to its position; the README suggests WIN+T as a workaround.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Data access
The privacy statement says the app accesses the registry to monitor and set taskbar settings.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Distribution
The README links to a Microsoft Store version and says it is slightly less functional and stable.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Hook limitation
The release notes say the hook may occasionally fail and advise restarting Explorer and SmartTaskbar, or rebooting.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Latest listed tag
The tags page lists v1.4.5, dated April 18, 2022, with the note “Reduce taskbar display is now optional.”Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Local access
The privacy statement says the app accesses the Registry to monitor and set taskbar settings.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Mouse behavior
The taskbar status does not change while the mouse is over the taskbar.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Older Windows versions
For Windows 10 versions released in 2019 or earlier, Auto Mode may not work, and the release notes suggest the Win10_1809 installer.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Store version
The README says the Microsoft Store version is slightly less functional and stable.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Taskbar behavior
The taskbar status does not change while the mouse is over the taskbar.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Tray control
Double-clicking the tray icon switches the taskbar between Show and Auto-Hide.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com

Plans and prices

SmartTaskbar Free No paid plans or usage limits stated Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com

Every SmartTaskbar plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Free Windows utility
  • Tray icon toggles Show and Auto-Hide
  • No telemetry or user-data collection stated
  • Settings stored locally offline

Limits

  • Auto Mode may fail on older Windows 10 versions
  • Some applications may not reveal the taskbar
  • Hook may occasionally fail
  • Store version is less functional and stable

Who it suits

SmartTaskbar suits Windows users who want the taskbar to hide automatically when a focused window overlaps it. It may also appeal to users who prefer an offline utility that states it collects no user data.

Verdict

SmartTaskbar offers a focused taskbar visibility control with local settings and no stated telemetry. Its compatibility and occasional hook limitations are worth considering before relying on Auto Mode.

Where Specifiction places it

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