Opaque Taskbar for Windows 8

By Sergey "hb860"
in Microsoft (Windows)

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Sergey "hb860"

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With help of Tihiy (the author of StartIsBack) I have figured out how to make opaque taskbar in Windows 8. I have created a lightweight application which does that thing.

1BuNK.png

As you can see, with Opaque Taskbar for Windows 8 you will be able:

  • to disable taskbar transparency
  • to restore the transparency back
  • to make Taskbar opaque after Windows startup.

THis is how it looks:

BN0yT.png

Opaque Taskbar for Windows 8 is free, portable application and does not require to be installed. It is compatible with Windows 8 x86 and Windows 8 x64.

Donwload Opaque Taskbar for Windows 8

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https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/1129514-opaque-taskbar-for-windows-8/
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Sergey "hb860"

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Version 2.0 is out

Since version 2.0 the new command line option is available:

opaquetaskbar.exe /resident

It allows you to keep Taskbar opaque even if theme or Aero color was changed.

In resident mode Opaque Taskbar for Windows 8 will stay in memory and will show a tray icon with context menu.

JPMvvgJ.png

Use that menu or just double click on the tray icon to toggle the transparency.

Also, "startup" checkbox will ask you if you want to keep the application in memory after startup.

eN0L2vW.png

I am sure that you will like this changes. It was very annoying when you changed the window color and taskbar became transparent back. So, fixed :)

Download Opaque Taskbar

  • 2 weeks later...
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Sergey "hb860"

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Opaque Taskbar v2.5 is available. The application was slightly improved.

YOzLqyK.png

New features are following:

  • Taskbar will become opaque even you will restart Explorer (The resident mode of Opaque Taskbar is required).
  • Tray icon stays visible even you will restart Explorer (The resident mode of Opaque Taskbar is required).
  • Taskbar will become opaque even you will move it to the another side of screen (The resident mode of Opaque Taskbar is required).
  • Added the "Disable Updates Check" option according to users requests.

[ Download link ]

  • 5 weeks later...
  • 2 months later...
Grand Master

Steven P. Administrators

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I like it, can confirm that it works on Windows 8.1 too (Neobond already said that, but better 2 than 1 testcase).

If you use it like this (from command prompt) opaquetaskbar.exe /resident you can switch back and forth easily too :P

  • 2 weeks later...
Grand Master

cooky560 Veteran

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Im liking it, however is it possible to get the colours to match? It's only a minor annoyance but they're different.

9KaE9.jpg

This also happens with the disable transparency option in start is back, I think the UI is designed for the taskbar to be a slightly darker colour

  • 2 weeks later...
Grand Master

+Ryster Subscriber²

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I'll throw my thanks into the ring also. As Neobond said, with lighter wallpapers the transparent taskbar is extremely annoying. Now it isn't :)

 

My only issue now is if I change the them colour to something dark, Windows stupid keeps the window titles black. Is there a way to change the colour of the window titles?

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