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How to Disable Task View in Windows 10 Completely
The Task View feature in Windows 10 is a boon for power users. It allows you to create multiple virtual desktops and segregate work and personal life. But not everyone uses Task View, and some are irked by it. Ways to enter Task View include keyboard shortcuts that may accidentally affect your workflow. Fortunately, there are ways to disable Task View in Windows for good.
If you don’t use Task View or have a different workflow, you may benefit from disabling it. We will discuss how to hide the Task View button in the Taskbar, disable it completely, and prevent other Windows users from enabling it.
1. Disable Keyboard Shortcut for Task View
Pressing the Windows key+Tab buttons also opens Task View. One can use AutoHotKey app to customize and define custom keyboard shortcuts and alter how certain pre-defined shortcuts work easily.
2. Hide Task View Button in Taskbar
The Task View button is visible in the Taskbar. It sits next to the Search or Cortana button. If you have disabled it, you won’t see it. Right-click on the Taskbar and unselect ‘Show Task View button’ option to hide it in the Taskbar.
3. Disable Task View Gesture in Touchpad from Settings
You may have entered the Task View accidentally while scrolling or using gestures, particularly if you’re using a laptop. Windows has a shortcut for entering Task View built into Touchpad. Swiping the Touchpad with three fingers towards the top will activate Task View.
Step 1: Press Windows key+I to open Settings. Search for Touchpad settings and open it.
Step 2: Scroll down, and you will find gesture settings for three-finger swipes. Choose Nothing from the drop-down menu.
Step 4: Scroll a little more and you will find similar settings for a four-finger swipe. Repeat the same steps.
4. Disable/Hide Task View from Registry Editor
For some Windows users, the option to hide the Task View button in the Task Bar was missing. Others wanted to disable the Task View completely, not just hide it. The Registry Editor trick is also useful for admins who want to restrict access to the Task View or virtual desktop.
However, we recommend backing up the Registry Keys before proceeding. These are system-level files that can permanently affect Windows OS behavior.
Step 1: Press Windows key+S to open Windows Search and search for Registry Editor. Open it.
Step 2: Go to the following folder: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced.
Step 3: In the right window-pane, double-click on ShowTaskViewButton and set the Value as 0. Save the settings and reboot your computer.
Step 4: To hide the Task View button in the Taskbar, go to this folder in the Registry Editor: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MultiTaskingView\AllUpView. Step 5: In the right window-pane, open Enabled and set the Value as 0.
You can create new keys and files in the Registry Editor. Follow the guide above, which also covers how to take a backup of the Registry Editor.
We saw how to easily change the keyboard shortcut for launching Task View using AutoHotKey. However, this only works for individual profiles, not at the admin level. This is where Group Policy Editor (GPE) comes in to enforce system-level rules for all users. It is important to note that GPE is only available for Windows Pro and Enterprise users, not Home users. Here is a step-by-step guide to open Group Policy Editor: Step 1: Open Windows Search again (Windows key+S) and search for and open Group Policy Editor.
Step 2: Go to the folder structure below in the left window-pane.
Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Edge UI
Step 3: In the right window-pane, double-click on Allow edge swipe to open it and select the Disabled option. Save all settings and reboot your computer once to execute changes.
Change Your Point of View
The Task View lets users access the Timeline and virtual desktops. All this data syncs to other Windows computers that use the same ID, allowing access to history and virtual desktops on different devices.
Not everyone needs or uses the Task View, and there are ways to disable it on your computer. You can remove it from the Taskbar or disable it completely.
Next up: Have you checked the “lock the taskbar” option? Discover what happens after enabling it on Windows 10.
As Fred Humiston, the author behind Twothirds.us, I focus on providing practical and easy-to-follow guides and solutions for a variety of technical issues that people commonly face.
My articles cover a wide range of topics, from troubleshooting out-of-sync audio on TikTok and managing Firestick devices, to understanding the impact of Capcut on video quality and resolving sound issues on Hisense Roku TVs.
I also delve into more general tech tips, like how to block numbers on landlines or use VPNs without Wi-Fi. My goal is to make technology more accessible and less intimidating for everyone, whether you’re a tech novice or a seasoned user. I strive to offer clear, concise, and helpful advice to make your digital experience smoother and more enjoyable.