logo
search
Office Settings & Configuration

How to Keep the Taskbar Visible in OneNote Full-Screen Mode

WPS Content ManagerWPS Content Manager Sep 27, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to prevent the Windows taskbar from hiding when switching to full-screen mode in Microsoft OneNote.

How to Keep the Taskbar Visible in OneNote Full-Screen Mode
Product
Microsoft OneNote
Device & OS
Windows
Scenario
Working or presenting in OneNote's full-screen mode while needing quick access to other apps, time, or system notifications.
Observed behavior
The Windows taskbar is completely hidden by default when OneNote enters full-screen mode, restricting immediate access to the system tray.
Before you start

Ensure you are using the desktop version of Microsoft OneNote (formerly OneNote 2016 or part of Microsoft 365), as display settings can vary significantly compared to OneNote for Windows 10.

Solution 1Recommended

Modify Display Settings in OneNote Options

Adjust the built-in OneNote display settings to ensure the Windows taskbar remains pinned during full-screen sessions.

The standard desktop version of OneNote includes a specific toggle designed to override the default full-screen behavior and keep your taskbar accessible.

1
Open OneNote Options

Launch Microsoft OneNote. Click on 'File' in the top-left corner of the ribbon, then select 'Options' located at the bottom of the left-hand menu.

2
Navigate to Display Settings

In the OneNote Options dialog box, click on 'Display' from the categories listed in the left sidebar.

3
Enable Taskbar Visibility

Look for the setting related to full-screen mode. Check the box labeled 'Keep taskbar visible' (or similarly named depending on your exact version) and click 'OK' to save your changes.

Modify Display Settings in OneNote Options
Setting Applied: The next time you press F11 or click the full-screen arrows, your workspace will expand while leaving the Windows taskbar pinned at the bottom.
Free Microsoft Office alternative

Experience Distraction-Free Work with WPS Office

Looking for a reliable, lightweight alternative to Microsoft Office? WPS Office offers a seamless reading and editing experience with highly customizable interface settings, ensuring you can work comfortably without losing access to your essential system tools.

Highly compatible with Microsoft Office formats, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files.Includes intuitive Reading View and Full-Screen modes designed for focused, distraction-free work.Completely free and lightweight, ensuring fast performance and quick startup times on any device.Familiar user interface makes switching from Microsoft Office completely seamless.
microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my taskbar disappear only in OneNote?

By default, OneNote's full-screen mode is designed to maximize your digital workspace by hiding all system UI elements, including the taskbar. This helps minimize distractions, but the behavior can be overridden in the Display options for the desktop version.

Can I use a keyboard shortcut to show the taskbar temporarily?

Yes. If the taskbar is hidden while you are in full-screen mode, simply pressing the Windows key on your keyboard will temporarily bring up the taskbar and the Start menu without exiting your full-screen session.

What if the 'Keep taskbar visible' option is missing from my settings?

This specific setting is primarily available in the OneNote desktop application. If you are using the UWP version (OneNote for Windows 10), this option is not present, and the app relies on the operating system's default full-screen behavior. You may need to switch to the standard desktop version of OneNote to access this feature.