Move the pointer to the very top edge of the screen to reveal the menu bar. To keep it visible in standard macOS full-screen windows, open System Settings → Menu Bar and set Automatically hide and show the menu bar to Never.
01Check when the bar disappears
Section linkCompare the same app in a normal window and in full screen. If the whole strip disappears in full screen but comes back at the top edge, macOS is likely hiding it as configured. If the Apple menu and app menus are visible but the battery or Wi-Fi icon is missing, check that icon’s menu bar setting instead.
02Choose how the menu bar behaves
Section linkIn Menu Bar settings, Never keeps the bar visible. In Full Screen Only hides it in full-screen apps, while On Desktop Only hides it outside full screen. Always hides it in both cases until you move to the top edge. On older macOS releases, search System Settings or System Preferences for the automatic hiding option if there is no Menu Bar pane.
03Check a second app if Never makes no difference
Section linkMove to the top edge and use the green window control to exit full screen if it appears. Try standard full screen in another app. If only a video player or presentation still hides the bar, leave that app’s own viewing mode and test again. If you just want a bigger window while keeping the menu bar visible, maximize the window without entering full screen.