ExplorerPatcher vs Taskbar Hide

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.

Taskbar Hide is a free application for Windows 10 and 11 that hides and shows the taskbar. It provides a system tray icon and menu, as well as a command-line interface with start, show, hide, toggle, stop, help, and autostart commands. The app prevents multiple instances from running. Its project describes the executable as approximately 600 KB, self-contained, and built with static CRT linking. Downloads are available for Windows x64 and ARM64 as an MSI installer or a portable ZIP. The ZIP can be extracted and run without installation; the MSI configures PATH for command-line access. Autostart commands add or remove an entry in the current user's Windows Run registry key. The project says it is compatible with YASB and other custom status bars using the Shell_TrayWnd class name. One operational detail: CLI commands to show, hide, or stop the app require its GUI to be running. The repository is published under the MIT license.