Troubleshooting the Taskbar Showing in Borderless Windowed Mode
Playing video games in borderless windowed mode is a popular choice among gamers for its seamless transition between the game and the desktop. However, many players experience an annoying issue: the taskbar appearing during gameplay. This article will explore the reasons behind this problem and provide solutions to help you enjoy an uninterrupted gaming experience.
Understanding Borderless Windowed Mode
Borderless windowed mode allows players to enjoy the benefits of both fullscreen and windowed modes. It provides the immersive experience of a fullscreen game while allowing easy access to other applications and windows without the hassle of minimizing or switching screens. Despite these advantages, the taskbar can sometimes intrude upon gameplay, causing distractions and disrupting immersion.
Common Causes of the Taskbar Appearing
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Inactivity Detection: Many operating systems, including Windows, are designed to detect inactivity within applications. If the game is paused or minimized, the taskbar may appear, leading to interruptions.
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Display Scaling Issues: Changes in display settings or high DPI (dots per inch) configurations can cause the taskbar to display incorrectly, even in borderless mode.
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Game Settings: Some games have unique settings for windowed and borderless modes. If these settings are not configured correctly, the taskbar may appear unexpectedly.
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Third-Party Applications: Certain software, such as chat applications or overlays (like Discord or Nvidia GeForce Experience), might trigger the taskbar to show up when notifications or alerts are received.
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Graphics Card Drivers: Outdated or corrupt graphics drivers can cause display issues, including the taskbar encroaching into your game window.
Solutions to Prevent the Taskbar from Appearing
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Adjust Game Settings: Ensure that your game is set to true borderless windowed mode, if available. Some games provide multiple options under display settings, so double-check that you’re using the correct one.
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Disable Taskbar Auto-Hide: If you have the auto-hide feature enabled on your taskbar, disabling it might help keep it from appearing during gameplay. Right-click on the taskbar, go to Taskbar settings, and toggle off “Automatically hide the taskbar in desktop mode.”
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Update Graphics Drivers: Keeping your graphics drivers up-to-date is crucial for optimal performance. Visit the website of your graphics card manufacturer (Nvidia, AMD, or Intel) and download the latest drivers.
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Check Display Settings: Make sure that your display settings are configured correctly. Go to Display settings in Windows and check that your scaling is set to 100% or the recommended value.
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Close Background Applications: Before launching the game, close unnecessary background applications, especially those that may send notifications or require overlays. This action can minimize the chances of interruptions.
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Use Windowed Borderless Gaming Software: If the issue persists, consider using third-party applications designed to force games into borderless windowed mode. Software like "Borderless Gaming" or "Windowed Borderless Gaming" may help in managing the display.
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Windows Settings: You can also try adjusting the Windows settings. Go to Settings > System > Multitasking and check the settings under "Snap windows," which may affect how applications interact with your taskbar.
Conclusion
Playing games in borderless windowed mode should be an enjoyable and immersive experience, free from distractions. If the taskbar keeps interrupting your gameplay, following the troubleshooting steps mentioned above can help resolve the issue. By adjusting game settings, updating drivers, and managing background applications, you can minimize disruptions and fully immerse yourself in the gaming experience. Happy gaming!
