- To turn off the mouse-hover over inactive Taskbar apps feature on Windows 11, open Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviors, and clear the “Show hover cards for inactive and pinned Taskbar apps” option.
On Windows 11, it’s possible to disable the mouse hover to display cards (or jump lists) for inactive apps, and in this guide, I will explain the steps to complete this configuration.
Starting with build 22635.3930, in addition to showing thumbnail previews for active apps, Windows 11 now has a new mouse hover behavior that opens the jump list for inactive apps in the Taskbar. However, as I expressed my concern to Microsoft, this is not a feature for everyone since, while it’s convenient, it can quickly become annoying as it’s pretty easy to hover over inactive apps by mistake and have the Taskbar opening the menu when this is not your intention.
If you don’t like this feature, it’s possible to turn it off, as the company is adding an option in the Taskbar settings for Windows 11.
In this guide, I will explain the steps to prevent the Taskbar from opening the jump list menu for inactive apps on Windows 11.
- Disable mouse hover for inactive apps in the Taskbar
- Enable mouse hover for inactive apps in the Taskbar
Disable mouse hover for inactive apps in the Taskbar
To prevent the jump list from opening on mouse hover from inactive apps in the Taskbar, use these steps:
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Open Settings on Windows 11.
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Click on Personalization.
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Click the Taskbar page.
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Click on Taskbar behaviors.
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Clear the “Show hover cards for inactive and pinned taskbar apps” option to disable the feature.
Once you complete the steps, when you hover with the mouse over non-running apps, the Taskbar won’t open or display the jump list (card) with actions. However, if the app is active, you will continue seeing the thumbnail previews on hover.
Enable mouse hover for inactive apps in the Taskbar
To show the jump list for inactive apps on mouse hover in the Taskbar, use these steps:
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Open Settings.
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Click on Personalization.
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Click the Taskbar page.
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Click on Taskbar behaviors.
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Check the “Show hover cards for inactive and pinned taskbar apps” option to enable the feature.
After you complete the steps, when you hover over inactive apps, the Taskbar will show the jump list with actions specific to that application.
Microsoft is still testing this feature, and it’s available through the Windows Insider Program. If you can’t find the setting, it’s because you’re not running the latest version of the operating system in the Beta Channel.
What do you think about these features, and would you be using them? Let me know in the comments below.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].