The taskbar shortcut key in Windows is Win + T. It moves the focus to the first app on the taskbar; press it again or use the arrow keys to move along, and Enter to open the highlighted app. Esc returns to what you were doing.
The faster route is Win with a number: Win + 1 opens or switches to the first pinned app, Win + 2 the second, up to Win + 9. Pin your most used programs in a sensible order and these become one press each.
Quick facts
Focus taskbar
Win + TPinned app by position
Win + 1 to Win + 9New window of that app
Win + Shift + 1Jump list
Win + Alt + 1System tray
Win + BShow desktop
Win + D
Taskbar shortcut key list
| Keys | Action |
|---|---|
| Win + T | Move through taskbar apps |
| Win + 1 | Open or switch to pinned app 1 |
| Win + Shift + 1 | Open a new window of app 1 |
| Win + Ctrl + 1 | Go to the last active window of app 1 |
| Win + Alt + 1 | Open the jump list of app 1 |
| Win + B | Focus the system tray icons |
| Win + D | Show the desktop |
| Win + , | Peek at the desktop while held |
Numbers count from the left, ignoring the Start and search buttons. If a program is running but not pinned, it still gets a number based on its position.
Shortcut for taskbar settings and hiding it
- Right click a blank spot on the taskbar and choose Taskbar settings.
- Turn on Automatically hide the taskbar to give apps the full screen.
- Under Taskbar behaviours, change alignment between centre and left in Windows 11.
- Turn off icons you do not need, such as widgets or the chat button.
When hidden, the taskbar returns when the mouse touches the bottom edge, or with Win + T. Pinning is done by right clicking a running app and choosing Pin to taskbar.
System tray and quick settings
Win + B selects the area near the clock; press Enter to open hidden icons and use the arrow keys to reach apps like antivirus or cloud storage. Windows 11 shows Wi Fi, volume and brightness toggles with Win + A, and Win + N opens notifications and the calendar. In Windows 10, Win + A opens Action Center. See settings shortcut key for the full Settings app.
The Mac Dock
The Mac equivalent of the taskbar is the Dock. Command + Option + D hides or shows it. Control + F3 moves focus to the Dock on some setups, after which arrow keys and Return open apps; you may need Fn with F3, or to turn on keyboard navigation in System Settings, Keyboard. Apps are switched with Command + Tab; see Mac window shortcuts.
When the taskbar misbehaves
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| Taskbar frozen or missing icons | Restart Windows Explorer in Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) |
| Taskbar will not hide | An app is asking for attention; open it or close the alert |
| Win + number opens the wrong app | Pinned order changed; drag icons into place |
| Taskbar on the side or top | Windows 10 lets you drag it; Windows 11 settings keep it at the bottom |
Frequently asked questions
What is the taskbar shortcut key?
How do I open a pinned app with the keyboard?
How do I reach the system tray?
How do I hide the taskbar?
Taskbar settings, Automatically hide the taskbar.
How do I fix a frozen taskbar?
Restart Windows Explorer in Task Manager.