SmartTaskbar vs TaskbarDock

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.

TaskbarDock adds customization controls to the Windows 10 taskbar. It can center icons within the taskbar area or relative to the screen, switch icons between small and big sizes, and adjust taskbar transparency. The project also lists support for multiple monitors, including setups with more than two. After launch, the app sits in the system tray, where its context menu provides controls. It can remember settings and has an autorun option. Transparency may conflict with other tools, and restoring opacity may require locking and unlocking the taskbar through that menu. Taskbar positioning is not a listed capability. TaskbarDock is free, with a listed price of free, and is available for Windows. The project describes development as early and ongoing; its latest listed release is a prerelease marked as needing testing. It is offered under the MIT License, and the maker invites feedback through GitHub Issues and discussion through a Slack link in the README.