Do some versions of Windows not have a taskbar located on the desktop?

All versions of Microsoft Windows have a taskbar located on the desktop, as of April 2015. The taskbar, which has traditionally run horizontally across the bottom of the screen, is essential for displaying the Start functionality, programs that are open and the notification area.

While all versions have a taskbar, that does not mean users cannot customize their desktops to hide it. The Control Panel has a feature — under Taskbar and Start Menu, for Windows 7 and Vista users — that enables users to add a check mark next to a box to auto-hide the taskbar. Users can remove the check mark to make it visible again at any time.