Disable Mouse Hover to Hide App Menu in Windows 11 Taskbar

Key Notes

  • Disable mouse hover cards for inactive Taskbar apps through Settings.
  • Enable hover cards to view app jump lists on mouse hover.
  • Settings are available for Windows 11 users starting from build 22635.3930.

Mastering Mouse Hover Features for Inactive Apps in Windows 11

With the introduction of an innovative mouse hover feature for inactive Taskbar apps in Windows 11, managing how you interact with your Taskbar has never been easier. Unfortunately, this feature may become problematic for some users due to unintentional hover actions. This guide offers clear instructions for both disabling and enabling hover cards, allowing you to customize your desktop experience according to your needs.

Prevent Mouse Hover from Activating Jump Lists on Inactive Apps

To stop the jump list from appearing on mouse hover for inactive apps in the Taskbar, follow these steps:

  1. Step 1: Access Windows Settings

    Open the Settings app on your Windows 11 device.

  2. Step 2: Navigate to Personalization

    Click on the Personalization option from the menu.

  3. Step 3: Select the Taskbar Menu

    Within the Personalization settings, locate and click on the Taskbar section.

  4. Step 4: Adjust Taskbar Behaviors

    Navigate to the Taskbar behaviors subsection.

  5. Step 5: Disable Hover Card Feature

    Uncheck the “Show hover cards for inactive and pinned Taskbar apps” option to turn off this feature.

After following these steps, hovering over inactive apps will not activate the jump list in the Taskbar. Active apps will still display thumbnail previews on hover.

Re-enable Mouse Hover for Inactive Taskbar Apps

To restore the jump list display on mouse hover for inactive apps, adhere to the steps outlined below:

  1. Step 1: Open Windows Settings

    Begin by opening the Settings app.

  2. Step 2: Click on Personalization

    Select the Personalization option from the list.

  3. Step 3: Access Taskbar Settings

    Click on the Taskbar section.

  4. Step 4: Modify Taskbar Behaviors

    Find the Taskbar behaviors subsection.

  5. Step 5: Enable Hover Cards

    Check the “Show hover cards for inactive and pinned Taskbar apps” box to reactivate this feature.

When these steps are finalized, hovering over inactive apps will once again display the jump list associated with that application.

Note: This feature is currently in testing and is available to members of the Windows Insider Program. If the option is missing, you may not have the latest build in the Beta Channel.

Summary

This guide provided a comprehensive overview of how to manage mouse hover behaviors for inactive apps in Windows 11’s Taskbar. Users can now disable or enable hover cards to suit their individual preferences, contributing to a more customized user experience.

Conclusion

By following these straightforward instructions, you can effectively customize the mouse hover functionality on your Windows 11 Taskbar. Tailoring these settings can significantly enhance your productivity while using your PC. Do share your thoughts on these features in the comments!

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

What are hover cards in Windows 11?

Hover cards are interactive previews that appear when you move your mouse over an inactive app on the Taskbar, displaying a list of actions you can take with that app.

How do I access Taskbar personalization settings?

You can access the Taskbar personalization settings by opening the Settings app, navigating to Personalization, and selecting the Taskbar option.