ExplorerPatcher vs SmartTaskbar

ExplorerPatcher is a free Windows program for adjusting parts of the desktop working environment. It lets users configure taskbar styling, including a Windows 10 taskbar, and offers controls for taskbar positioning, sizing, app grouping, and multiple monitors. A Windows 10 Start menu style is available, although release notes say it was removed on some newer builds that lack required system components. The program can also configure the Windows 10 Alt+Tab switcher. Separate setup programs are provided for Intel or AMD processors and Snapdragon processors. Built-in updates can be configured, checked, and installed from the Properties interface. The project is distributed under a GPL-2.0 license. Its GitHub repository is identified as the only official distribution channel. Compatibility varies by Windows build, and some features may be unavailable on some versions. The listed plan price is free.

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.