To make the taskbar transparent on Windows 11, download and install the free app TranslucentTB. Windows 11 removed the registry-based transparency option that existed in Windows 10, so a third-party tool is required. Once installed, TranslucentTB makes the taskbar completely see-through instantly, and you can pair it with Windhawk to get a translucent start menu as well.
Applies to: Windows 11 (23H2, 24H2, 25H2) | Last updated: April 1, 2026
Key Takeaways
- TranslucentTB is the best tool for a completely transparent taskbar on Windows 11. It is free, open-source, and available from the Microsoft Store or the official website.
- Windows 11 does not have a built-in option to make the taskbar fully transparent — the registry tweaks that worked on Windows 10 no longer apply.
- Windhawk’s Start Menu Styler mod can add a translucent effect to the start menu, complementing TranslucentTB’s transparent taskbar.
- TranslucentTB is lightweight and has no noticeable impact on system performance. Enable “Start on boot” so the effect persists across restarts.
Quick Steps
- Download TranslucentTB from translucenttb.com or the Microsoft Store.
- Run the installer and click Install.
- Find the TranslucentTB icon in the system tray and right-click it.
- Set the Desktop tab to Clear for full transparency.
- Enable Start on boot so it launches automatically.
- (Optional) Install Windhawk and enable the Windows 11 Start Menu Styler mod with the “Translucent Start Menu” theme for a matching start menu effect.
Why Does Windows 11 Need a Third-Party App for This?
Microsoft completely redesigned the taskbar in Windows 11, and in the process removed the registry-based transparency controls that worked in Windows 10. There is no built-in setting or registry tweak to make the Windows 11 taskbar fully transparent.
TranslucentTB fills that gap. It is an open-source app that has been around since the Windows 10 days and works perfectly on Windows 11. It runs quietly in the system tray and gives you full control over taskbar appearance without modifying any system files.
How to Install and Configure TranslucentTB
Download and Install
Open your browser and go to the TranslucentTB website. Click Download Now, then Start Download on the next page. This downloads a small MSIX bundle installer. Click the downloaded file and then click Install — it takes just a few seconds.
You can also install it directly from the Microsoft Store if you prefer. Either way, TranslucentTB launches automatically after installation and your taskbar becomes transparent immediately.
Choose Your Transparency Style
After installation, you will find the TranslucentTB icon in your system tray (the area near the clock). If you do not see it, click the up arrow to expand hidden icons — it might be tucked in there. Right-click the icon to open the settings menu.
Under the Desktop tab, you have several options:
- Clear — completely transparent, the taskbar disappears and you can see your wallpaper through it
- Blur — frosted glass effect, partially see-through with a soft blur
- Acrylic — similar to blur but with a more subtle, modern look
- Opaque — solid color, like the default Windows 11 taskbar
For a fully transparent taskbar, select Clear. I also recommend hiding the taskbar border — in the Desktop tab, uncheck Show taskbar border to remove the thin line at the top of the taskbar.
Enable Start on Boot
Right-click the TranslucentTB icon and make sure Start on boot is checked. This ensures the transparent effect is applied every time you start your computer without having to manually open the app.
Tip: If “Start on boot” does not seem to work, check Task Manager > Startup tab and make sure TranslucentTB is set to Enabled.
How to Add a Translucent Start Menu With Windhawk
TranslucentTB handles the taskbar, but the start menu stays opaque by default. To get a translucent start menu that matches your transparent taskbar, you can use Windhawk — a free modding tool for Windows 11.
Install Windhawk and the Start Menu Styler Mod
- Download and install Windhawk from windhawk.net.
- Open Windhawk and search for the Windows 11 Start Menu Styler mod.
- Click Install on the mod, then go to its Settings tab.
- Select the Translucent Start Menu theme and click Save.
Now when you open the start menu, it will have a blurred, semi-transparent look. It is not completely clear like the taskbar — it retains some blur — but it is the best combination currently available on Windows 11. The translucent theme also removes the Recommended section from the start menu, which is a nice bonus.
Note: Windhawk also has a Taskbar Styler mod with a “Translucent taskbar” theme, but it produces a blurred acrylic effect — not the fully clear transparency that TranslucentTB provides. For the best result, use TranslucentTB for the taskbar and Windhawk only for the start menu.
Other Ways to Customize the Windows 11 Taskbar
If you want to go beyond transparency and fully customize the Windows 11 interface, there are several other free tools worth checking out:
- StartAllBack — brings back the Windows 10-style taskbar, start menu, and right-click menu with extensive customization options
- ExplorerPatcher — makes the Windows 11 taskbar behave like Windows 10 (labels, ungrouping, drag-and-drop)
- RetroBar — replaces the taskbar entirely with a classic Windows 95/XP/7 style
- Winhance — my free open-source Windows enhancement utility for debloating, privacy, and customization
For a full walkthrough of Windows 11 visual customization, check out my Windows 11 desktop customization guide.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
TranslucentTB icon does not appear in the system tray
Click the up arrow in the system tray to expand hidden icons. TranslucentTB might be tucked in there. You can drag the icon to the main tray area so it stays visible. If it is not there at all, open the Start menu and search for “TranslucentTB” to launch it manually.
Taskbar is not transparent after installation
Right-click the TranslucentTB icon and make sure Clear is selected under the Desktop tab. If the effect still does not apply, try closing and reopening the app. On rare occasions, a restart may be needed after first installation.
Transparency looks odd with certain wallpapers
A fully transparent taskbar works best with dark or detailed wallpapers. If your wallpaper is very bright or busy, the taskbar icons can be hard to read. Try the Blur or Acrylic mode instead of Clear — these provide a frosted glass effect that keeps the icons legible while still looking modern.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the Windows 11 taskbar transparent without installing anything?
No. Windows 11 does not include a native option for full taskbar transparency. The registry method that worked on Windows 10 was removed when Microsoft redesigned the taskbar for Windows 11. You need a third-party app like TranslucentTB.
Is TranslucentTB safe to use?
Yes. TranslucentTB is open-source, widely used in the Windows customization community, and available on the Microsoft Store. It does not modify system files or require administrator privileges to run.
Does TranslucentTB affect system performance?
No. TranslucentTB is extremely lightweight and uses minimal system resources. I have used it on countless computers without any noticeable impact on performance, even on older hardware.
Can I undo this and go back to the default taskbar?
Yes. Simply uninstall TranslucentTB from Settings > Apps, and your taskbar returns to its default appearance immediately. If you also installed the Windhawk Start Menu Styler, disable or uninstall that mod as well.
Does this work on Windows 10?
TranslucentTB works on both Windows 10 and Windows 11. However, on Windows 10 you can also make the taskbar transparent using a registry tweak without any software.
