Freedom251 › Taskbar Customization Software

SmartTaskbar

Free plan Windows

What SmartTaskbar is

SmartTaskbar is a free Windows utility that automatically changes the taskbar’s display state. In Auto Mode, it hides the taskbar when the focused window intersects it. Double-clicking the tray icon switches between Show and Auto-Hide. The taskbar does not change state while the pointer is over it. Auto Mode follows Windows Auto-Hide behavior, so closing Start or Search may hide the taskbar before SmartTaskbar displays it again. Some applications with special maximization logic may not bring up the taskbar when the pointer moves to its position; the project suggests WIN+T as a workaround. Its release notes say the hook can occasionally fail and advise restarting Explorer and SmartTaskbar or rebooting. Auto Mode may not work on Windows 10 versions released in 2019 or earlier; the notes suggest the Win10_1809 installer for those systems. The privacy statement says the app collects no user data, uses no telemetry, and stores settings locally offline. 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.

Who it suits

It suits Windows users who want the taskbar to hide automatically when a focused window overlaps it. Users on older Windows 10 versions or with apps that manage maximization specially should note the stated limitations and workarounds.

What it does well

Free, with no paid plans or usage limits stated
Tray icon switches between Show and Auto-Hide
Privacy statement says it uses no telemetry
Settings are stored locally offline

What to know first

Some applications may not bring up the taskbar
Hook may occasionally fail
Auto Mode may not work on Windows 10 from 2019 or earlier
Microsoft Store version is less functional and stable

Limits

The free plan has no usage limits stated. Auto Mode may not work on Windows 10 versions released in 2019 or earlier, and some applications may prevent the taskbar from appearing when the pointer moves to its position.

Plans

Plan	Billed and limits	Price
SmartTaskbar	No paid plans or usage limits stated	Free

As github.com lists them, read 9 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.

Getting started

Open the SmartTaskbar project website on GitHub
Choose the Windows version or the linked Microsoft Store version
Use Auto Mode to hide the taskbar when the focused window intersects it
Double-click the tray icon to switch between Show and Auto-Hide
For older Windows 10 versions, consider the Win10_1809 installer suggested in the release notes

Verdict

SmartTaskbar provides automatic taskbar hiding and a tray control for switching display modes. Its compatibility notes and occasional hook failure are relevant if the taskbar must appear reliably across different apps or older Windows versions.

Questions

How much does SmartTaskbar cost?

The listed plan is free, with no paid plans stated.

Which platform does SmartTaskbar support?

Windows is the listed platform.

Does SmartTaskbar have a free trial?

No free trial is listed; the product is offered as a free plan.

Is SmartTaskbar open source?

The repository lists an MIT license.

What does SmartTaskbar do in Auto Mode?

It hides the taskbar when the focused window intersects it. Its behavior follows Windows Auto-Hide.

What does the privacy statement say?

It says the app collects no user data, uses no telemetry, and stores settings locally offline. It also accesses the Registry to monitor and set taskbar settings.

Facts from SmartTaskbar's own pages

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. · github.com, 9 Oct 2026
Auto Mode: In Auto Mode, it hides the taskbar when the focused window intersects it. · github.com, 9 Oct 2026
Build: The project README lists Visual Studio 2022 as the build environment. · github.com, 9 Oct 2026
Build requirement: The README lists Visual Studio 2022 as the build environment. · github.com, 9 Oct 2026
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. · github.com, 9 Oct 2026
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. · github.com, 9 Oct 2026
Data access: The privacy statement says the app accesses the registry to monitor and set taskbar settings. · github.com, 9 Oct 2026
Distribution: The README links to a Microsoft Store version and says it is slightly less functional and stable. · github.com, 9 Oct 2026
Hook limitation: The release notes say the hook may occasionally fail and advise restarting Explorer and SmartTaskbar, or rebooting. · github.com, 9 Oct 2026
Latest listed tag: The tags page lists v1.4.5, dated April 18, 2022, with the note “Reduce taskbar display is now optional.” · github.com, 9 Oct 2026
License: The repository lists an MIT license. · github.com, 9 Oct 2026
Local access: The privacy statement says the app accesses the Registry to monitor and set taskbar settings. · github.com, 9 Oct 2026
Mouse behavior: The taskbar status does not change while the mouse is over the taskbar. · github.com, 9 Oct 2026
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. · github.com, 9 Oct 2026
Privacy: The privacy statement says the app collects no user data, uses no telemetry, and stores settings offline locally. · github.com, 9 Oct 2026
Purpose: SmartTaskbar is a lightweight utility that automatically switches the display state of the Windows taskbar. · github.com, 9 Oct 2026
Store version: The README says the Microsoft Store version is slightly less functional and stable. · github.com, 9 Oct 2026
Taskbar behavior: The taskbar status does not change while the mouse is over the taskbar. · github.com, 9 Oct 2026
Tray control: Double-clicking the tray icon switches the taskbar between Show and Auto-Hide. · github.com, 9 Oct 2026

Where SmartTaskbar stands on Freedom251

Taskbar Customization Software#11 of 34