Alex Ruben
How to Hide the Task View Button in Windows 11 Using Group Policy
In this tutorial, you will learn how to create a Group Policy Object (GPO) to hide the Task View button in Windows 11 for domain users. This feature, introduced in Windows 11 version 22H2, allows administrators to restrict users from accessing the Task View feature, thereby streamlining the user interface and enhancing productivity. By following these steps, you will effectively manage this setting across your organization.
Before getting started, ensure you have the latest Administrative Templates for Windows 11 22H2 installed. Without these templates, you won’t be able to find the “Hide the Task View button” policy within the Group Policy Editor. Updating your Group Policy templates is crucial for managing new Windows features and settings effectively.
Step 1: Download and Install Administrative Templates for Windows 11 22H2
To configure the policy, first, you need to download and install the latest Administrative Templates:
- Visit the Microsoft Download Center and search for “Administrative Templates for Windows 11”.
- Download the latest version that corresponds to Windows 11 22H2.
- Extract the downloaded files and copy the ADMX files to your Group Policy Central Store (usually located at
C:\Windows\SYSVOL\domain\Policies\PolicyDefinitions). - Copy the language-specific ADML files to the appropriate language folder (e.g.,
C:\Windows\SYSVOL\domain\Policies\PolicyDefinitions\en-US).
Step 2: Open Group Policy Management Console
Now that the templates are ready, you can proceed to create a new GPO:
- Open Server Manager.
- Click on the Tools menu and select Group Policy Management.
- Navigate to your domain and right-click on the desired organizational unit (OU) where you want to apply the policy.
- Select Create a GPO in this domain, and Link it here.
Step 3: Configure the GPO
Next, you will need to configure the newly created GPO to hide the Task View button:
- In the new GPO window, enter a distinctive name for the policy (e.g., “Hide Task View Button”) and click OK.
- Right-click on the GPO you just created and select Edit to open the Group Policy Management Editor.
- Navigate to the following path:
User Configuration ➡ Administrative Templates ➡ Start Menu and Taskbar. - Locate the policy named Hide the Task View button and double-click it to open its settings.
- Select Enabled to hide the Task View button and prevent users from re-enabling it, then click Apply and OK.
Step 4: Force Update the GPO
To ensure that the policy takes effect immediately, you need to force a Group Policy update on the client machines:
- Open the Command Prompt as an administrator.
- Type the following command and press Enter:
gpupdate /force. - Alternatively, you can restart the client computers to apply the new policy.
Step 5: Verify the Policy Application
After applying the policy, confirm that it has taken effect:
- On a client computer, right-click on the taskbar and check if the Task View button is no longer visible.
- To ensure further, navigate to the Task View settings in Settings ➡ System ➡ Multitasking. The option for Task View should be disabled.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
Here are some common issues and tips to help you through the process:
- Ensure that you have appropriate permissions to create and edit GPOs in your domain.
- If the policy doesn’t appear, double-check that the Administrative Templates are correctly installed and updated.
- Be aware that it might take some time for GPO changes to propagate in larger networks.
Conclusion
By following these steps, you have successfully hidden the Task View button in Windows 11 through Group Policy. This adjustment not only refines the user interface but also helps maintain focus and productivity among your users. For further management of Windows 11 features, consider exploring additional GPO settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I revert the changes made by this GPO?
To revert the changes, simply go back into the Group Policy Management Editor, navigate to the same policy, and set it to Not Configured or Disabled.
Will this policy affect all users in the domain?
Yes, this policy will apply to all users within the organizational unit (OU) to which the GPO is linked. Make sure to link it only to the desired OU to limit its scope.
Can I hide other taskbar buttons using GPO?
Yes, Group Policy allows you to configure various settings related to the taskbar and start menu, including other buttons and features. Explore the available policies in the Administrative Templates for more options.