Windows 11 Taskbar keeps disappearing in Coherence mode

I am currently running Windows 11 version 22H2 under Parallels Desktop version 20.1.1 (55740). I am experiencing a behavior that I started experiencing several months ago while still running Parallels Desktop 19 (not sure what the Windows 11 version was at that time) where, when running Windows 11 in Coherence mode, the Windows Taskbar mysteriously disappears. My screen setup is this: when in Coherence mode, I have the Mac Dock running along the left side of the screen and the Windows Taskbar running along the bottom of the screen. Prior to this issue, the Windows Taskbar would routinely become dim when Windows apps were not actively in use, as if Windows had gone into "sleep mode" or something like that. Tapping on the taskbar would wake it up and the icons would "un-dim." At some point, this behavior changed: rather than the taskbar icons dimming, the entire taskbar will spontaneously disappear and the only thing that brings it back is to go to the Parallels icon in the Mac menu bar and click on "Windows Start Menu." This not only brings up the Windows Start Menu, but it also brings back the Windows Taskbar.

I initially thought this only happened when my Mac would go into sleep mode or the screen would go to sleep, or I would close and then reopen the lid, etc., but it actually happens in real time while I'm working on the Mac and the system is awake (at least the Mac side is).

This is NOT a situation where the Windows Taskbar is set to auto hide. I have tried toggling this switch on and off but it made no difference.

I mentioned this situation to Parallels tech support and they asked me to generate a report, but the problem is, I never know when it's going to happen and I would think you would need two reports to illustrate a "before and after" scenario.

I would greatly appreciate any advice and help I can get. Thank you in advance!

John

 

I should also point out that I checked Windows Power & Battery settings and under "Screen and sleep" both the screen and the device are set to NEVER go to sleep, whether on battery power or when plugged in.

 

Also, the disappearing Windows Taskbar occurs whether the Mac is plugged in or on battery power.