SmartTaskbar

At a glance

• Editor score
  6.0 / 10
• Pricing
  Free plan
• Best for
  Automatic taskbar hiding and compact sizing
• Free plan
  Yes
• Paid from
  Free
• Platform
  Windows
• Facts checked
  20 Sep 2026

• Where it wins

  • Automatically hides the taskbar when a focused window intersects it
  • Adaptive and manual small-button sizing, plus high-DPI support
  • Offline-local settings, no telemetry, and taskbar-state restoration

• Where it doesn't

  • Available for Windows only
  • Focused on visibility and sizing rather than broad customization
  • The Microsoft Store version is described as less functional and less stable

Our verdict on SmartTaskbar

SmartTaskbar is an open-source Windows utility for people who want more control over taskbar visibility and button size without a broad customization suite. Its Auto Mode hides the taskbar when the focused window intersects it, while a tray-icon double-click switches between the normal shown state and auto-hide. The utility also supports adaptive sizing when a maximized window exists, manual small-button sizing, high-DPI displays, and reduced taskbar display.

Its strongest fit is focused taskbar behavior rather than extensive interface personalization. Adaptive mode can reduce taskbar-button size when a maximized window is present, and the manual small-buttons control gives users a direct alternative. A separate option reduces unnecessary taskbar display, while the tray control keeps the main state switch accessible. These features make SmartTaskbar a practical choice for users who want additional screen space or a more compact Windows taskbar. Users looking for broader desktop theming or customization should choose a more comprehensive alternative.

SmartTaskbar is distributed as a free, open-source desktop application for Windows. The published privacy statement describes offline-local settings and no telemetry, and the application restores the taskbar display status when it exits. The project repository lists releases, although its current maintenance status is unclear. The Microsoft Store version is described by the project as less functional and less stable, so the open-source desktop distribution is the more suitable choice for users evaluating the utility. SmartTaskbar fits users who need automatic hiding, compact sizing, and lightweight local controls; it is less suitable for people who need multi-platform support or a wide customization platform.

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SmartTaskbar pricing

SmartTaskbar fact sheet

Alternatives to SmartTaskbar

• OObjectDockA feature-rich Windows dock replacement with strong customization and multi-monitor support.9.2
• TaskbarXA free, portable Windows 10 taskbar customizer with limited modern Windows 11 support.8.8
• YASB RebornA flexible Windows taskbar replacement for users comfortable with deep customization.8.6

See all SmartTaskbar alternatives →

Featured on iTechGuides

SmartTaskbar is listed in our Taskbar Customization Software directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.

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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

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Last updated 7 Oct 2026 · How we research and update