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 back in 2013 which does that thing.

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.
  • 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).


Now, Opaque Taskbar 2.6 is available.
New command line option "/notray":

The Opaque Taskbar will run in the resident mode, but will not show even the tray icon.
For mode details, see app's home page.

[ download link ]
Tip: Opaque Taskbar works like a charm in Windows 10.