If you work with Windows 11, you may have noticed that the task view button is hidden by default. To hide the task view button, follow these steps:

  1. Open the Start menu and type “cmd” (without the quotes).
  2. Type “netstat -a” and press Enter.
  3. The netstat -a output will show you all of the active network connections on your computer. You will see a list of “tasks” in this section, as well as a “networks” section that includes all of your connected networks. In this section, you will see a list of all of the tasks that are running on your computer. The task view button will not be listed in this section because it is not currently active. To make sure that the task view button is currently active, check to see if it is listed in the “networks” section of the netstat -a output. If it isn’t listed, then you can add it to this section by typing “netstat -a | grep taskview”.

The “Task View” feature in Windows 11 lets you quickly view open windows and virtual desktops, but not everyone needs a dedicated button for it on their taskbar. Here’s how to get rid of the Task View button—and bring it back if you change your mind later.

How to Hide the Windows 11 Task View Button

It’s easy to disable the Task View button in the Windows 11 taskbar. First, right-click the taskbar and select “Taskbar Settings” in the pop-up that appears.

In Personalization > Taskbar, open the “Taskbar Items” section by clicking the header (if it’s not already expanded), then set the “Task View” switch to “Off.”

After that, close Settings, and you’re good to go. You can still view Task View any time by pressing Windows+Tab on your keyboard.

RELATED: How to Use Virtual Desktops in Windows 10

How to Show the Windows 11 Task View Button

If you’d like to enable the Task View button on the taskbar again later, right-click the taskbar and select “Taskbar Settings.”

Windows Settings will automatically open to Personalization > Taskbar. Find the “Taskbar Items” section and switch “Task View” to “On.”

When you flip the switch, you’ll see the Task View button back in your taskbar immediately. If you click it, you’ll find a handy way to manage your open windows as well as to switch between virtual desktops. Have fun!

RELATED: How to Quickly Switch Between Virtual Desktops on Windows 10